Iana Samoilova is an educator and paraeducator in Colorado D11. As the mother of a daughter on the autism spectrum, she draws daily inspiration from her personal experience.
A native Ukrainian speaker fluent in Russian and English. Her strength lies in sensing the needs of children with disabilities and carefully tracing cause-and-effect in their behavior, helping them feel safe, understood, and successful. She is recognized for thinking outside the box and creating flexible solutions that empower students to succeed.
She is developing the PARA Welcome Kit—a growing collection of practical tools, guides, and strategies designed to help new paraeducators feel confident, prepared, and supported from day one.
Outside of education, Iana is a cynologist and breeder, a professional pastry chef, a passionate quilter, an avid driver, and a brown belt in Aikido, licensed PADI Advanced Open Water diver.
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Psychology of Disability
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Inclusive Classroom Practices