Stacie Brady

PhD. Applicant
Goals Statement

C brought a whole new meaning to the phrase, “The eyes are the windows to the soul.”
Dressed entirely in pink, seven-year-old C entered school for the first time in her life in
September of 2010. She was surrounded by students curious about the equipment and the nurse
that accompanied her. With spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1, C presented new challenges
for her educators, staff, and peers. Due to her progressive condition, her eyes became her only
means to communicate and interact with others.

As the school’s speech language pathologist, I had the opportunity to work with C to
develop her communication skills with the assistance of a PRC speech-generating device used
with eye gaze equipment. C’s eyes provided opportunities to make her needs known and be an
active-learning member of the class. Through our work during private therapy sessions, C was
able to progress into the classroom environment to engage in educational learning experiences
with her peers using just her eyes.

Working with C and receiving training on the PRC AAC device unlocked an
unquenchable thirst within me to learn more about the assistive technology tools and supports
that can assist students throughout their school day to maximize their learning experience. I
sought opportunities to study assistive technology more in depth. I then began taking classes at
George Mason University in the assistive technology program. The AT program at George
Mason expanded my understanding of laws, devices, and implementation of tools to support
students that I worked with each day in the public-school system. As I gained knowledge to
support students with learning differences, many of these tools and techniques were shared with
my colleagues, who then utilized them with their students. I continued taking classes at George
Mason University until one day I found a new diploma on my wall. While on my way to
achieving my second master’s degree, I added intentionality to my studies; ultimately leading to
my decision to work at George Mason University and apply to the PhD. program.

Research is part of the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason
University. My course of study at GMU has significantly enhanced my abilities as a trainer with
AIM-VA. The department now uses my coursework research to share information with
educators throughout Virginia. I travel throughout the state of Virginia presenting information
regarding assistive technology support for struggling readers, including research regarding the
Matthew Effect, achievement gap, and pairing remediation with accommodations to build
student independence. My position also allows me to share information about literacy skills and
support via the AIM-VA blog. Writing the blog regularly, I use research as the basis for
information shared with our recipients.

My first master’s degree is in the area of communication disorders. I began studying

speech pathology after teaching general education for two years in an inclusive setting. Seeing
the learning differences and the need to support these learners, I sought out a specialty to focus
on language development which ultimately affects literacy. As a speech language pathologist, I
have a unique background with literacy. While working with students with speech, language,
and literacy needs, I used research-proven programs and witnessed their value in helping

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 Stacie Brady
PhD. Applicant
Goals Statement
individuals needing assistance and remediation. After attending the intensive Lindamood-Bell
literacy training, I implemented this multi-sensory, sequential, comprehensive approach and my
students achieved substantial, measurable progress. The gains made by these students had a
positive impact on their lives, as well as their families. The use of research-based educational
programs in the schools enhances the lives of students and provides them opportunities that may
otherwise be lost.

Throughout my career and in my current position at George Mason, I have learned and
experienced the value of research. Being part of the Education PhD. program at George Mason
University would allow me to further my knowledge of research. I desire to continue my
learning experiences in the areas of assistive technology and literacy, focusing on the population
of individuals with varying abilities or disabilities. The program will provide me with
opportunities to learn and work with other professionals with the same interests. I want to
expand my knowledge and be able to share the information with other educators. I love to speak
with Virginia educators, administrators, and parents about research that can help maximize a
student’s potential and attitude about reading and school. Being part of this research that
changes student’s lives and assists educators with implementation is exciting. I want to be able
to learn more about research and then teach educators about the efficacy and implementation
process.

Mason’s core value of “Pursue Lifelong Learning” has been a major theme throughout
my career, I have continually sought knowledge to increase my understanding to grow both
professionally and personally. George Mason’s PhD. program, through the college of education
and human development, provides an opportunity for me to continue to grow as a researcher,
writer, and teacher. I am excited to have the opportunity to pursue a PhD. with George Mason’s
College of Education and Human Development.