The Paraprofessional Connection celebrated its’ 30th Anniversary in 2017. Sam Mule’, Kathy Mule’ and Deb Hanke worked diligently over the years to provide professional development to new and experienced paraprofessionals and teachers. Julie and Mark Richter increased their involvement in the publication in 2016, and are currently the new owners of The Paraprofessional Connection.
Julie’s passion for this work is deeply rooted in her family values. She understands the family and educator perspectives, which provide her unique insight into issues addressed in The Paraprofessional Connection. Her desire to become a special educator began in childhood as she grew up alongside her Uncle Alan who has Down Syndrome. She became an advocate for his needs recognizing the value of education and the paraprofessionals who supported his learning. Julie married Mark Richter after she received “approval” from Mark’s older sister, Bonnie who also had Down Syndrome. Julie and Mark moved from Wisconsin to Colorado in the late 1990’s. Mark is supporting the business side of the publication with his background in Sales. Mark and Julie have two daughters, Ally and Jenny. Ally is involved with social media and marketing of The Paraprofessional Connection.
Julie has over twenty-five years of experience in special education as a paraprofessional, special educator, instructional coach, autism specialist and behavior specialist. She started her career in 1993 as a special education paraprofessional in an inclusive, significant support needs classroom while completing her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She continued her education at the University of Northern Colorado-Greeley earning her Master’s degree in Severe Needs. She recently obtained her administrative license through the University of Denver. She has taught and consulted with staff regarding students with a wide variety of special needs including autism, emotional-behavioral disabilities, learning and intellectual disabilities from early childhood through transition services. Julie was a National Center for Low-Incidence Disabilities Excellence in Education Award Winner in 2001 for her high expectations, communication skills, respect, professional knowledge and relationships in support of students with low-incidence disabilities. She is currently a member of the Colorado Department of Education Significant Support Needs Advisory and has previously served on the Colorado Department of Education Autism Task Force as well as the Alternate Assessment Task Force. Julie is working in a large school district in Colorado, supporting over 30 elementary schools focused on students with behavior challenges. Julie is excited to expand the original vision and provide you with a valuable resource as you perform a critical role with students in our schools.
The Paraprofessional Connection was developed in 1988 by Sam Mule’, a recipient of the ‘2001 John Melcher Award’ as the ‘Outstanding Special Education Administrator in the state of Wisconsin’, and long-time Director of Special Education. Sam recognized the need for quality staff development for paraeducators in Wisconsin, and over time expanded the publication to address the needs of paraeducators throughout the United States and Canada. Sam was joined in his efforts by his wife, Kathy Mule’, who had experience as a paraeducator and supported the business end of the publication. Deb Hanke also contributed initially as a very successful paraeducator who became motivated to complete her special education teaching degree and go on to direct paraeducators using her experience as a guide.
Thank you to Sam and Kathy Mule’ for giving us this opportunity and creating a publication that provides valuable resources to paraprofessionals and others across the United States and Canada. The professional development resources that they created are still available on the website. We are honored to follow in their footsteps and appreciate their guidance as we continue to share The Paraprofessional Connection.