Coastal Staff
GLRS staff is specialized in providing professional learning, technical assistance and coaching for school systems on a variety of topics related to students with disabilities including:
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Provide Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) support to school systems
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Assist Focus Schools with CCRPI
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Analyze data
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Facilitate math and reading projects
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Implement/support drop-out prevention initiatives
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Support transition planning and services
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Develop other specialties based on student needs related to the CCRPI and SPP/APR
Kim Bennett
Director
Kim Garcia Bennett has been the Director of Coastal GLRS for three years. She obtained her degrees from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, and Armstrong State University in Savannah, Georgia. She holds a Bachelor's degree in special education and a Master's degree in special education, emphasizing behavior and autism. Mrs. Bennett has 11 years of experience working in the public/private sector providing job training and employment opportunities for adults as well as opportunities to support businesses with productivity and growth. She has over 14 years of experience working in the field of special education as a director, program specialist, teacher, and coach for specially designed instruction and implementation strategies. She served in her former district as a RTI Coordinator, PBIS Coordinator, 21st Century Coordinator, 504 Coordinator, Summer School Administrator, and Academic Specialist. She has presented at several state and local conferences on best practices for co-teaching and implementation strategies.
Lindsay Lee
Check and Connect Consultant
Mrs. Lindsay Lee is the special education research consultant for Coastal GLRS. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in special education from Georgia Southern University with a concentration in reading. She was a student intern for CAGLRS during her time at GS. Lindsay has been with Coastal full-time for the past four years supporting local districts in several regional and state priorities. She has a heart for helping students and teachers in special education find their sense of belonging at school.
Dustin Hightower
IT Consultant
Dustin Hightower is the IT Consultant at Coastal GLRS and Southeast GLRS. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Information Technology from Georgia Southern University.