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Welcome! I’m Rute

This is my professional page - a space where I share my work, ideas, and resources on inclusive education, holistic assessment, and collaborative practice.

I’m an educator and inclusion leader with a background as an occupational therapist trained and licensed in Brazil. My work is grounded in access, participation, regulation, and collaborative educational planning. For over 20 years, I’ve been working with students, teachers, families, and communities to create learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and impactful.

What drives me in my role is a deep commitment to learning and growth: both my own and that of the people I work alongside. I believe that when we keep learning together, we build stronger learning communities and a greater sense of belonging for everyone.

Here, you’ll find tools, stories, and insights I’ve developed and co-created to help you nurture inclusion and unlock every learner’s potential.

About Me

Educational Background

I am currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. My academic credentials include:

  • Master of Education in Administration, University of Manitoba, Canada
  • Master of Education in International Education, Framingham State University, USA
  • Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Rehabilitation Applied to Child Neurology, UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil
  • Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás, Brazil
  • Bachelor of Pedagogy, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil

Professional Journey

  • From early childhood education in Brazil to inclusion consulting in Canada, my diverse experiences have enriched my perspective and practice.
  • I am committed to fostering inclusive, data-informed educational practices.
  • My experience includes working as an Inclusion Consultant in public schools in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
  • With master’s degrees in Educational Administration from the University of Manitoba and International Education from Framingham State University, I bring a strong understanding of curriculum, diverse learners, and multicultural educational contexts.
  • With bachelor’s degrees in Education and Occupational Therapy, as well as a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Neurological Rehabilitation for Young Children, I bring knowledge of inclusion, child development, inclusive assessment, strategic planning, and differentiation for learners across a wide range of abilities, particularly those with specific individual needs.

Personal and Professional Philosophy

Key Beliefs

I firmly believe in the transformative power of education, community support, and opportunities. Growing up with limited resources, I understand firsthand the impact of opportunities in shaping one's reality.

Teachers' Role

Teachers are pivotal in shaping students' identity and dreams. A shared vision among educators and school leaders is crucial to instill a collective sense of purpose in fostering students' success.

Learning Environment

Safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments are essential for effective learning. Accessibility is part of making schools inclusive and collaboration among students, parents, and educators is vital for success.

"Education does not change the world. Education changes people. People change the world."

Paulo Freire.

Explore My Journey

1

Current Roles

I am a devoted mom and wife, with my family being my number one priority. Alongside my family commitments, I serve in the following professional roles:

  • Coordinator of Student Services, St. James-Assiniboia School Division (Aug 2024 – Present): Leading initiatives in differentiated instruction, universal design, and curriculum assessment to support diverse learners.
  • Sessional Instructor/ Undergrad and Post-bac, University of Winnipeg (Sep 2022 – Present): Teaching and mentoring educators with a focus on inclusion, assessment, collaboration, and evidence-based practices.
2

Previous Roles

  • Inclusion Support Services Consultant, Winnipeg School Division (2023–2024): Provided professional development on inclusive teaching strategies, customized classroom support for diverse low-enrollment programs, and consultation services for divisional staff.
  • Student Service Support Teacher, Winnipeg School Division (2021–2023): supported classroom teachers with inclusive assessment, student specific plans, and curriculum modification.
  • Autism Program Teacher, Isaac Brock School (2020–2021): Designed and implemented tailored student specific plans for autistic students.
  • Resource Teacher, Clifton School (2019–2020): Created engaging resources and provided direct classroom support and school resources.
  • Elementary School Teacher, Winnipeg School Division (2018–2019): Focused on differentiated instruction and student specific learning plans for kindergarten and grade 1 students with behaviour and communication challenges.
  • School Coordinator, Maple Bear Canadian School (2012–2016): Supported classroom teachers and educational assistants from pre-nursery to grade 5
  • Early Years Teacher, Saint Francis College (2007–2012): Implemented the IB/PYP Curriculum with a focus on interactive and play-based learning.
  • Volunteer Worker, Orpington Town Church (2005–2006): Supported outreach programs for children in underserved communities in Orpington, UK.
  • Trainee Occupational Therapist, Instituto Pestalozzi (2003–2004): Provided services to children with diverse needs and presented research internationally.

Leadership & Innovation

Student Programming Development

Developed resources for a diverse range of students with special needs

Evidence-Based Decision Making

Developed and implemented evidence-based strategies to tailor instruction for optimal learning outcomes in autistic students.

Professional Training

Led professional training sessions on universal design, differentiation and inclusion.

Professional Portfolio

Certifications

Manitoba Teaching Certification & Manitoba Certificate in School Leadership

Teaching & Leadership

Master of Education, Educational Administration University of Manitoba

Master of Education, International Education Framingham University

Occupational Therapy & Rehabilitation

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Neurological Rehabilitation for Young Children

Leadership

School administrator and Inclusion Consultant, with a strong ability to collaboratively establish and implement school and divisional goals

Collaboration

Experienced in working within school and clinical support teams, providing guidance to teachers, educational assistants, and support staff

Expertise

Skilled in assessing student needs, developing individualized educational programs, and creating student-specific plans

Resources and Professional Learning Opportunities

Structured Environments

Creating classroom environments with visual supports tailored for students with extensive support needs.

Professional Development

Designing and leading professional learning for educators and educational assistants focused on effective strategies to support students with diverse learning needs.

Tailored Teaching Methods

Committed to implementing inclusive, best-practice teaching approaches that empower learners with diverse needs to succeed.

Browse the links below to discover some of the key resources I’ve created to support inclusive learning and collaboration.

Resources for educators and school support teams:

Student-Specific Planning and SSPs 🔗

Curriculum Modification Explained 🔗

Individualized Programming Explained 🔗

Understanding ASD through a Developmental Lens 🔗

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 🔗

ASD Resources for Educators 🔗

Kids’ Corner: Welcome to the Neuroverse! 🔗

For Teens: What is Neurodiversity? 🔗

ASD Resources for Ed. Assistants 🔗

Following the Plan: the role of Educational Assistants 🔗

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Interoception Curriculum and Resources 🔗

Executive Functioning Skills 🔗

From Behaviour to Communication 🔗

Interactive Books 🔗

​Understanding Interoception​ 🔗

UDL and Assessments 🔗

Inclusion is Not Enough: ​ 🔗

From Programs to Programming 🔗

Mentorship Program Project 🔗

Inclusive Assessments 🔗

Resources for parents and guardians:

ASD Resources for Parents 🔗

The Power of Play 🔗

Student Specific Plans - 101 🔗

Inclusive and Educational Learder

Online Resources

Developing comprehensive online resources for students, parents and school teams.

School Environment

Creating safe learning spaces for students in educational settings, suporting accessibility and appropriate programming.

Visuals and School Resources

Designing visuals and educational resources for school administrators, classroom teachers and educational assistants.

Professional Development

Presenting engaging educational professional development for school teams, including educators, educational assistants and parents.

Contact Information

Whether you're a parent seeking educational support, a school administrator looking to strengthen your school team to better program for autistic students, or a fellow professional interested in discussing best practices, I welcome the opportunity to connect.

Please feel free to reach out via phone, email, or through the contact form on my website. I'm committed to responsive and transparent communication, and look forward to discussing how I can be of assistance.

Connect with Me:

  • Email: rute.mendes@sjasd.ca
  • Personal email: rutemendesbr@gmail.com

You can also scan the QR code below to contact me: