S.O.A.R. 2.0 Program

NEIU supports individuals with disabilities to realize their potential for independent living and competitive employment to the best of their ability. Providing a safe environment in which students may first practice both job specific and other important life skills before applying them in an authentic work experience will allow students to build skills, confidence, and connections for success in their post-secondary goals.

Curriculum

While in the classroom, S.O.A.R. 2.0 students are educated utilizing the Life Centered Education Transition Curriculum published by the Council for Exceptional Children as well as the chosen units from Education Associates Job Ready, Life Ready curriculum. Some students audit classes on campus and are provided with additional instruction and experiences such as mock interviews.

Admission Criteria

Students enrolling in the S.O.A.R. 2.0 program must have a current individualized education plan (IEP) age and be in 12th grade or in their post-secondary years to be considered for the program.

Authentic Experiences

S.O.A.R. 2.0 provides students with a variety of disabilities “real life experiences” in an age-appropriate environment. The enrolled students attend classes at Marywood, participate in vocational activities in various offices and departments at the University, and participate in student activities. Students also take field trips using bus transportation to learn more independence in navigating the local area.

Additional Opportunities

The Marywood community embraces the NEIU programs on campus and provides a variety of additional opportunities for our students that include activities such as speech therapy as a group with master’s level students, music and art therapy, participation in campus activities, and an environment where they can practice their social skills with same age peers.

Referrals and Timeline

All referrals for school age transition programs must be made by the sending school district or charter school as they are the party responsible for providing a FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education). Referrals can be made to the programs at any time, but rosters for the upcoming year are typically discussed with each district by the end of February. Referral packets are submitted by the special education director. A meet and greet with the student, parents, and district representatives is scheduled at Marywood University so that any additional information needed can be requested and a tour can be provided. The S.O.A.R. 2.0 teacher also observes the student in their current school environment. This process is critical in assisting the Intermediate Unit staff to determine if the student’s needs can be met in the program, and if it is a program that the student will feel comfortable attending.

* For referrals, please inquire at your home school district’s or charter school’s special education department.

Collaboration with NEIU 19

S.O.A.R. 2.0 is a collaborative program of Marywood University and the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit. The NEIU supports local school districts in educating students through collaboration and innovation. Classes for S.O.A.R. 2.0 students are taught by NEIU instructors.

Dr. Kathleen Sottile | Executive Director
Kelly Dickey | Director of Special Education
Vanessa Nee | Supervisor of Special Education

Lindsey Hunt | Educator, NEIU 19
lhunt@iu19.org

Kelly Dickey | Director of Special Education, NEIU 19
kdickey@iu19.org

Vanessa Nee | Supervisor of Special Education, NEIU 19
vnee@iu19.org

Dr. Suzanne Galella | Department Director and Associate Professor, School of Education; SOAR & STRIVE Director
sgalella@maryu.marywood.edu

Dr. Jennifer Barna | Professor, Department of Psychology and Counseling; SOAR Consultant
jbarna@marywood.edu

Dr. Monica Law | Department Director and Associate Professor, School of Business and Global Innovation; SOAR Consultant
mlaw@marywood.edu

Jeanne Santarsiero | Externally Funded Grant Specialist
jsantarsiero@maryu.marywood.edu 

Dr. Tabbi L. Miller-Scandle | Assistant Provost for Research and Sponsored Programs
tlmillerscandle@marywood.edu

Dr. James Eckler | Dean of the College of Professional Studies
jeckler@marywood.edu

Jessica Chelik | Lackawanna-Susquehanna Behavioral Health / Intellectual Disabilities/ Early Intervention (Lack-Susq BH/ID/EI), Behavioral Health Coordinator / Early Intervention Supervisor
chelikj@lsbhidei.org

Dr. Maria Montoro Edwards | President and CEO, Maternal & Family Health Services, Inc.
mmontoroedwards@gmail.com

Lindsey Hunt | Educator, NEIU 19
lhunt@iu19.org 

Crystalblue Parshall | Paraeducator, NEIU 19
cparshall@iu19.org

Brynn Carey | Graduate Assistant
becarey@m.marywood.edu

Dr. Suzanne Galella | Department Director and Associate Professor, School of Education; SOAR & STRIVE Director
sgalella@maryu.marywood.edu

Lunch Buddies - Students with a meal plan can stop by the Nazareth Dining Hall any day from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. to join our S.O.A.R. 2.0 students for lunch!

Fun Fridays - Clubs can prepare an activity to engage the S.O.A.R. 2.0 students in or individual students can just stop by and hang out with S.O.A.R. 2.0 students in the game room in Nazareth Hall while they play pool or board games! Every Friday from 1-2 p.m.