Academics Colleges College of Education Special Education Department Special Education Faculty & Staff
Special Education Faculty & Staff
Meet the faculty and staff of WSU’s Special Education Department. These faculty members are well-rounded and emphasize practical, real-life field experiences.

Amy Andersen
Associate Professor
Helble Hall 255
Education
- PhD | University of Wisconsin-Madison
- MS | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- BA | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Areas of Expertise
- Students with significant developmental disabilities
- Access to the general education curriculum
- Expertise of teachers of students with significant disabilities
- Inclusion

Katie Barofsky
Assistant Professor
Helble Hall 257
Education
- PhD | University of Wisconsin Madison
- MS | University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
- BA | University of Wisconsin Madison
Area of Expertise
- Literacy Development, and support for students with disabilities
- Reading Interventions
- Inclusive Practices
- Transition Services, and Planning & Parent Involvement for Secondary Students
- Self-Determination Curricula for students with disabilities

James Kirk
Associate Professor, Chair
Helble Hall 256
Education
- PhD | University of Iowa
- MS | Western Oregon State University
- BS | Marquette University
Area of Expertise
- Behavior Modification
- Special Education Law
- Assistive Technology
- Autism

Erika Pinter
Associate Professor
Helble Hall 254
Education
- PhD | University of Washington
- MS | University of Oregon
- BA | University of Nevada Reno
Area of Expertise
- Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
- Classroom & Behavior Management
- Social Skill Instruction
- Video-based Instruction
- Use of technology to enhance student engagement and learning