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Maury J. Ellebrecht

Biography

Maury Ellebrecht knows more than anyone else how physical appearances can be deceptive. As a mother of four, the disabilities of her children were not immediately evident: One was diagnosed with severe language delays and ADHD; another was diagnosed as mentally retarded and having cerebral palsy.

During this time, Maury decided to reach out to parents in her community who were dealing with the same issues. She formed a support group in the local school district and coordinated seminars and workshops with professional speakers to provide educational support and training for parents and teachers.

Maury also began tutoring some of the students. She recalls significant progress made by one particular student who relied on hearing aids and lip reading. Through this experience, "I became compelled to pursue a career in special education, specifically deaf education as a result," she says.

Maury received an associate's degree in education from Jefferson College in Hillsboro, MO, and transferred to Fontbonne University in St. Louis in the fall of 2002. Says Maury: "Only through a four-year degree would I be able to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to professionally impact learning for students with disabilities."

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