Special Education and More!
Testimonials & Awards
Dr. Kerry Quinney
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AWARDS
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Heart of Education Award: Finalist - 2023
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Heart of Education Award Nominee – 2022
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Reading with TLC Educator of the Year Finalist - 2022
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Tiffany and Co. Hometown Hero Award - 2020
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Outstanding Parents Award: Family Education and Empowerment Foundation - 2019
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Scholarship Award: Family Education and Empowerment Foundation - 2019
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Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition - 2019
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Engelland’s Vegas Born Hero Award - 2019
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Spirit of Nevada Award - 2019
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Fox 5 Shining Star Award- 2019
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Channel 8 Acts of Kindness Award - 2019
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Heart of Education Award: Finalist - 2018
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Above and Beyond Award: Clark County School District - 2018
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Rave Review: Clark County School District - 2017, 2018, 2019
Testimonials
Please email me if you would like me to put you in touch with parents of my former students.
It is with immense gratitude and admiration that I write this testimonial for Dr. Kerry Quinney, an exceptional educator specializing in autism. Dr. Quinney's dedication and innovative approaches have profoundly impacted my child Aaron’s growth and success. From the moment we met Dr.Quinney, her passion for teaching and her deep understanding of autism were evident. Her individualized teaching methods and unwavering patience created a nurturing environment where my child felt safe and supported. She went above and beyond to tailor her instruction to meet my child's unique needs, ensuring that every lesson was engaging and meaningful. The use of visual aids, sensory activities, and positive reinforcement strategies have not only improved my AJ’s academic performance but also significantly enhanced his social skills and self-confidence. She consistently communicated with us, providing valuable insights and involving us in the educational process, which made us feel like true partners in our child's journey. One of the most remarkable aspects of Dr. Quinney's teaching is her ability to see the potential in every child. She endeavors to have the students set goals beyond typical peers of the same age. She celebrates student successes, no matter how small, and used those moments to build a foundation of trust and motivation. Her encouragement and belief in my child's abilities were instrumental in helping them achieve milestones we once thought were out of reach. Thanks to Dr. Quinney's expertise and compassionate approach, AJ has not only thrived academically but has also developed a genuine love for reading, and at level well beyond his grade. We are forever grateful for the positive impact she has had on our lives. DR. Quinney is not just an educator; she is a beacon of hope and a true advocate for children with autism. Our family is fortunate to have had her as a guiding light and partner in our child's educational journey. With heartfelt thanks, Olivia Scott -Olivia Scott, Parent of Student
Having a child with special needs has many challenges one of which is ensuring you surround them with the best possible people. These people are the ones that want your child to succeed as much as you do as their parent. Knowing our child was safe and cared for and having fun while feeling secure and supported that is what we found with Kerry Quinney as his teacher and that is the person she is. We have moved to multiple states since we had the pleasure of having her teach our son and still to this day she is the standard we compare every teacher and provider to. To say she went above and beyond does not feel adequate. Her passion is so apparent it's undeniable. There are certain people who are lifted in areas and supporting special needs kids is Kerry's gift. She has the patience and caring heart needed to make a long standing impact. She wasnt satisfied to just have him be present in the room but found was to challenge him and include him to the best of bis capabilities Knowing we were leaving him with the best person in our absence was so important and I can't thank her enough for being there to support him and see his potential. -Carly Ereso, Parent of Former Student
I met Dr. Quinney in 2018, when my son, Baron started in her class at 3 years old, newly diagnosed and essentially non-verbal. From the day we met Dr. Quinney has been there to listen, calm my fears and become one of Baron's biggest supporters. Over the time Baron was in Dr. Quinney's class his language and social skills grew and improved so much that by the time it was time to transition into kindergarten he was eligible for general education classes. We say that Dr. Quinney gave Baron his voice but more than that she changed his life and we are lucky to still have her helping and guiding with Baron's education. -Natasha Accor, Parent of Student
Dr. Quinney has been an exceptional teacher for my son. She is always warm, understanding, and dedicated. She has a lot of experience with children on the autism spectrum and she gives each child the special attention they need. My son always feels safe, understood, and loved when he is near her. Her patience, compassion, and teaching methods have made a significant change and positive impact on his academic and social development. I was also amazed with her project "Autism on Ice," specifically designed for special needs children. My son really enjoyed it. Even though he couldn’t skate very good, but he was having so much fun trying to do it. And Dr. Quinney was always there for him to hold his hand and support him. I’m literally crying while writing about her, she is truly the best teacher that I saw in my life. She always goes above and beyond for all her kids. We will be forever grateful for having her as our son’s teacher. She is truly a Godsent angel for special needs kids. P.S. Thank you Dr. Quinney for everything you do! We love you with all our hearts ❤️ Sincerely, Bondarenko Family -Diana Bondarenko, Parent of former student
Heart of Education Nomination 2020: As the principal of Kitty Ward ES, I am honored to submit Dr. Kerry Quinney’s name as a nominee. As the KIDS teacher at our site, she is the true example of a teacher who operates with a deep belief that all children can achieve regardless of perceived ability. On a daily basis, her students participate in engaging and cognitively challenging learning experiences. With appropriate accommodations, her students are consistently engaged in meaningful discourse and are immersed in a safe, collaborative learning environment. Let’s not forget, this is happening through distance education! Not only does she advocate for her classroom students, she also advocates for autism awareness across the Las Vegas Valley. She teaches parents and educators on PECS, speech/language, occupational therapy and community outreach programs. As the president and founder of Spectrum on Ice, Dr. Quinney coaches children with various abilities how to skate. She also collaborates with hockey teams around the country and trains skating coaches on ABA therapy and setting high expectations for all children. Dr. Quinney has recently received multiple awards from our community for her work within the autism community. Her most recent was the Hometown Hero Award, but has yet to be honored with the Heart of Education Award. She deserves this recognition. -Heather Fonte, Principal, Kitty Ward Elementary School -------------------------------------------- Heart of Education Nomination 2022 : Dr. Kerry Quinney goes above and beyond for her students with autism in the classroom and on the ice! Yes, on the ice! Dr. Quinney serves as our K-2 Inclusion Autism Teacher. Working with children with autism is her passion, and it shows every day. Dr. Quinney designs visuals and social-emotional activities and curriculum. Our students are engaged in targeted multisensory instruction to help them reach their goals. Her learning environment is not only safe and supportive but magical! Students can read books in teepees or relax with a book under clouds that light up and sparkle. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Quinney is the founder and president of Spectrum on Ice. This program provides weekly hockey lessons for students with disabilities. As an autism advocate, Dr. Quinney also helps families navigate services in the community (speech, OT, ABA, etc.) and connects parents with other parents as an additional means of support. Dr. Quinney annually holds events for current and previous students, their families, and peers! This includes her annual Halloween party, holiday skating events, and Winter Holiday event (with Santa, treats, gifts, a magical forest, a petting zoo, and face painting). Furthermore, Dr. Quinney mentors other special education teachers in our District on data collection and writing IEPs. -Heather Fonte, Principal Kitty Ward Elementary School
Our story is quite simple, yet truly miraculous. Our son Leonardo was diagnosed with autism and it truly felt like a rollercoaster of emotions. Grieving who we thought he would be and having faith in who he is going to be. I remember the first time I met Dr. Quinney. She took one look at our son and said “He’s going to be okay, I’ll have him talking by the end of the year” & my oh my did she follow through with her statement! Our son has grown immensely as a human being under Dr. Quinney wings! I can also say for myself I am a better mother with the knowledge and kindness she has shown me. Thank you so much Dr.Quinney for the selfless sacrifices you make every day and for being your true authentic self! Our world needs more people like you! -Vanessa Orozco, Parent of Former Student
My son was a student in Ms. Kerry's class in the 3rd grade. He has now graduated . Ms Kerry was the best most attentive teacher to the Children and Parents . The only one of my sons teachers I have kept in touch with over the years. Wonderful loving person who is passionate about the children she works with. Pamela Polk, Parent of Former Student
My name is Linda Glover and I have had the pleasure and honor to have known and worked with Dr. Kerry Quinney since 2017. I became her Instructional Assistant in the Kids Pre-K Autism class. It is an absolute pleasure to work and learn from such a devoted educator. She endeavors to meet the diverse needs of each individual child and utilizes multiple methods to meet those needs. I have witnessed her efforts leading to many of her students “finding their own voices” for the first time. She has replaced the frustration experienced by many of her students with self-confidence. Dr. Quinney not only focuses on her students but also aids parents by addressing their concerns, introducing them to resources and helping them navigate the processes to obtain those resources. Her considerable compassion extends to an endearing love for animals. She has desired for some time to bring these two elements together. She recently established a non-profit rescue she has named, “Raise the Bar-n.” She wants to continue educating children and utilize her non-profit to educate children of all abilities on the importance of care and kindness to animals. Dr. Quinney is a wonderful person with a big heart and the expertise to positively impact the lives of children and the animals that are fortunate enough to come into her care. I am so thankful to be a part of this endeavor. She is an awesome teacher and I am blessed to call her my mentor and more importantly, friend. Linda Glover, SPTA CCSD
I have had the privilege to work with Dr. Kerry Quinney. Dr. Quinney has built bridges throughout her career through partnerships with agencies that have been so important for her students to succeed. Through her teaching, she has always seen her students outer image , their hearts and endless possibilities for their future. Her dedication to assist all her students is endless. I have seen children enter the beginning of the school year, unable to speak and with Dr Quinney’s never ending positive attitude and perseverance, they finish the school year, not only speaking but speaking in full sentences. Throughout the school year, she has given her heart and soul, and never giving up showing her colleagues that each child has the ability to shine through understanding and respect. She sees in each and every one of her students endless possibilities and never lets them give up on their true potential . Dr. Quinney consistently strives for what is true and right for all of her students . I can honestly say she has taught me so much throughout the years and it has been my honor and truly a privilege working alongside of Dr. Kerry Quinney. -Linda Clark, CCSD
Dr. Quinney is the best teacher we have ever known. She always presumes competence in our kids , helping them step by stepto get to their goals. In just a few words, she is an awesome teacher and a wonderful human being. -Blanca Hernandez, Parent of Former Student
Our son was diagnosed with ASD at a very early age and we were fortunate enough to have Dr. Quinney as his teacher. She had an amazing staff working beside her that supported her vision and goals. In the short amount of time that she had him, he went from only saying a few words to several words with clarity; he was speaking in full sentences that was appropriate for his age. He was able to verbalize his needs to lessen frustrations which led to unnecessary tantrums and outbursts. Dr Quinney communicated frequently and provided parents resourceful information for continuity of care—both in school and at home for best outcome. We are very happy with the level of dedication that she had put forth for our son! -Karen Sandoval, Parent of Former Student
We moved to Las Vegas over three years ago and discovered in Rory's Kindergarten year that she was Autistic. We saw some signs and her behaviors really showed up in Kindergarten. After a rough year of transition she ended up in Dr. Quinney's classroom where her behaviors started dialing in and her learning started to improve. Dr. Quinney has an amazing way of genuinely connecting with children specifically on the spectrum. Her ability to make them feel loved, but also keep them on task is unmatched. We loved how she was able to work with Rory so much that we hired her as a private tutor to work on more of her educational goals. As sad as it was to see her transition from being Rory's teacher, we're so happy to see her continuing to work with neurodiverse kids and kids with different abilities. -Brandon & Kerri Cannady-Parents of Former Student
My daughter, Mercedes was nonverbal until about the age of five years old. She was diagnosed with the autism spectrum and was placed in the autism group under Dr. Quinney. Within a week of my daughter attending the autism pre-school group she came home singing her ABC’s and that was one of the most incredible moments of my life when I heard Mercedes voice. Dr. Quinney took the time to get to know Mercedes and her needs. She provided the opportunity for Mercedes to learn through music form which has given my daughter the confidence to have a voice and to continue her educational journey. My daughter is now in the seventh grade has continued to use her voice by joining a choir, helping others, appointed to be a teacher’s aide and loves to read books out loud. She has blossomed because of her development with Dr. Quinney. My daughter also had the opportunity to join spectrum on ice where she learned how to ice skate. Dr. Quinney not only has taught my daughter but she has also taught me as a parent on how to help my daughter through her journey and prepare her for success for her future. She made me understand the importance of the Autism Spectrum and have a better understanding of what it means. Dr. Quinney always has gone above and beyond not only her students but especially for the community. She is knowledgeable, creative and personable. She’s someone who cares and it doesn’t go unnoticed. She’s definitely considered family 🌺❤️🧩 -Melissa Bonilla Hunter, Parent of Student
My son was a student of Dr. Quinney and I have to say it was the very best experience. She is truly an amazing teacher and even more remarkable of a person. She is not just a good teacher; she is a person who truly cares and loves our kiddos from the bottom of her heart. She does assess the genuinely special needs of every child and goes above and beyond to meet them in the most fun and engaging ways. She is extremely knowledgeable, resourceful and experienced to handle any situation that arises and does so with the biggest smile there is. She truly connects with the children and in doing so can see the world from their eyes and help them reciprocate and show us the uniqueness of their being. Kids love her, parents love her, animals love her, the world truly is a better place with Kerry! Silviya Doneva, Parent of Student
Letters of Recommendation
