Kourtney Barnum – Rett University Coach and Lead Administrator

B.S. VARYING EXCEPTIONALITIES; M.A. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND SEVERE INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Kourtney worked 19 years for the Hillsborough County School District in Tampa, Florida with students with special needs (elementary and middle school). Kourtney trained and developed curricula on a variety of subjects for the district. Her strengths include behavior assessment and modeling, as well as implementation of advanced technology in the classroom to assist student learning and development.

Kourtney is a Rett Syndrome sibling (sister Kristi) who lived with Rett until she was 51. Kristi’s Rett journey has shaped every part of Kourtney’s life and teaching philosophy. Personal experience has developed a strong belief in people with special needs and their intelligence, competence, and unique personalities.

Kourtney joined Rett University in 2018 as a full-time coach and Rett U administrator. She has developed multiple programs, seminars, and monthly/annual events for the Rett University community. She is a fierce advocate for our girls and boys, believing that all students can learn, communicate, and achieve literacy with the proper environment, team-training, and technology support.

Olivia Samarin – Rett University Coach

B.S. Elementary Education & Special Education, M.A. Education in Behavior Analysis

Olivia’s career began in 2010, working with preschoolers in early childhood education and intervention, focusing on curricula to build social, communication, and academic skills. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Behavior Analysis.

Olivia realized the lack of advocacy/support given to exceptional learners and their families, and in 2016, she began teaching exceptional learners at a private school specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She emphasizes collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Working closely with SLPs, Behavior Analysts, PTs, and others, she has a proven track record of effectively managing behavior and building skills with students using AACs, PECs, and other modes of communication.

In 2020, Olivia was trained by Susan Norwell in evidence-based practices for teaching students with Rett Syndrome, collaborating on teaching strategies, student needs, and IEPs. She continues to support students with Rett Syndrome, ASD, and multiple disabilities in their educational journey.

Susan Norwell – Rett University Co-Founder

M.A. Special Education, ATACP

Susan has worked with a wide array of students, including those with Rett Syndrome, autism, and multiple disabilities for 49 years. She has spent the last 37 years in private practice working primarily with individuals with Rett Syndrome, those on the Autism spectrum, and individuals with Cerebral Palsy.

Susan is trained in “Greenspan’s Floortime” model and considers herself a relationship-based specialist. Her focus is teaching literacy skills to children without verbal language and with significant disabilities, integrating augmentative communication and technology support. She provides consultation to school districts nationwide on the education of children with Rett Syndrome and other complex disabilities. She has presented workshops worldwide and is a high-energy consultant known for her broad knowledge base and practical/creative ideas for instructing those with very significant challenges.

Susan is a co-founder of Rett University, representing a vision/dream of providing systematic training for parents and those working with Rett Syndrome families. She is a relentless advocate of the Girl Power 2 Cure-Rett University mission to unlock the potential for individuals with Rett Syndrome today and in the future!

Elizabeth Heinmiller – Rett University Administrator/Communications Lead

M.S. Speech Language Pathology

Lizzie is a speech language pathologist who joined GP2C/Rett University in 2024. She lives in Maryland with her dog, Honey.

Lizzie holds a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology in 2020 and started her career in the elementary school setting. After working in the schools for a year, she moved to Colorado to work with patients with complex communication and medical needs in pediatric home health. In 2024 Lizzie returned to Maryland and is working in the Charles County Public School system as an SLP and a consultative feeding specialist.

Lizzie was introduced to Rett University while in Colorado and worked closely with Kourtney Barnum providing service to local Rett families. Her passions in speech pathology include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, and providing neurodiversity-affirming care.