About Us

Sheila Bennett, Ed.D., is a Professor Emerita in the Faculty of Education, Brock University. She is recognized for her work in inclusive education and has presented nationally and internationally. Dr. Bennett has authored and coauthored numerous books, chapters, monographs, and articles in the field of special education, particularly in the area of

inclusion for students with diverse needs. Before coming to Brock, Dr. Bennett held a number of school and school board positions. She brings her practical experiences as an educator to the field of research, providing a blend of theory and practice essential to bridge the gap between what we do in classrooms and how we understand those actions in the larger context of education and society.

Don Dworet, Ph.D., a retired Brock University Associate Professor of Education, has taught special education courses at the Pre-service, In-service, and Graduate levels. He has served on the Executive of the Ontario Council for Exceptional Children as well as both the Ontario and international Councils for Children with Behavioural Disorders. Dr. Dworet completed his doctoral work at the University of Buffalo and has focused his research on provincial policies for students with behavioural disorders. He has served as Coordinator of Brock's Special Education Additional Qualifications course program, Chair of the Department of Pre-service Teacher Education, and Director of the Centre for Continuing Teacher Education.

Tiffany L. Gallagher is a Professor in the Department of Education Studies. She is recognized for her research on students with literacy learning challenges and supporting the self-efficacy and professional learning of educators through literacy, inclusion, and technology coaching. Longitudinal, mixed methods, and multi-varied participant

perspectives are the cornerstone of Tiffany’s research projects. Her work seeks to inform targeted audiences such as students, tutors, parents, teachers, administrators, and policy makers. She has published more than 100 refereed articles/chapters, as well as eight books. Tiffany is also the Director of the Brock Learning Lab that offers community-based tutoring for K-12 students and mentors undergraduate volunteer tutors.

Monique Somma is a dedicated educator, researcher, and advocate for inclusive education. Currently, an associate professor at Brock University in Ontario, Canada, Dr. Somma develops and teaches courses to education students on topics including inclusive education, disabilities, educational psychology, cognition and learning and teacher preparation. Her research focuses on educator and student perceptions of disability in education settings and the community. She strives to create research outputs that offer practical application to the teaching profession and education of all learners in diverse classrooms. Her works spans the early years to post-secondary and she has worked with various schools and systems within Canada and other countries with the overall outcome to learn and share how to best support educators for inclusive education in traditional and non traditional settings.

Margo Horne, PHD,  is an Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Programming in the Faculty of Education at Brock University in Ontario, Canada. She also serves as a Trustee with the Halton District School Board, bringing extensive leadership experience across postsecondary and K–12 education. Dr. Horne’s teaching and research focus on assessment, special education, inclusive practices, and effective pedagogy for pre-service educators. Her scholarly work emphasizes educational and community inclusion, with a strong commitment to empowering students and teachers to engage in meaningful learning and to create positive, sustainable change within schools and communities.