Dr. Cassandra Darst holds a Ph.D. in Special Education and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Texas Woman’s University. She has a Bachelor of Science in Communication Science and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Darst is the child of educators and has been a public school educator for the past 30 years. Over the course of her professional career, she has worked as a houseparent at the School for the Deaf in Austin, speech-language pathologist assistant, teaching assistant, classroom teacher, assistant principal, director of special education and assistant superintendent. Dr. Darst has taught courses at the university level that include Learners with Exceptionalities, Principles of Learning for Exceptional Children; and Behavioral Interventions for Students with Disabilities. She is also a Certified Specialist in Restorative Practices and has worked with NEDRP for the past 4 years from a district level and has a true passion for the process.