Our Vision. Our Mission. Our Leaders. Our Members.

  • Vision

    To live in an inclusive world where every individual is supported, resources are accessible, potential is maximized, and action is inspired.

  • Mission

    The Special Education Network & Inclusion Association (SENIA) is an association of educators, professionals, and parents whose mission is to advocate for and provide resources/supports for differently abled individuals.

  • Members

    Our SENIA members make our vision and mission possible.

Lori Boll, Executive Director

Board of Governors

Kate Balsamo

Kate Balsamo

Chairperson
Pricilla Leighton

Pricilla Leighton

Local Chapter Liaison
Tanya Farrol

Tanya Farrol

Awards Coordinator

Tanya Farrol is the Middle Years Programme (MYP) Coordinator at Beijing City International School. Originally from Canada, she has worked as a special educator for over 20 years from Haiti to Egypt, and England to China.

She is the awards coordinator and one of the founding members of SENIA. In Beijing, she volunteers her time to promoting inclusion and raising awareness of special education issues for the local SENIA chapter called SENIB. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and six-year old son.

Management Team

Kate Balsamo

Kate Balsamo

Chairperson
Pricilla Leighton

Pricilla Leighton

Local Chapter Liaison
Tanya Farrol

Tanya Farrol

Awards Coordinator

Tanya Farrol is the Middle Years Programme (MYP) Coordinator at Beijing City International School. Originally from Canada, she has worked as a special educator for over 20 years from Haiti to Egypt, and England to China.

She is the awards coordinator and one of the founding members of SENIA. In Beijing, she volunteers her time to promoting inclusion and raising awareness of special education issues for the local SENIA chapter called SENIB. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and six-year old son.

A Significant History

SENIA was started by a group of international school teachers in China in 2002. The goal was to create a support network for teachers and other professionals working with children with special educational needs in Asia. Over the years we have grown to include other regions of the world.

More and more families that have children who are differently abled move overseas–and we are excited to see many students getting support that was previously not available. Our network has expanded to include international school teachers, educational psychologists and other specialists, administrators, support assistants, community organizations, and other professionals in the field.

Since the early beginnings, our heart has always been advocating for children with special needs. We are excited about the future and thank you for joining us!

Conference History

  • 2019 Hong Kong Academy, Hong Kong
  • 2018 ETC (SENIA/EARCOS Joint Conference), Bangkok, Thailand
  • 2017 YIS, Yokohama International School, Japan
  • 2016 ISKL, International School Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 2015 ETC (SENIA/EARCOS Joint Conference), Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
  • 2014 UWC, United World College, Singapore
  • 2013 JIS, Jakarta Intercultural School, Indonesia
  • 2012 Ruamrudee International School, Bangkok, Thailand
  • 2011 Concordia International School, Shanghai, China
  • 2010 Brent International School, Manila, Philippines
  • 2009 BCIS, Beijing City International School, China
  • 2008 WAB, Western Academy Beijing, China
  • 2006 ESF, English Schools Foundation, Hong Kong
  • 2005 SIS, Singapore international School Suzhou, China
  • 2004-November NIS, Nanjing International School, China
  • 2004-April Sunshine Learning Center, Beijing, China
  • 2003 WAB, Western Academy Beijing, China
  • 2002 BISS, Beijing International Singapore School, China

SENIA Members Make The Difference

Our SENIA members are the key to spreading the SENIA mission and vision.