Dr. Trisha Sugita is the coordinator of Special Education programs and Assistant Professor in the Attallah College of Educational Studies at Chapman University. She has served as a Mild/Moderate Education Specialist and a Special Education Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA). Her role as a TOSA included developing programs and curriculum to support the special education department, handling parent concerns regarding special education policies and procedures, professional development in the areas of co-teaching, universal design for learning, and strategies to support culturally diverse students. Dr. Sugita's research interests include inclusive schooling, minorities and special education, family/school partnerships, and transition planning.