Virginia Walker originally wanted to be a vet.
Fortunately for RCPD she changed her mind.
Virginia Walker is not really new to RCPD or to MSU. Ever since the fall of 2001, Walker has been employed with Student Athlete Support Services (SASS) as the Learning Specialist working with student-athletes with learning disabilities. Through SASS she was also affiliated with the RCPD. When a position opened at RCPD for a Cognitive Disabilities Specialist, Mike Hudson, Director of the RCPD, knew she was an ideal candidate. \Virginia's energy, skills and pure enthusiasm for student success provided a perfect match for the Cognitive Disabilities and Brain Injury position."
Today, Virginia serves as the Cognitive Disabilities and Brain Injury Specialist and Student-Athlete Liaison balancing office time between SASS and RCPD. "I feel very fortunate to be in a position to have two sets of staff to work with that provide me with a wealth of support and different dynamics." Virginia is available at RCPD on Monday and Wednesday all day, and on Tuesday and Thursday after 1:00 PM.
Virginia's previous experience is extensive. For two years, while pursuing her B.A. in Special Education at Michigan State, she worked as a paraprofessional at the INGHAM INTERMEDIATE - HEARTWOOD SCHOOL in Mason, MI. Virginia assisted teachers with educational lessons and developmental activities for students' ages 5-26 with emotional, behavioral, physical, developmental, and learning disabilities on academics, gross/fine motor skills, and social/life skills.
Then, after receiving her B.A. from MSU in Special Education with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities, she taught at Marble Elementary in East Lansing. While at Marble, Virginia taught a 3rd-6th grade basic classroom with students with varying disabilities.
Virginia's main job is to help students with their study skills and learning strategies.
"My primary objective is to increase the students' academic independence and confidence by providing them with the resources and support they need to be successful. Ultimately, this increased independence, confidence, and success will follow them as they transition into their career."
In addition to her responsibilities at RCPD and SASS, Virginia also serves as the advisor to the student organization of BIG (Brain Injury Group). BIG is a student formed and run group that serves as a support group which encourages and reaches out to students with brain injuries. BIG meets once a month and interested individuals should contact Virginia Walker directly.
Virginia Walker isn't all work though. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Woogie. Virginia also enjoys taking nature walks, listening to music, and cooking; her specialty is Italian cuisine.