Dr. Gigi De Villiers
Curriculum Vitae

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  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Special Education-  University of Miami (1989)
  • Master of Science in Diagnostic Assessment -   Florida International University (1992)
  • Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership -  Nova Southeastern University​ (1996)
  • Doctorate in Educational Leadership -  Nova Southeastern University (2002)
Dissertation consisted of a four-year study aimed at helping elementary age students with reading disabilities close their achievement gap through the use of specific teaching techniques and programs. She is the Program Director of Highpoint Academy Coral Way Campus and also the Principal of Schoolhouse Preparatory

Occupation
Program Director Highpoint Academy Coral Way Campus for Children with Learning Differences
Principal/Proprietor Schoolhouse Preparatory High School

Dr. Gigi is certified through the Florida Department of Education in these areas:
•    Specific Learning Disabilities
•    Mental Retardation
•    Behavioral Disorders
•    Educational Leadership

Awards/Recognitions
1988 Golden Key National Honor Society – Life Member
1989 Outstanding College Student of America
1990 Beginning Teacher of the Year – Kensington Park Elementary (MDCPS)
1995 Outstanding Staffing Specialist – Region IV
2002 Assistant Principal of the Year – Greenglade Elementary (MDCPS)

Extra Curricular
1988 President,  Council for Exceptional Students – Univ of Miami Student Chapter
1993 Vice Chairperson, EH/SED Committee – Region IV
1999 ESE Chairperson, Region V Academic Excellence Committee – (MDCPS)
2000  Chairperson, Region V Administrative Committee – (MDCPS)
2008 Team Leader, Walk Now For Autism
2009 President, Florida Association of Independent Special Education Facilities
2010 School Advisory Committee Florida for Exceptional Student Education - Member
2014 - Present - Council of Bilingual Indendent Schools - Board Member
​2015 - Miami Dade College Special Education Program - Advisory Coommittee

Special Appearances and Interviews
       2007     Various Guest appearances on WQBA AM Radio show on Autism     
       2008      Pinecrest Tribune – Interview
       2008      Guest appearance on “Hoy En Nuestra Comunidad” – Univision Television
       2009      Speaker at DAANS Educational Leadership Series – Presentation on Autism
2010-2017    Numerous appearances on TV and Radio

Community Service
1989       Vice Chairperson, Special Olympics – (MDCPS)
1991       Women’s Prison Ministry – Archdiocese of Miami
1993       Board Member, Word of Life Ministry - Archdiocese of Miami
2011       President - Dr. Gigi's Raise Me Up Foundation
2014 - Present - Radio Lollipop at Miami Children's Hospital
2017 - His House Children's Home for Abused and Neglected Children