2026 CASE Conference

Carissa Gardner
Coordinator of SDI, Network 1 AACPS
Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Maryland


Carissa Gardner is an equity-driven special education leader with over a decade of experience spanning classroom instruction, instructional leadership, and district-level administration. She began her career as a special education co-teacher at the high school level in Caroline County Public Schools. Driven by a passion for serving students with complex needs, Carissa transitioned to Talbot County Public Schools as a teacher of low-incidence disabilities in an intensive support classroom at Easton High School. Carissa returned to Caroline County Public Schools to begin her leadership pathway at the central office level, serving as Special Education Teacher Specialist, Coordinator of Special Education, and Supervisor of Special Education. In these roles, she provided districtwide oversight of compliance, instruction, staffing, professional learning, and state and federal grants. She led initiatives aligned with Maryland’s strategic priorities, supported MTSS and reading interventions, expanded assistive technology integration, and partnered with state and community agencies to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Currently, Carissa serves as Coordinator of Specially Designed Instruction in Anne Arundel County Public Schools where she leads SDI implementation across multiple school sites. Her work centers on coaching educators in inclusive instructional practices, strengthening IEP quality, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and leveraging data-informed tools such as Goalbook to improve instructional alignment and student outcomes. Carissa holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from James Madison University and an Administrator I certification in Educational Leadership. She remains committed to developing educators and leaders who center equity, access, and high expectations for all learners.

Sessions :