Kelly Cogan

Kelly Cogan serves as Assistant Professor and Director of the Master of Arts in Special Education program at Benedictine College's School of Education, actively shaping special education leadership and teacher preparation.

Her academic credentials include:

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Benedictine College (2006)
• Certification in Teaching Visually Impaired from Missouri State University (2007)
• Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University (2009)
• Doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Teaching at the University of Kansas (ongoing)

Dr. Cogan's research and practice focus on inclusive special education frameworks, with particular emphasis on autism spectrum disorders and intellectual/developmental disabilities. Her work integrates community-based vocational training and transition planning to bridge educational and real-world settings, advocating for systemic inclusion of individuals with exceptionalities across school and community environments through practical, evidence-based strategies.

As program director, she oversees curriculum development and graduate student advisement in special education. Her prior leadership at The Farmer's House demonstrates extensive experience in designing community-integrated vocational programs for students with disabilities, reflecting applied expertise in resource development and program implementation for disability services, though specific grant details remain undocumented.