Amber Friesen

Dr. Amber Friesen serves as Department Chair and Professor in the Department of Special Education at San Francisco State University (SFSU). Her work centers on advancing inclusion and equity for children with disabilities in educational settings.

• Ph.D. in Special Education, Indiana University, 2011
• M.Ed. in Special Education, Indiana University, 2008
• B.Ed/B.A. in Special Education, University of Lethbridge, 2003

Dr. Friesen’s research emphasizes creating inclusive environments for young children through:

• Advocacy for systemic equity in early childhood education
• Interdisciplinary collaboration between educators and social workers
• Reflective practice frameworks for inclusive teaching
• Home-school partnerships in preschool settings
• Social-emotional development in special education
• Transitional support for families of children with disabilities

Recent publications focus on inclusive pedagogy, interdisciplinary training programs, and family engagement strategies. Her work consistently addresses policy implementation and teacher preparation for inclusive classrooms.

Scientific awards include federal grants such as:

• Project ARISE ($1.1M, U.S. Department of Education)
• Project GROW ($1.25M, principal investigator)
• Project CIRCLE ($1.25M, principal investigator)
• HEERF-RSCA Recovery Funds for inclusion research

Dr. Friesen leads grant-funded initiatives to strengthen inclusive education practices through teacher training and curriculum development.