Stone Lakes Elementary & Ms. Dove's Journey

Christy Dove

Christy Dove is an instructional coach for teachers of students with significant disabilities in Orange County Public Schools. With more than 13 years of teaching experience, including nine years at Stone Lakes Elementary, she has dedicated her career to supporting students on the autism spectrum and empowering teachers who work in self-contained and inclusive classrooms. At Stone Lakes, she led classrooms for third through fifth-grade students with autism and later helped establish programs like PIT Crew at Timber Creek High School, which paired neurotypical peers with students with disabilities to foster inclusion.

Now serving at the district level, Christy provides training on autism and neurodiversity for educators across Orange County. She emphasizes the importance of shifting mindsets from focusing on disabilities to recognizing student strengths and believes cultural acceptance in schools begins with awareness and empathy. Her passion for inclusion is rooted in her own childhood, where a close friendship with a peer with Down Syndrome inspired her path into special education. Christy continues to advocate for classrooms that celebrate strengths, build community, and ensure every student feels a true sense of belonging.

Date of Interview:
August 28th, 2025

Location of Interview: Orlando, FL

S.P.A.C.E. Sensory Room (Sensory Processing Activity Center for Enrichment)

“I’ve always believed that if we teach students to understand abilities and differences, and to embrace abilities instead of focusing on disabilities, we can grow a mindset that shifts school culture.”

“A disability doesn’t mean you can’t do something. It means you have the ability — you just have to do it differently.”

“Inclusion isn’t just placing a student in a classroom. True inclusion means making sure they’re learning and participating like everyone else.”

“Peer support is huge. When students work alongside one another, it changes attitudes and creates a culture of acceptance.”

- Christy Dove -