GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Students in special education make up 15% of the K-12 student population, and that number has been steadily increasing for nearly 40 years. To meet the rising demand for furniture products and services that create fun and functional learning spaces for students with special needs, MiEN Company has hired Cecilia Cruse, OTR/L, as a special needs consultant.
In her new role, Cruse will support MiEN in its work to design products that are flexible and adaptable to a variety of learning, mobility, and pedagogical needs. She will also share her knowledge and expertise outside the company through professional development programs, conference presentations, and other endeavors.
“Cecilia is highly skilled in understanding and implementing solutions for inclusion and, in particular, for creating sensory friendly learning environments,” said MiEN Company President and CEO Remco Bergsma. “We are excited to welcome Cecilia aboard and look forward to collaborating to advance our work in creating solutions and spaces that help all students learn in equitable, effective ways.”
Cruse is an experienced occupational therapist and consultant. She has over 30 years of experience with pediatric therapy in a variety of settings, including K-12 schools, preschool and Head Start programs, acute care, and outpatient pediatrics.
In addition, Cruse has experience as an author and lecturer, and has appeared on CNN’s Health Watch and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. She has authored multiple articles for professional periodicals and magazines, and has served as a trainer, consultant, and service provider in several school systems. She also lectures nationwide on practical sensory solutions for educators and therapists.
“I’m thrilled to be working with a company that’s so committed to creating comfortable, inclusive learning environments for all children,” said Cruse. “MiEN’s furniture is not only innovative, but it’s durable so it’s engaging for children and adults alike.”
Cruse received a bachelor of health science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida, and a master’s degree in Education from Georgia State University.
MiEN is a global company serving the education industry with innovative furniture products and services that promote and support active and interactive learning environments in engaging and functional ways. An American company with a strong European influence, its products and services represent the ideas and collaborative efforts of an expert team of suppliers, designers, and engineers. Built strong and durable using eco-friendly, sustainable materials, its products rank high in the industry in meeting the demands of creating dynamic and collaborative learning environments. For more information go to https://miencompany.com
