Staff
Courtney Adams (She/Her)
Director of The Nora Project & Inclusive School Partnerships
Courtney has dedicated the past 12 years of her career to education, championing inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all children. Before joining The Nora Project in 2018, Courtney spent six years as a teacher and coach in Wisconsin. During this time, she taught 8th grade math and science as well as 5th grade, while also serving as a high school swim coach, drawing from her collegiate swimming background. Courtney holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Tufts University and a Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy from Marquette University. As an alumna of Teach For America, she served in the Milwaukee corps, where her passion for education was ignited. Since joining The Nora Project as its third employee, Courtney has fulfilled various roles, including curriculum development, teacher coaching, and delivering professional learning opportunities. Originally from Chicago, Courtney now resides outside of New Haven, Connecticut, with her husband, their (large) dog, and cat.
Dr. Janie Avant (She/Her)
Instructional Content Specialist
Dr. Avant is a former special education teacher, retired in June 2019 with 40 years of experience in the classroom. She has been recognized by a variety of organizations for her outstanding work with children with disabilities in the classroom and in the community. Among many other honors, she is a three-time teacher of the year and a recipient of the Special U.S. Congressional Recognition for Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Community. Dr. Avant received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Loyola University Maryland, and she received a Masters in Education with a concentration in Multiple Disabilities, as well as a Ph.D. in Special Education with a concentration in Physical and Health Disabilities, from Georgia State University.
Jordyn Zimmerman (She/Her)
Manager of Education Products & Program Development
Jordyn is a nonspeaking autistic educator and advocate. As someone who was denied access to effective communication until age 18, Jordyn is passionate about leveraging supports and tools to drive change. She thrives on boldly showing up and challenging what is possible in learning spaces and throughout the broader community — and has personal experience challenging the status quo as featured in the documentary, This Is Not About Me. Jordyn earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education Policy from Ohio University and her Master’s of Education at Boston College. More at www.JordynZimmerman.com
Katie Carr (She/Her)
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Katie Carr is an autistic woman with a passion for utilizing online spaces for advocacy. She joined the team after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Public and Professional Writing and a minor in Studio Arts. She attended Pitt as a Stamps Scholar which allowed her to cultivate her passion for service and hone her leadership skills.
Rebecca Greene (She/Her)
Program Support Coordinator
Rebecca is mom to three children. She spent six years living in Ghana, West Africa running a nonprofit that aides children with disabilities. Rebecca received her BA from DePaul University in Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies.