About me
Aniva Lumpkins, Ed.S., is a clinical supervisor of school psychologists and a doctoral candidate pursuing her PhD in Special Education at Florida International University. As a recipient of the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) and Project INCLUDE fellowships, she has centered her research on early intervention efforts that support racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse (RELD) children with or at risk for disruptive behavior disorders and early learning problems. Aniva earned a B.S. in Psychology from Florida State University (2002), as well as an Ed.S. in School Psychology (2005) and in Teaching and Learning (2023) from Florida International University. Her 18 years as a school psychologist have afforded her a wealth of experience working with, and advocating for, individuals with exceptional needs, as well as supporting their families as they navigatethe educational system. With her recent work as the first Policy Intern for the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), she has leveraged such experiences to explore how policy might best support efforts to shape practices that impact the quality and future of special education in light of the intersection of race, culture, gender, disability, and poverty.
Aniva has an immense passion for affecting positive change within the field of education. Her previous years of experience at the PK-12 level and in higher education as an Adjunct Professor contribute to her effectiveness as a teacher educator, leader, role model and mentor. In her current role as President of the Florida Council for Exceptional Children (FCEC), Aniva is excited for the opportunity to serve the CEC membership through innovative programming that supports professional growth and fosters collaborative partnerships across stakeholders to advance the field of education and improve the learning experiences of children with exceptionalities.