A Little History

 I was recently asked to a write up some information about myself for an Introduction section of a newsletter that the company I work for sends out monthly.

They asked for a LOT of information... but I did my best to comply and make the write-up interesting, although I really doubt many of the organization's employees will take the time to read it.

After I wrote it, i realized that it might be nice to share some of my backstory here.  I'm assuming most people who read my blog have known me for many years and they know how I got to where I am now... but maybe a few of you are not familiar with my story.

Here it is:

Mrs. Brooke S. Miller, M.Ed., TVI/COMS

Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

WHO I AM and HOW I GOT HERE

As a Michigan Native, I answered the call of the Colorado Mountains after earning my undergraduate degree in music from Washington and Lee University (Lexington, Virginia), and earning two Masters degrees from Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)  in the areas of Early Childhood Education, and Special Education (Visual Impairments).  I had grown up skiing in Vail, and my dream was to grow up and move to Vail – or really close.  I began teaching students with visual impairments along the Western Slope of Colorado in the fall of 2010 and always find my work to be very rewarding.  In 2013, I earned my Certification as an Orientation and Mobility Instructor through the University of Northern Colorado thereby enabling me to fill my current role in the Colorado River BOCES, which is Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Certified Orientation and Mobility Instructor.

WHAT I DO

When a student with blindness or visual impairment requires specialized school services in order to access the school curriculum, I provided those services.  The Orientation and Mobility part of my role helps students with visual impairments develop safe travel skills and independence both in and around their schools, neighborhoods, communities, and surrounding areas.

MY FAMILY

I met my husband as a first year teacher in Eagle County in 2009.  We were married in June 2011, and that fall he took a job teaching 6th grade in a tiny town named Rifle, CO.  Together we set up house as newlyweds thinking we might stay a couple of years.  Ten years, six children, and two pets later, we are still here and happy to call Rifle our home.

Husband: Chris Miller, educator in Garfield RE2 Schools

Daughter: Tracey, age 7, a second grader and artist

Son: Howard, age 6, a kindergartener and athlete

Daughter: Caroline, age 6, a kindergartener and nurturer

Daughter: Lee Lee, age 4, a preschooler and director

Son: Hunter, age 2, a toddler and thrower

Son: Brady, age 7 months, a baby and smiler

MORE INFORMATION

     In our family’s opinion, Miner’s Claim (Silt) is the best restaurant in the area for dinner, and Order Up (Rifle) is the best place for breakfast or lunch.  As a family, we love Michigan football, Cardinals baseball, hunting, swimming, fishing, and taking family road trips.  We have taken our children on adventures in 31 states thus far.