Clarissa Willis is an author, consultant, and professional developmental specialist. She provides workshops, keynote addresses, and customized professional development nationally and internationally. In her spare time, she writes early childhood curricula, teacher resource books, and books for children. Anderson, the Ornithologist, tells the story of a young boy with autism who loves birds and, through that, learns to make a new friend. Released late in 2022, Fast As The Wind, The Story of Johnny Fry, First Pony Express Rider, won the Will Roger’s Medallion for Best Children’s Book about the American West (2022). Her latest book for teachers and parents, Fill Your Backpack with Evidence-Based Behavior Strategies, was released in September 2023.
She has a PhD in Early Childhood Special Education and embraces an inclusive learning environment for all learners. Her workshops and keynote addresses incorporate traditional learning styles and hands-on experiences. With over 30 years of experience as a teacher, curriculum development specialist, special educator, and author, she has presented nationally and internationally. Clarissa is the author of 19 teacher resource books, including Teaching Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Teaching Infants, Toddlers, and Twos with Special Needs. She wrote the special needs adaptation for the original Frog Street Press Pre-K program and is currently writing special needs adaptations for the Frog Street Press Threes Program.