Dr. Melinda Shane
Biography
Visiting College Assistant Professor
Counseling & Educational Psychology
(575) 646-3431
Dr. Melinda Bennett Shane is a school psychologist, educational diagnostician, and special educator with over 30 years of experience in assessment, intervention, and special education practice in Texas and New Mexico. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education with specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders from New Mexico State University.
Dr. Shane has served as adjunct faculty at New Mexico State University and the University of Texas at El Paso, teaching in Special Education, Counseling and Educational Psychology, and the Center for English Programs. She is also a credentialed mediator, working with the New Mexico Public Education Department to mediate and facilitate educational disputes across the state of New Mexico.
Her lifelong work is dedicated to improving special education services, advocating for students and families, and mentoring future school psychologists.
Research Interests:
- Autism across settings – examining ASD’s impact at home, school, and work.
- Family dynamics – exploring relationships and impacts in families of children with disabilities.
- Intervention effectiveness – evaluating programs that support children with disabilities.
- Educator well-being – strategies to reduce stress and improve career longevity.
- Mediation in special education – using methods of alternative dispute resolution to reduce behavioral and special education referrals.
Academic Background:
Ph.D. in Special Education, New Mexico State University
