Dr. Monica Lepore
- Title: Professor
- Location: Sturzebecker HSC 306
- Email: MLepore@wcupa.edu
- Phone: 610-436-2516
Philosophy
I am committed to empowerment of people with disabilities to have full opportunities in every aspect of life. My goals are to educate college students to provide inclusive physical activity opportunities to children and adults with disabilities.
Education
- West Chester University M.Ed. in Special Education 2015
- New York University Ed.D. in Leadership in Adapted Physical Education 1991 Dissertation: Training aquatics instructors to teach individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury
- University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse M.S. in Adapted Physical Education 1979 Thesis: Posture remediation and adults with developmental disabilities
- College of Mt. St. Vincent and Manhattan College B.S. in Physical Education 1978
- Lehman College (1974-76) Major: Physical Education
Research Interests
- Instructor Training: Aquatics for Individuals with Disabilities
- Inclusive Postsecondary Higher Education: Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Publications
- Lieberman, L.J., Lepore, M., Lepore-Stevens, M., Ball, L. (2019). Physical education for children who are visually impaired or blind. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 90(1)).
- Lepore, M., Haibach-Beach, P., Pierce, T., Lieberman, L. (2017-2018). Authored and Directed three videos on including children who are blind or visually impaired into cross country running, track and field, and swimming.
- Arnhold, P. & Lepore, M. (2016). "Aquatics". Chapter 25 in Adapted Physical Education and Sport. J. Winnick & D. L. Poretta (eds.) Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Pub.
- Lepore, M., Columna, L. and Friedlander, L. (2015). Aquatic Assessments and Activities: Six Levels of Differentiations. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.
- Lepore, M. & Lepore-Stevens, M. (2014). Physical activity for children with Albinism in Raising a Child with Albinism. National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation, East Hampstead, NH: NOAH.
- Lieberman, L.J., Hagel, J., and Lepore, M. (2014). Camp Abilities as a model for service: Physical Activity for Students who are blind or visually impaired. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness.
- Lieberman, L.J., Hagel, J., and Lepore, M. (2014). Camp Abilities: A sports camp for children with visual impairments. Palaestra.
- Ellis, M.K., Lepore, M., & Lieberman, L.J. (2012). Effect of practicum experiences on pre-professional physical education teachers’ intentions toward teaching students with disabilities in general physical education classes. Revista Brasileira de Educacao Especial. 18(3), 361-374
Grants
- Dream Partnership/ACES Grant Award ($25,000) 2018 - Lepore, M., Verden, C.
- Dream Partnership/ACES Grant Award ($60,000) 2017 - Lepore, M., Verden, C., Murphy, C., Norris, B. - Inclusive Higher Education Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities: RAM Initiative
Certifications/Awards
- West Chester University Service Learning Teaching Excellence Award 2018
- Dream Partnership/ACES Grant Award ($25,000) 2018 - Lepore, M., Verden, C.
- Chester County Down Syndrome Interest Group Community Partner of the Year 2018
- Dream Partnership/ACES Grant Award ($60,000) 2017 - Lepore, M., Verden, C., Murphy, C., Norris, B. - Inclusive Higher Education Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities: RAM Initiative
- Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance 2017 Recreation Professional of the Year (shared with L. Lieberman for Camp Abilities) 2017
- West Chester University Sabbatical Award (for 2018) 2016
- West Chester University College of Health Sciences Sturzebecker Hall of Fame Award 2013
- West Chester University Legacy of Leadership Award 2010
- West Chester University Civility Award 2009
- Greater West Chester Sunrise Rotary Club Leader of Distinction Award 2008
- Educator 500 Award from The 3E Institute 2006
- Adapted Physical Education Professional of the Year: Pennsylvania State Association for 2006 Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance
- Adapted Physical Education Professional of the Year Award: American Association for Physical Activity and 2006 Recreation, Adapted Physical Activity Council
- Delaware County Down Syndrome Interest Group Professional of the Year Award 2005
- AAALF/AAHPERD Honor Award 2005
- Aquatics International Journal Top 100 Aquatics Professional Designation 2003 & 2004
- AAALF/AAHPERD Aquatic Council Service Award 2001
- International Swimming Hall of Fame Adapted Aquatics Award 2001
- State of Pennsylvania House of Representatives Citation 1997
Memberships
- SHAPE America
- Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Adapted Activities Committee
- National Consortium for Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities
- International Swimming Hall of Fame
- Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, Adapted Physical Education Advisory Committee