Honoring a PhD student who loved her students with special needs with her whole heart

Anna Elizabeth Butler was dedicated, caring, and giving. She devoted her life to supporting children with special needs, along with their families. Only one semester away from graduating as a "Triple Dawg" with her PhD in Special Education from the Mary Frances Early College of Education, Anna's sudden passing in December 2020 from an acute asthma attack came as a shock to those that loved her and knew her.

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Anna was involved with the Center for Autism and Behavioral Education Research (CABER). She served as a Lead Teacher for three years and as Supervision Director for the CABER model classrooms for two years. She taught undergraduate courses at the University focused on autism and teaching methods. One of her favorite parts of being involved with CABER was her ability to supervise nearly 100 future teachers or behavior therapists. Anna enjoyed helping other students on their journey of becoming a BCBA and always offered her time to those that needed it.

In her masters program application, Anna wrote, “I live for serving others, and believe that the families need just as much support as the child with disabilities. I can only hope that I am able to continue my education in order to help these families and others like them.” Anna was making a tremendous difference in the lives of her students, as well as their families. Through your support of the Anna Elizabeth Butler Memorial Fund, you are helping create scholarships for future educators and therapists that will help Anna's legacy continue for many years to come.