Article: Educational Resources Made Fun by Sharon daVanport

Educational Resources Made Fun
Written by Sharon daVanport
Direct Link: http://autismwomensnetwork.org/article/educational-resources-made-fun


Dr. Carolyn Fuentes of Cleveland, Ohio is easily recognizeable by her grounded and methodical demeanor. With a heartfelt passion for teaching, she can be found these days among the hallowed walls of Orange Education and Recreation. This is where she continues instructing students as their Private Computer Teacher. When she speaks of her life as a whole, she sums up much of her purpose into four parts,

"commitment to helping parents, schools, professionals, and helping my family to understand the life-long subject of autism."

Recently awarded: US Honor Society 2009, and an accomplished author, Dr. Fuentes' book Autism was reviewed by Skyhorse Publishing whereby they said,

“Carolyn Fuentes' book on autism is a useful, relevant compilation of the latest autism research as well as a helpful guide for those looking for an introduction to the causes, signs, treatments, and general background of autism.” ~Skyhorse Publishing

More information about Dr. Fuentes' book Autism can be found on her youteube video where she also includes updates about her son Aeric. As a Medical Researcher and Educational Computer Teacher, she utilizes her own personal experiences with her 22 year old autistic son Aeric as the inspiration of her life. A life which she has dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of the autism spectrum.


"Aeric was in SBH (severe behavior handicap) but was always awarded in Math. Later, in his middle school years, he decided himself to enter special classes. From that point on, Aeric kept a GPA 3.5 - 4.0 average because of his love for Math."

"Today, Aeric is very calm and pleasant natured, but still has strong autism characteristics that slows him down from time to time. He has matured into a young man who expresses creativity in many ways as well as being productive, loving, and caring of others," she says with pride.

During Aeric’s years in middle school, Dr. Fuentes began to create methods and learning games for him and his brother so they could better learn Algebra and other subjects. Soon, Dr. Fuentes placed these learning materials and games on Quia.com. Dr. Fuentes enthusiastically confirms she has created and developed over 23 learning materials, games, websites, and more.

Dr. Fuentes is currently tutoring Aeric with his Caterer Program Classes through Penn Foster College where he recently enrolled. Aeric enjoys sharing his music on his youtube channel: Life and Music with Aeric Smith - You can also visit Aeric on Myspace.

Being affiliated in the world of computers for over 20 years has provided Dr. Fuentes with numerous training opportunities to produce computer literacy for a diverse population of individuals which include some ABE, mainstream, ADD, ADHD, and Autism.

"I believe that every student is valuable, and creating learning materials which apply to each student is very rewarding as well," she said. Dr. Fuentes describes herself as a "Native Clevelander, and a forever technology career student."

She has achieved her education through traditional and non-traditional colleges. In technology, she taught at International Remington College and Orange Education and Recreation Center for elite communities. In technology and education, she has taught at Tri-C Community College-Eastern & Western Campus, Ford Motors, Inc., St. Jerome Catholic School K-8, and more since 2002.