Get in Touch
Welcome!
I’m Rute Mendes, an educator, occupational therapist, and inspiring leader with nearly 20 years of experience in building accessible, equitable, and inclusive learning environments. Throughout my career, I’ve led initiatives that empower educators, engage families, and center the voices of students - particularly those with diverse learning needs.
I’m passionate about fostering meaningful collaboration and cultivating a culture of belonging in schools. I invite you to explore the resources and insights I’ve developed and co-created with others to advance inclusive, strengths-based practices in education.
Featured Resources
Supporting Autistic Students
Developing Self-Awareness
Engagement & Learning
About Me
Educational Background
I am currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. My academic credentials include:
  • Master of Education in Administration, University of Manitoba, Canada.
  • Master of Education in International Education, Framingham State University, USA.
  • Post Baccalaureate Diploma, Rehabilitation Applied to Child Neurology, UNICAMP, SP/ Brazil.
  • Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, Pontífica Universidade Catolica de Goiás, Brazil.
  • Bachelor of Pedagogy, Federal University of Goiânia, Brazil.
Professional Journey
  • From early childhood education in Brazil to inclusion consulting in Canada, my diverse experiences have enriched my perspective and teaching methods.
  • Committed to fostering inclusive, data-driven educational practices.
  • Experience as Inclusion Consultant in Public Schools, Winnipeg - MB/ Canada.
  • With a Master’s Degrees in Education Administration (U of M) and International Education (Framingham University), I have an exceptional understanding of curriculum for diverse and multicultural students.
  • With Bachelor Degrees in Education and Occupational Therapy, and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Neurological Rehabilitation for Young Children, I am knowledgeable in inclusion, children development, assessments, strategic planning and differentiation for learners in all tiers of ability, and especially for learners with specific individual needs.
Personal and Professional Philosophy
1
Key Beliefs
I firmly believe in the transformative power of education, community support, and opportunities. Growing up with limited resources, I understand firsthand the impact of opportunities in shaping one's reality.
2
Teachers' Role
Teachers are pivotal in shaping students' identity and dreams. A shared vision among educators and school leaders is crucial to instill a collective sense of purpose in fostering students' success.
3
Learning Environment
Safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments are essential for effective learning. Accessibility is part of making schools inclusive and collaboration among students, parents, and educators is vital for success.
"Education does not change the world. Education changes people. People change the world."
Paulo Freire.
Explore My Journey
1
Current Roles
I am a devoted mom and wife, with my family being my number one priority. Alongside my family commitments, I serve in the following professional roles:
  • Coordinator of Student Services, St. James-Assiniboia School Division (Aug 2024 – Present): Leading initiatives in differentiated instruction, universal design, and curriculum assessment to support diverse learners.
  • Sessional Instructor/ Undergrad and Post-bac, University of Winnipeg (Sep 2022 – Present): Teaching and mentoring educators with a focus on inclusion, assessment, collaboration, and evidence-based practices.
2
Previous Roles
  • Inclusion Support Services Consultant, Winnipeg School Division (2023–2024): Provided professional development on inclusive teaching strategies, customized classroom support for diverse low-enrollment programs, and consultation services for divisional staff.
  • Student Service Support Teacher, Winnipeg School Division (2021–2023): supported classroom teachers with inclusive assessment, student specific plans, and curriculum modification.
  • Autism Program Teacher, Isaac Brock School (2020–2021): Designed and implemented tailored student specific plans for autistic students.
  • Resource Teacher, Clifton School (2019–2020): Created engaging resources and provided direct classroom support and school resources.
  • Elementary School Teacher, Winnipeg School Division (2018–2019): Focused on differentiated instruction and student specific learning plans for kindergarten and grade 1 students with behaviour and communication challenges.
  • School Coordinator, Maple Bear Canadian School (2012–2016): Supported classroom teachers and educational assistants from pre-nursery to grade 5
  • Early Years Teacher, Saint Francis College (2007–2012): Implemented the IB/PYP Curriculum with a focus on interactive and play-based learning.
  • Volunteer Worker, Orpington Town Church (2005–2006): Supported outreach programs for children in underserved communities in Orpington, UK.
  • Trainee Occupational Therapist, Instituto Pestalozzi (2003–2004): Provided services to children with diverse needs and presented research internationally.
Leadership and Innovation
Student Programming Development
Developed resources for a diverse range of students with special needs
Evidence-Based Decision Making
Developed and implemented evidence-based strategies to tailor instruction for optimal learning outcomes in autistic students.
Professional Training
Led professional training sessions on universal design, differentiation and inclusion.
Professional Portfolio
Certifications
Manitoba Teaching Certification & Manitoba Certificate in School Leadership
Teaching & Leadership
Master of Education, Educational Administration University of Manitoba
Master of Education, International Education Framingham University
Occupational Therapy & Rehabilitation
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Neurological Rehabilitation for Young Children
Leadership
Four years of experience as a school administrator, with a strong ability to collaboratively establish and implement school goals
Collaboration
Experienced in working within school and clinical support teams, providing guidance to teachers, educational assistants, and support staff
Expertise
Skilled in assessing student needs, developing individualized educational programs, and creating student-specific plans
Resources and Professional Development for Educators
Structured Environments
Creating classroom environments with visual supports tailored for students with autism.
Professional Development
Leading professional development for educators and educational assistants on effective strategies for teaching students with diverse needs.
Tailored Teaching Methods
Implementing specialized teaching approaches to support diverse learners to be successful.
Inclusive and Educational Learder
Online Resources
Developing comprehensive online resources for students, parents and school teams.
School Environment
Creating safe learning spaces for students in educational settings, suporting accessibility and appropriate programming.
Visuals and School Resources
Designing visuals and educational resources for school administrators, classroom teachers and educational assistants.
Professional Development
Presenting engaging educational professional development for school teams, including educators, educational assistants and parents.
Contact Information
Whether you're a parent seeking educational support, a school administrator looking to strengthen your school team to better program for autistic students, or a fellow professional interested in discussing best practices, I welcome the opportunity to connect.
Please feel free to reach out via phone, email, or through the contact form on my website. I'm committed to responsive and transparent communication, and look forward to discussing how I can be of assistance.
Connect with Me:
  • Name: Rute O. Mendes
  • Email: rutemendesbr@gmail.com
  • Phone: (204) 894-9321