Dr. Vicki L Mingin began her special education career in Tampa, Florida, at the University of South Florida, where she had the unique experience of building playgrounds for students with disabilities as part of a Federal grant. After obtaining her master's and educational specialist degrees, Dr. Mingin began working with students with emotional disabilities at a residential treatment center. She returned to New York, where she taught 7th and 8th-grade students who were placed in a special education (self-contained) class in a public middle school. After being appointed Elementary Special Education Coordinator, Dr. Mingin obtained her New York state certification as a building and district administrator. Next, she was appointed as the Executive Director of Special Education in a public school district, a job she held for 20 years. While in the director role, Dr. Mingin earned her doctorate at Hofstra University. Her dissertation, titled Study of One District's Use of Root Causes Analysis, took an in-depth look at the disproportionate classification and placement of students of color in special education. After retiring as the Director, Dr. Mingin continued to work at SUNY College at Old Westbury and part-time at St. Joseph's University. She then returned to Florida, where it all began, and worked for two years as a Special Education Resource Specialist for grades k- 12. She has always and continue to have a passion for understanding, implementing, and sharing with staff how to effectively implement the laws and regulations to best serve students with disabilities and their families.