Faculty & Staff
Administration, Research & Staff Employees
Christina Spencer is a native Floridian who was born in Sarasota, grew up in Tallahassee
and went to college in Jupiter. She graduated from the Honors College of Florida
Atlantic University with a BA in Liberal Arts and Sciences and a concentration in
Psychology. She then attended the American Jewish University (Los Angeles, CA) where
she was ordained as a rabbi and earned two Masters’ Degrees, a MA in Jewish Studies
and a MA in Education. Before coming to CARD-USF, Christina spent 15 years working
in education as a Director of Education for a congregation in El Paso, TX, a pre-K
teacher for Community Action Project, a HeadStart program in Tulsa, OK, and as a Kindergarten
teacher in Pasco County. Christina is a reading endorsed certified teacher for grades
Pre-K3 through 6 and a 2013 Teach for America alumna (Tulsa).
Christina also has experience in the healthcare field. She trained has an EMT in
Texas and worked as a Unit Secretary and Patient Care Technician at Hillcrest Medical
Center in Tulsa. Upon returning to Florida in 2023, Christina began a side career
in Home Health Care. She provides one-on-one care to patients with both physical
and cognitive limitations including those who are post-op, permanently disabled and/or
experiencing dementia. Throughout her years working in education and healthcare, Christina
has developed a passion for advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities
and their families. She is a strong believer in the importance of early intervention
and support. Currently, Christina works as a consultant for Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at USF.