Executive Director – Blossom IDD
Hi everyone, my name is Samantha Bear! I was born and raised in the North Shore of Milwaukee, Fox Point area, and went to a Nicolet High School. I had the pleasure of attending Marquette University my freshman year of college, then transferring to UW-Milwaukee where I received my B.A. in Cross-Categorical education for individuals with disabilities ages 12-21+. Along with that I received a special certification for Autism Spectrum Disorders. After working in MPS, living and teaching in Israel, and moving back stateside, I started my masters with Loyola University of Chicago. While working as the lead transition teacher for Menomonee Falls High School, I completed my M.A. in International Higher Education with a sub focus of disabilities in higher education globally. For four years I worked at Bethesda College at Concordia University WI; focusing in on enhancing independent living skills and community integration for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As of September 1, 2021, I have shifted from education to the non-profit sector working as the Executive Director of Blossom IDD and run the Cedarburg Mercantile; both of which support individuals with disabilities. Along with that, in August of 2023 I started my Doctorate in Education with a focus on Higher Education Teacher and Learning with my research topic centered around global best practices in transition for people with IDD. In my spare time I love to hang out with my buddy through the Best Buddies WI organization and do respite care for individuals in the community. I love to volunteer a ton with a local food pantry and serve on their board, work with individuals trapped in the street life due to homelessness or human trafficking, travel-as much as possible, and hang out with my cat and recently (2) adopted dogs at home in Bayview! Fun fact about me, I speak 6 languages!