Annie’s Page
By Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM
For more information on Annie Sullivan’s League—or to nominate a colleague for this award — click here.
Tina Gower: A Dedication to Inclusive Education
Tina Gower
“They have always been told, ‘You can’t, you can’t, you can’t,' and I said, 'You can, you can, you can,' and the opportunities opened up.” -Tina Gower, M. Ed.
With a heart for service and a passion for helping others find their path, Tina Gower exemplifies the spirit of the Annie Sullivan League. From a young age, Tina was drawn to people with disabilities, forming friendships in high school that would shape her life’s direction. Although she originally pursued a business degree, she quickly realized her true calling lay elsewhere. "I want to do something fun and where I'm helping people," Tina said. “Life is about helping others.”
“For her dedication to inclusive education, her leadership in Special Olympics, and her tireless efforts in empowering people with disabilities to live meaningful, self-directed lives, we are proud to welcome Tina Gower into the Annie Sullivan League.”
This core belief guided her into the field of special education—a decision she has never looked back on. Her work has since become a beacon of possibility for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) pursuing post-secondary education. As a program leader, Tina helps students audit college courses based on their unique interests—from veterinary technology to culinary arts to teacher preparation. She works with students as they study, helping them prepare for careers as teacher assistants in the school system. “College is the time for experience and discovery,” she explains. “So let’s see what we can come up with.”
Tina’s commitment to inclusion and opportunity extends beyond the classroom. She has been a long-time advocate and coach with Special Olympics, where she helps athletes with IDD build confidence, teamwork, and joy through sports. Whether supporting athletes on the field or students in the classroom, Tina meets every person with encouragement and belief in their potential. Her involvement in Special Olympics reinforces her holistic approach to empowerment—recognizing the importance of community, physical wellness, and meaningful relationships.
Whether it’s supporting students as they intern at animal hospitals and zoos or helping them navigate the complexities of higher education, Tina approaches her work with creativity, enthusiasm, and an unwavering commitment to her students’ success. “Hearing that our students got a job and are tickled about it—that’s the reward,” she shared. “They are hard workers, and people see that once they’re given the chance.”
Her advice to others reflects the heart of her work: “Find your connections in the community because they are there, and those connections will help lead you to your goals.”
For her dedication to inclusive education, her leadership in Special Olympics, and her tireless efforts in empowering people with disabilities to live meaningful, self-directed lives, we are proud to welcome Tina Gower into the Annie Sullivan League.
About the Author
Dr. Craig Escudé is a board-certified Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and President of IntellectAbility. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience providing medical care for people with IDD and complex medical and mental health conditions. He is the author of “Clinical Pearls in IDD Healthcare” and developer of the “Curriculum in IDD Healthcare,” an e-learning course used to train clinicians on the fundamentals of healthcare for people with IDD.