“SENIA, is seeing rapid worldwide growth and along with the transformation of SENIA (Asia) to SENIA International, we needed a dynamic educational leader to continue to push SENIA’s mission/vision,”  said Kate Balsamo, SENIA’s Board Chair. “Lori Boll’s long record of advocating for students in the special needs community along with her personal family connection to autism, made her an obvious candidate.”

Lori is no stranger to SENIA. She attended her first conference in 2010 and organized the SENIA 2011 conference in Shanghai, China. She and six others formed SENIA’s first board, of which she has been a member for the past nine years. 

Lori is currently finishing her work as the Intensive Learning Needs teacher at International School Bangkok, a program she created with support from the school. Although she is sad to leave her classroom, she is excited to help lead SENIA in its work worldwide advocating for the support and resources required to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. 

About SENIA

SENIA was started by a group of international school teachers in China in 2002. The goal was to create a support network for teachers and other professionals working with children with special educational needs in Asia. SInce then, SENIA has expanded to a global association of educators, professionals, and parents with chapters in Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and South America. SENIA is currently an FIGT Silver Sponsor.

About Lori Boll

Lori Boll is an experienced Special Education leader with a personal connection to individuals with disabilities.

In 2003, Lori’s son Braden was diagnosed with profound autism. This milestone event changed her focus from teaching elementary students to advocating for all children and their education with a focus on meaningful inclusion.

In Shanghai, China Lori worked as a principal for a small school for children with special needs and went on to co-found the first inclusive school in the city. Currently Lori is running the Intensive Needs Program which opened up at International School Bangkok in 2017.

Lori has two graduate degrees; one in Reading Education and the other in Special Education and has been teaching for over twenty-five years in international schools, including American International School Riyadh, Jakarta International School, and Concordia International School, as well as in the United States in California and Colorado.