Dr. Noonan coordinates the Graduate Teacher Preparation Program for Students with Severe Disabilities and the Ph.D. in Education Program, Exceptionalities Specialization, at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She has been the director of several early childhood special education grants as well as teacher education and leadership training grants. She has worked extensively as a consultant throughout the Pacific Basin region and is the author of many articles and chapters concerning early childhood special education and teaching students who have severe disabilities.