Laura provides a wide range of services for children with special needs and their families.

For Parents with Children with Special Needs

Navigating life with a child with special needs has its challenges. Laura can support you. Whether you just received a diagnosis or are going through a particular transition (such as graduating elementary to middle school or moving to a new home), Laura provides strategies and solves problems to improve well-being and quality of life at school, at home, and in your community. You know your child better than anyone else, and Laura listens to parents and children. When she works with your family, Laura brings her knowledge and experience from working with thousands of children with special needs for over forty years. She can help you understand how your child experiences the world.  

Laura is available for problem-solving, consulting, and coaching on a short-term (one or two sessions) or on a recurring basis.

Executive Function Coaching

Laura works with children of all ages through young adults in college, across skill levels, on their organization, planning, and time management. She helps them understand what their assignments require and supports them in completing assignments fully.

Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans

Developing IEPs and 504 Plans specifically for your child is one of Laura’s greatest strengths and areas of expertise. She uses all of the available information, such as formal testing, observations, parent and teacher reports, and anecdotes, to ensure that the goals address what your child needs. Typically, IEPs and 504 Plans are written by the public school systems, and Laura reviews the Program/Plan (in draft or finalized form) and provides feedback to parents and school teams so that any necessary revisions can be made. Laura is also available, upon request, to write the draft Program/Plan. Once the IEPs or 504 Plans are finalized and implemented, the school system provides periodic progress reports. Laura reviews these reports and, if necessary, obtains additional information from school teams to ensure your child is developing skills and accessing curriculum.

Diagnostic and Educational Testing

Laura is an experienced evaluator with a honed diagnostic eye. She uses information from parents and teachers, formal and informal testing, and her own observations during testing to discover how children learn, what their strengths and needs are, and what skills need to be taught in order for them to access curriculum and be successful in school. Laura prepares comprehensive written reports for parents and school teams, including findings, impressions, and recommendations.

Observations

Because children’s strengths and needs are best observed in their schools, homes, and communities, Laura observes her clients in their typical environments. This allows her to see firsthand how children are able to use their skills and what areas need to be supported. The information gained from observations can also contribute to the development of IEPs/504 Plans, school placement recommendations, and referrals to community service providers.

School Placement

Laura’s clients attend public, private/independent, nonpublic, and parochial schools. Her extensive knowledge of the schools in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia allows her to advise parents about appropriate programs for them to consider. 

Referrals to Community Service Providers

Laura works collaboratively with speech/language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, therapeutic and behavioral coaches, psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, developmental pediatricians, and tutors. When a referral is needed, Laura has an extensive network of colleagues who can provide additional support to children and families. 

Consultation and Follow-up

Laura consults and follows up with school teams and community service providers to monitor your child’s progress. 

Understanding Special Education

Are you new to the special education process?  Do you want more information? Learn about the process of evaluation, eligibility, development of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans, placement, and progress monitoring. After over four decades, Laura is an expert in the delivery of special education services across school systems, especially in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

For Educators and Administrators

Laura provides training and consultation services in school settings, including mainstream and special education schools, for teachers, staff, and administrators. Please contact Laura if you are interested in training or consultation for your school or group.