Individual Members

JORDAN S. ABRAMSON, MA
Abramson Tutoring
706 Market Street East, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
202-262-9695
Jordan@abramsontutoring.com
www.abramsontutoring.com
Services: The finest academic coaching, study skills mentoring, and reading, writing and math tutoring is available for middle, high school and college students with learning differences. Organization, time management, and research skills are developed through modeling and the Socratic method. Distance learning and coaching is available for students away at college. For more information please visit www.abramson.com.
Biography: Jordan S. Abramson holds a master's degree in education from Villanova and a BFA in painting from Tyler School of Art. He was a classroom teacher for 9 years and has been tutoring since 1993. He has been nominated Wal-Mart teacher of the year, and was twice recognized by the Washington Post for outstanding programs in education. Jordan is the author of 5 books that are available at major book stores, and is a member of the National Council on Teaching Mathematics.


JOEL ADLER, Psy.D.
Assessment Associates
7013-A Brookville Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-951-5666, Fax 301-951-3339
Ajheadman@aol.com
www.joeladler.com
Services: Specializing ADHD/LD and other comprehensive psychological testing; Pre-admissions testing for independent private schools; Children, adolescence and adult individual short and long-term psychotherapy; socialization groups for children with ADHD and other developmental challenges; Eating disorder and self-mutilation treatments with pre-teen and teens; Parenting consultation; School and community lectures and presentations; sports psychology interventions; individual supervision.
Biography: Psy.D., M.A., California School of Professional Psychology. M.T.S., Harvard Divinity School; B.A., Alfred University; Pre-doctoral training at Student Health Services, San Diego State University and San Diego City College; 5 years experience in a multidisciplinary developmental practice, working in conjunction with pediatric PTs, OTs, neurologists, speech and language pathologists and LD specialists; 6 years as Director of Assessment Associates; Guest lecturer in D.C. area colleges; past adjunct professor at Queens College, Charlotte, NC.


STEPHANIE J. ARTHUR, M.A.
Educational Therapist
1122 Guilford Court, McLean, VA 22101
703-749-1649, Fax: 703-940-2340
educationaltheraphy@cox.net
Services: Analysis, educational planning, remediation and case management for students with learning disabilities (LD, NLD, ADD/ADHD). Interpretation and coordination of test results to create a comprehensive educational plan. Work individually with students using a variety of resources and strategies (Lindamood-Bell, Phonographix, Read Naturally, etc.) to strengthen skills needed to succeed in school and beyond. Create a structured, supportive environment to bolster self-confidence. All facets of case management and support including advocating for services, attendance at IEP meetings and coordination of professional services.
Biography: Stephanie Arthur has been a classroom teacher for over twenty years. During her career as an educator, she has taught students in elementary school, high school, and at the university level. She has experience as a special educator having taught at the Lab School of Washington. She is presently an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education at American University where she teaches reading. She has a Masters Degree in Special Education: Learning Disabilities from American University as well as a Masters Degree in French Language and Literature from the University of Maryland. She received her B.A. in Drama and Theater from the University of Hawaii. Allied Member of the Association of Educational Therapists. She is currently in private practice.


CRYSTAL MARCUS AUGUST, LCSW, BCD
4940 Hampden Lane, Suite 210, Bethesda, MD 20814
301-951-0408, Fax: 301-657-4268
cjaugust2005@comcast.net
Services: Psychotherapy with adolescents and adults and organizational consulting. Modalities include individual, group, couples, and family counseling. Specialize in adoption issues, depression, and adults with learning disabilities.
Biography: B.A. Barnard College 1973. MSW Boston University 1978. Have worked in various settings including the adolescent unit of the Psychiatric Institute of Montgomery County. Currently in private practice.


KATHERINE G. MAXWELL BAKER, MS, CCC
Speech/Language Pathologist
1701 N. Quaker Lane, Suite 207, Alexandria, VA 22302
703-888-9385
kmaxwellslp@gmail.com
Services: Diagnosis and treatment for children ages 2-18 with articulation disorders, language delays, fluency disorders, and auditory processing disorders. This practice also provides therapy for children with reading delays including dyslexia and comprehension delays using a variety of proven reading programs, as well as assistance in the areas of executive function, organization, and time management. Parents are a vital part of therapy and are encouraged to ask questions and observe if they would like. Progress updates are continuous during the course of therapy so that parents can complete carry over activities with children at home when prescribed.
Biography: M.S. James Madison University, B.S. College of William and Mary. National Rehabilitation Hospital, Stroke and Brain Injury, 1 year; Alexandria City Public Schools, 4 years; Pediatric Private Practice, 5 years. Fully certified and licensed.


JEAN H. BALDWIN, M.A. CEP
Educational Consultant, Certified Educational Planner
4921 Tilden St., NW, Washington, DC 20016
202-363-0513, Home: 202-363-0513, Fax: 202-364-2667
baldwinconsult@mac.com
www.jeanbaldwin.com
Services: Independent School advising and referral for preschool through high school age students. Services offered include educational and admission testing, assessment of learning style, evaluation of appropriate grade placement, recommendations of appropriate independent schools, individual guidance through the admission process, and long term educational planning. The services focus on an individualized, personal approach to each child, student and family. Significant time is spent visiting and assessing day schools locally and boarding schools throughout the United States.
Biography: A professional in the field of Independent School admission since 1988 and an independent consultant since 1999. Former Director of Lower School Admission at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School, previously affiliated with Georgia K. Irvin, and Associates. B.A. Purdue University, M.A. Marymount University. Memberships include IECA (former Board member), AICEP (former Commissioner), SSATB, ERB, and ACCESS.


JUDITH S. BASS, CEP
Bass Educational Services, LLC
4229 Cherry Valley Drive, Olney, MD 20832
8304 Old Courthouse Rd. Suite B, Vienna, VA 22182
301-774-5211 Fax: 240-220-0654
info@basseducationalservices.com
www.BassEducationalServices.com
Services: We offer comprehensive college planning services for high school students with learning differences, beginning as early as freshman year. Families are guided throughout the college selection and admissions process. Services include preparation of a detailed and personalized college list; assistance with college visits, interviews, applications, and essays; review of psychoeducational testing and recommendations for college level accommodations; suggestions regarding high school course selection, extracurricular and community service activities, and standardized testing (SAT/ACT); assistance in fostering independence and developing selfadvocacy skills.
Biography: Certified Educational Planner; over 30 years experience in the field of education as an educator, tutor, admissions counselor, and educational consultant. Extensive experience working with students with a range of learning disabilities and attention disorders. BA Stony Brook University; Certificate in College Counseling, UCLA; Montessori Teaching Credential, American Montessori Society. Member of IECA, HECA, PCACAC, NACAC, ACCESS, C.H.A.D.D., LDA, Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities Association (NLDA), and Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA). In practice as an educational consultant since 2001.


SUSAN S. BAUMAN, LCSW-C, BCD
10400 Connecticut Ave., Suite 303, Kensington, MD 20895
301-933-9890
Services: Psychosocial diagnostic evaluations and psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Individual, conjoint, group and family therapy. Supervision and consultation with other mental health and educational professionals.
Biography: Graduate training at Columbia and Howard Universities, Yale Psychiatric Institute and the Hampstead Clinic. Work experience: Children’s Hospital Department of Psychiatry, 1965-70; Potomac Foundation for Mental Health, 1970-75; Private Practice, 1975-present.


ALEXANDRA BEYDA
Academic Tutor and Mentor
7500 Woodmont Ave #316, Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 448-8823
alexandrabeyda@aol.com
Services: Specialize in tutoring students K-10 with learning or emotional disabilities in the following subjects: Special Needs Reading and Writing, Language Arts, Math, Organizational and Study Skills. Focus on helping students achieve self-advocacy skills, academic confidence and a positive view of education. Facilitate an open communication between students, their parents, and the school.
Biography: M.A. Special Education in Learning Disabilities, 2008, American University; B.A. Elementary Education, 2005, Rollins College; District of Columbia Educator Certificate: Special Education K-12; Maryland Educator Certificate: General Special Education 1-8/6-adult. During the 2009-2010 school year served as the Special Educator at Parkmont School. Previously worked with Patti Murphy and Associates home schooling and tutoring students with special needs by developing the most effective curriculum for each student. Currently the Program Chair and Parent Advisor for Learning Disability Association of Montgomery County.


ROSS BLANKENSHIP, J.D.
Founder, Top Test Prep
1027 33rd St. NW Suite 140, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 338-5981
director@toptestprep.com
www.toptestprep.com
Services: As an admissions expert and educational consultant, Ross Blankenship helps students and parents decide which school is the best fit, and gives families strategies to get into top schools such as private schools (K-12), colleges and graduate schools. In addition, Ross Blankenship helps families with everything from mock interviews, application reviews, essay reviews, admission strategy sessions, and resume building.
Biography: Ross attended Cornell University and Washington University School of Law. Ross has a tremendous amount of experience in higher education. He assisted with Cornell recruiting and admissions and is an active member of the Cornell Alumni Association, serving as former Vice President of the Cornell Annual Fund. Ross also was elected to Cornell's Educational Policy Committee and Academic Integrity Hearing Board. Ross also serves as the Chairman of the Private School Advisory Board. For more information, or to work with Ross Blankenship, call (202) 338-5987 or visit TopTestPrep.com.


JODY BLEIBERG, PH.D.
Bethesda Neuropsychology
9515 Linden Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20814
301) 493-4198, Fax: (301) 493-4198
jody.bleiberg@bethesdaneuropsychology.com
Services: Neuropsychological, Psychoeducational, Psychological, and Independent School Admission Evaluations. Co-founder Bethesda Neuropsychology with her husband, an internationally recognized neuropsychologist and expert in concussion and mild traumatic brain injury. Particular interest in neuropsychological evaluations of children through young adults having cognitive, educational, psychiatric, and family/social issues leading to comprehensive treatment recommendations. Drs. Bleiberg personally complete all testing to assure careful observation and individualized assessment, emphasizing making evaluations and recommendations understandable and useable. On-going involvement with families.
Biography: Licensed: Maryland, D.C.. Dual Certified: Clinical Psychology and School Psychology. Received Ph.D., Clinical Psychology (APAapproved), Northwestern University, 1990; M.Ed., School Psychology, Boston State College, 1979; B.A., Psychology, Boston University, 1976. Clinical Psychology Internship (APA-approved), Veterans Administration Hospital, Washington, D.C; Pre-doctoral internships at Chicago Institute of Psychiatry; School Psychology Internships, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Neuropsychology Laboratory, Boston and Chicago area school systems. Memberships: American Psychological Association (APA), National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, GTLD Network of Montgomery County, International Dyslexia Association, Mental Health Association. Married 33 years and mother of four teenagers.


KRISTEN BOSLEY, M.ED.
Educational Consultant
Early Years, LLC
3501 Wood Pile Ct., Alexandria, VA 22310
703-304-2992
earlyyears@cox.net
Services: Provides educational consulting services specializing in the area of early childhood special education, ages birth to 5. Services include one on one tutoring in home or school, record review and IEP meeting attendance/ advocacy, transition services form preschool to kindergarten, and social skill/ play groups. This practice also does teacher trainings and in-services on a variety of special educations topics, including but not limited to co-teaching, benefits of inclusion, positive behavior management, and developmentally appropriate classroom design. I also work very closely with the families. Regularly scheduled progress reports are discussed with parents and other outside providers so that there is consistency and carry-over of the specific techniques/goals.
Biography: M.Ed., Early Childhood Special Education George Mason University, B.S., Psychology, Mary Washington College, St. Coletta of Greater Washington, 2 years, Fairfax County Public Schools, Preschool Autism Program, 3 years, MOPS Inclusion preschool program, 4 years, private practice 1 year. Fully licensed Birth – 5 years.


ANN BOYER, Ph.D. - BOARD MEMBER
Tutors’ Forum LLC
P.O. Box 393, McLean, VA 22101
703-821-6635, Fax: 703-821-6636
annbboyer@aol.com
Services: Tutors’ Forum specializes in LD/ADHD. Our personalized, comprehensive service offers one-to-one, tutoring in home or at school, as well as Case Management. Tutors are professional educators, who are carefully selected on the basis of their qualifications, experience and interpersonal skills. K-adult. Phonics, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Spelling, Math, Executive Function, Foreign Languages and Test Preparation (SSAT, SAT, GED, GRE).
Biography: B.A. University of London. M.A. and Ph.D. University of East Anglia, Norwich, England. Bi-lingual English/French. Kingsbury trained (1985). Twenty-two years experience of specialized tutoring and tutor coordinating in the Washington area. Founded Tutors’ Forum LLC in August 2000.


CHERYL BREGMAN, M.S., OTR/L
Occupational Therapy Services
6179 Executive Boulevard, Rockville MD 20852
301-881-3540
www.miwtherapy.com cheryl@miwtherapy.com
Services: As a pediatric occupational therapist, I provide assessment and treatment for individuals with learning disabilities, ADHD, fine and gross motor coordination disorders as well as other neurological conditions. My specific clinical interests include: multisensory handwriting and keyboarding instruction, listening therapies and developmental gymnastics.
Biography: After completing my B.S. in occupational therapy in 1994, I worked at the Lab School of Washington. I completed a masters degree in Technology in Special Education at Johns Hopkins University in 2003. For the past decade I have been in private practice. During this period, I have also authored a handwriting workbook, Move into Writing, and developed a software application for treating dysgraphia.


RUTH M. BRODSKY, Ed.D.
Ruth Brodsky Consulting, LLC
2012 Serpentine Terrace, Silver Spring, MD 20904
301-509-8065 Fax: 301-236-9577 (Must call ahead)
ruth@ruthbrodskyconsulting.com
Services: Comprehensive college services: review of test reports, IEPs/504 Plans, student interviews about strengths, interests, suggestions for coursework, community service and activities to broaden student opportunities, discussions about college entrance exams, creation of a customized list of colleges to fit the student’s profile, practice with assistive technologies, assistance with college essays, preparation for interviews, and rehearsal of self-advocacy strategies. Educational services: IEP review, suggestions for school-based services, introduction to assistive technologies, and assistance with the special education process.
Biography: Dr. Brodsky received a B.S., M.Ed., Ed.S., and Ed.D. in special education at University of Maryland and George Washington University. Her specialty areas include learning disabilities and ADHD, transition to post-secondary options, and educational advocacy and leadership. For more than 30 years, Dr. Brodsky has taught in both the public and private sector, working in K-12 settings, and supervised and mentored new teachers in a large urban school system. Dr. Brodsky has taught at local universities, working with undergraduate and graduate students who were studying to become teachers. She volunteers in the community as a mentor to young adults in their future pursuits. Professional memberships include: IECA; C-AHEAD; CEC- Divisions of Learning Disabilities, Gifted Education, Career Development and Transition; CHADD; LDA-MC; NCLD, and AEGUS.


BROOKE H. BRODY, LCSW-C, LCADC
Program Director, Potomac Pathways
15720 Seneca Rd., Darnestown (Germantown), MD 20874
301-987-PATH (7284); Fax: 240-246-7851
brooke@potomacpathways.org
Services: Potomac Pathways offers psychotherapy services for teens, young adults and families including: individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy, comprehensive substance abuse assessments, and school advocacy for students with learning differences. Potomac Pathways Aftercare is an outpatient recovery and relapse prevention program for teens who are returning home after attending residential therapeutic programs including outdoor behavioral health programs, such as wilderness therapy programs.
Biography: Brooke is a licensed clinical social worker in the states of Maryland, and also a licensed clinical drug and alcohol counselor. He received his master's degree in social work from West Virginia University. His areas of specialization have been in the area of therapy with adolescents and young adults and their families, substance abuse treatment, advocacy for students with learning differences, and treatment of mood disorders. Brooke has worked with wilderness therapy programs out west as well as residential therapeutic programs for adolescents. He has also worked in Montgomery County, MD for several years as a clinical social worker with adjudicated and homeless youth. He has post-graduate training in numerous areas that affect the treatment of adolescents and young adults including: training in the understanding of learning differences with the All Kinds of Minds Institute; relapse prevention therapy (with Terrance Gorski and the Gorski CENAPS program); brief hypnotic psychotherapy (with the Milton Erikson Institute). Brooke is an avid hiker and photographer, and combines these two pursuits on regular excursions to national parks and wilderness areas.


LEIGH ANN CAHILL – BOARD MEMBER
Independent School Options
1015 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA 22302
703-671-8316
lacahill@independentschooloptions.org
www.independentschooloptions.org
Services: Leigh Ann Cahill provides educational consulting and school placement for children entering Kindergarten through 12th grade. Preschool services are also offered through Independent School Options along with referrals for specialized educational therapies, tutoring and legal assistance.
Biography: Leigh Ann Cahill is an educational consultant in the D.C. metro area. Leigh Ann began her teaching career in the Fairfax County Public Schools and then moved to The Potomac School in McLean. She has also been the director of the Counselor Intern Program for high school students since 1997. In 2000, Leigh Ann established Independent School Options to help families determine and provide for the educational needs of their children. Along with serving on the Board of Directors for The Auburn School, Leigh Ann is also the treasurer for WISER, and is a member of IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) and the ADHD Resource Group of Northern Virginia. She holds a B.A. degree from The College of William and Mary and a Masters in Education from George Mason University.


SUE COOK CHRISTAKOS, JD
Bass Educational Services, LLC
4229 Cherry Valley Drive, Olney, MD 20832
8296 Old Courthouse Rd. Suite C, Vienna, VA 22182
301-774-5211 Fax: 240-220-0654
info@basseducationalservices.com
www.BassEducationalServices.com
Services: We offer comprehensive college planning services for high school students with learning differences, beginning as early as freshman year. Families are guided throughout the college selection and admissions process. Services include preparation of a detailed and personalized college list; assistance with college visits, interviews, applications, and essays; review of psychoeducational testing and recommendations for college level accommodations; suggestions regarding high school course selection, extracurricular and community service activities, and standardized testing (SAT/ACT); assistance in fostering independence and developing self-advocacy skills.
Biography: Sue Cook Christakos is a former attorney who, in this capacity, drafted policy pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She has also served as a reading tutor for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), and contributed her time as an MCPS parent surrogate, wherein she advocated for students pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). Sue currently works as a college counselor for students with learning differences, assisting them and their families during the college selection process to find the right "college fit". She has a BA in Psychology from Bucknell University, a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center, and is an associate member of IECA.


NANCY D. COLLETTA, Ph.D.
5225 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 313, Washington, DC 20015
202-966-7189, Fax: 202-244-3919
ndcolletta@verizon.net
Services: Psychotherapy for infants and children up to twelve years of age. Parent counseling and school consultation. Goal directed therapy includes parent participation and school involvement where appropriate.
Biography: PhD Cornell University, Post Doctorate George Washington University, Past Associate Professor University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore; Past Assistant Professor University of Maryland Institute for Child Study. Twenty-five years of consulting on child development programs in developing countries. Twelve years of providing evaluations and therapy for foster children (Virginia).


VINCENT P. CULOTTA, Ph.D.
NeuroBehavioral Associates
5655 Sterrett Place, Suite 320, Columbia, MD 21044
410-772-7155, Fax: 410-772-7156
vculotta@nbatests.com
www.nbatests.com
Services: Dr. Culotta provides comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and consultation services for children and adolescents with suspected attention, learning, and neurodevelopmental differences. Educational consultation, attendance at IEP meetings, neuropsychiatric consultation and service referrals are available at NeuroBehavioral Associates.
Biography: Dr. Culotta is a board-certified neuropsychologist M.S. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Memphis. Fellow of the American College of Professional Neuropsychology and the Maryland Psychological Association. Licensed Psychologist in Maryland and Virginia.


DIANA DAHLGREN, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
3615-F Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 273-5653; Fax: (703) 904-9846
dianadahlgren@verizon.net
www.drdianadahlgren.com
Services: (1) Psychoeducational testing to assess ADHD, LD, and ED factors which may be impacting academic functioning. (2) Educational consultation and assessment for the purpose of gifted and talented, private school, kindergarten, and boarding school placement. (3) Full intellectual, educational, emotional, and personality testing of children, adolescents and adults. (4) Individual, family, and marital therapy with children, adolescents, and adults. (5) Forensic services, including court evaluations and child custody evaluations.
Biography: Over 20 years in private practice in Fairfax, Virginia, specializing in psychological testing and evaluations. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Maryland, M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hawaii, and B.A. with Departmental Honors and University Distinction from Stanford University. Child Clinical Internship at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Membership in the American Psychological Association (APA), National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, Northern Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists (NVACP), Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists (VACP), and Virginia Psychological Association (VPA). Licensed in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Consulting psychologist in Child Psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) since 1987and Law Enforcement Assessment Center (LEAC) since 1996.


DIEDRE A. DENNIS, MA CCC/SLP
Practical Speech Solutions, LLC
Speech/Language Pathologist
2121 Eisenhower Ave, Suite #234, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-850-0872
diedreslp@gmail.com
www.practicalspeechsolutions.com
www.weehands.com
Services: Providing diagnostic and therapeutic treatment for children ages 1-18 with communication delays or disorders. Targeted areas to include: language delays, articulation/phonological disorders, fluency disorders, pragmatic language delays, oral motor weaknesses, and auditory processing disorders. This practice specializes in early intervention and fluency disorders. Parents are an essential part of the therapy process and are thus encouraged to observe and participate. Weekly and monthly progress updates are provided during the course of treatment to assist with generalization outside of the therapy setting. Practical Speech Solutions presents WeeHands ™ infant and toddler sign language classes for babies from birth to 3 years of age.
Biography: M.A. degree from the University of Central Florida, B.S. degree from the University of Central Florida . Lake County Public Schools, 5 years; Alexandria City Public Schools, 7 years; Pediatric Private Practice, 6 years; Alexandria PIE and Arlington PIE programs through Better Speech Associates, 2 years; WeeHands Sign Language Instructor. Fully certified and licensed.


JENNIFER DILLON, M.A.
Math Specialist
Tutoring Students of All Levels
Washington, D.C. Metro Area
617.272.5795
jennifer.dillon@post.harvard.edu
Services: Individual math tutoring for students of all levels, from arithmetic through calculus and statistics, specializing in students with LD and/or math anxiety. I provide students with the support they need to be successful in their math classes, thereby increasing their confidence and morale. In one on one sessions with students I am able to identify roadblocks and affinities, and work with an individual student's strengths and weakness to achieve understanding.
Biography: B.A., Psychology and Mathematics, Mills College. M.A., Biostatistics, Harvard University. Visiting Instructor of Mathematics, Colby College, 2007-2008. More than six years of varied tutoring experience, including fourth-graders struggling to learn their math facts; high-achieving high school seniors taking AP calculus; women in their forties returning to higher education; and graduate students taking statistics.


KEVIN D. DOHMEN, M.Ed
Learning Consultant
21 West Caton Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301-1519
Work: (703) 683-9617 Fax: (703) 683-9617
kevindohmen@verizon.net
www.kevindohmen.net
Services: Specializes in developing specific, concrete strategies for students and adult professionals to maximize performance in school and/or workplace. Tutors LD/AD/HD students in grades six through graduate school in the areas of writing skills, study skills, organizational skills, and mathematics. Coaches professional adults diagnosed with LD/AD/HD on organizational, timemanagement, and writing issues. Tutors arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability, statistics, first-term calculus, biology, chemistry, physics, writing composition, reading comprehension. Edits academic, professional, and business writing.
Biography: ABD in Math Education at University of Virginia (UVA), M.Ed. in Education from UVA (1985). More than 28 years of experience in education. Private practice since 1988. Experience as secondary English teacher and as secondary math teacher. Teaching experience with students with LD/AD/HD.


ANN DOLIN, M.Ed.
Educational Connections, Inc.
3923 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
703-934-8282 ; Fax: 703-934-1212
ann@ectutoring.com
www.ectutoring.com
Services: Over 100 tutors provide one-to-one for all ages in students' homes anywhere in Northern VA, MD, and DC. Our services include educational coaching, SAT preparation, educational testing, kindergarten enrichment programs, and consultations. We specialize in assisting LD, AD/HD, and other struggling students by offering unique and multi-sensory learning strategies in both language arts and math. Our educational coaches focus on teaching organization, time management, and goal-setting skills. Many of our tutors are trained in various alternative reading programs such as LindaMood Bell, Phono- Graphix, Wilson, Read Naturally, and Great Leaps.
Biography: Ann Dolin has a B.A. Child Psychology/Teacher's Certification Program from Pine Manor College; a M.Ed. in Special Education (LD, ED, MMR) from Boston College. Over 14 years of classroom teaching and tutoring experience in Fairfax County; specializing in educational testing, IEP writing and implementation, parent consultations, and alternative reading curriculums.


PAULA ELITOV, Ph.D.
6262 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852
301-738-7990, Fax: 301-738-7990
pelitov@aol.com
Services: Assessment of social skills, emotional development and behavioral difficulties in children. Play therapy. Parent coaching. Individual psychotherapy for children, adults and families. Psychological testing including diagnostic testing and admissions testing; School consultation.
Biography: Ph.D., University of Michigan in Clinical Psychology and School Psychology. Completed APA approved internship. Director of Early Intervention Program at Hawthorn Center, Michigan; Psychologist, Beaumont Hospital Neuroeducation Center; 18 years experience in settings serving young children. Nine years at Lourie Center. Currently in private practice.


GINGER FAY, MA
Fay College Counseling, LLC
1207 Floral Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
202-420-0793
gfay@faycc.com
www.faycc.com
Services: Fay CC offers one-on-one, in home college counseling to students and families in the Metro Washington D.C. area. Our mission is to support students and their families at every stage of the college application process— from compiling an initial list of colleges to consider to on-time completion of applications to making a final selection for college and course of study. We also offer authoritative expertise on scholarships: need-based, merit-based, and athletic.
Biography: Ginger Fay, Director of Fay College Counseling, has worked in college admissions and counseling for 15 years. She has served as an Admissions Officer at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, an Associate Director of College Counseling at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, and Director of Alumni Relations at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC. Ginger has read over 6,000 college applications including nearly 20,000 essays, counseled more than 300 students and spoken at 50 high schools on the topic of college admissions. She is the author of "Don’t Die for Duke; Putting Joy and Common Sense Back in the College Admissions Process," which appeared in the Winter 2003 issue of Independent School magazine. Ginger holds a B.A. and Master’s degrees from Duke University. She is an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and a member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC).


PATRICE B.F. GARVER, Ph.D.
Psychological and Psychoeducational Services
2915 Hunter Mill Road, Suite 21, Oakton, VA 22124
703-281-6058, Fax: 703-938-6203
Services: Our office addresses special needs and problems of children and adolescents and their families. Emphasis is upon a thorough therapeutic program that can involve evaluation, program planning, educational consultation, support services, and counseling.
Biography: Dr. Patrice Garver has Masters Degrees in the areas of special education and clinical/developmental psychology. She received her Ph.D. in developmental psychology specializing in assessment and treatment of children with learning and behavioral problems. She is experienced in working as a special educator, a learning disabilities specialist, a psychometrician, a school psychologist, and presently in private practice.


PAUL M. GEDO, Ph.D.
7 Owens Court, Rockville, MD 20850
301-294-6515, Home: 301-251-9586, Fax: 301-251-9586
pmgedo@erols.com
Services: Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults hoping to understand and improve their emotional well being, academic performance, social relationships, or sense of identity. Psychological testing and personality assessment, ages seven to adult. Parent counseling. Special interests: adolescent mood difficulties, multi-handicapped children, and the interaction between emotional and cognitive barriers to learning and adaptation.
Biography: I am a former middle and high school English and social studies teacher, with M.A. and M.A.T. degrees from Brown University. My Ph.D. is from the University of Chicago’s Committee on Human Development. I am a former staff psychologist (1988-1998) and Chief Psychologist and Director of Psychology Training (1998-2001), CPC Health/ Chestnut Lodge Hospital. I am a Clinical Associate Professor, The George Washington University, and an Instructor, Washington Psychoanalytic Institute. In addition to private practice, I have been an individual and group therapist at two multi-disciplinary schools, Windsor School (1989-1992) and The Lodge School (1988-2006).


CHERYL GEDZELMAN - BOARD MEMBER
Tutoring for Success, Inc.
13159 Applegrove Lane, Oak Hill, VA 20171
703-390-9220, 301-838-7640, Fax: 301-390-9202
cherylg@tutoringforsuccess.com
www.tutoringforsuccess.com
Services: Tutoring For Success provides professional home-based tutoring by a diverse collection of extremely competent and talented tutors. We offer tutoring for all subjects, including math, sciences, language arts, French and Spanish. Tutoring is tailored to each student’s needs, including attention to organizational and study skills. We have tutors who are trained and experienced in test prep, primarily for SAT and ACT, and tutors who specialize in working with students with special needs, such as ADHD, dyslexia, and executive functioning issues. We select and screen our tutors carefully and look for qualities such as intelligence, communication skills, honesty, integrity, and enthusiasm. All of our tutors have teaching or tutoring experience and a minimum of a college degree. Home-based tutoring provides undivided attention from the same tutor every time. We serve students in MD, DC, and VA.
Biography: Cheryl Gedzelman has an MA in Curriculum and Teaching from Columbia University and a BA in Anthropology from the University of Chicago. Before moving to Washington in 1993, she taught 5th and 6th grades in New York City. She has been tutoring students of all ages in math, language arts, and study skills since 1980. She founded Tutoring For Success, a family owned business, in 1994.


SHERYL GILBERT, M.S.
Academic Coaching
5402 Surrey Street, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-656-1753 (home); 301-742-5651 (cell)
Sgilbert.tutor@gmail.com
Services: Diagnostic testing and remediation for students with persistent difficulties in mathematics, from elementary school through geometry. General remediation for students with learning difficulties affecting organization, memory, writing and test preparation. Enrichment in mathematics for the highly gifted. French grammar, literature and conversation.
Biography: Primary and secondary education in Paris, France (bilingual in French). B.A., Brandeis University; M.S., University of Pennsylvania in Biology. M.A. in special Education, American University and The Lab School of Washington. Worked with The Math Center (Persis Herold), Bill Stixrud and Associates, School Support Services, The Lab School and Resources for Inner City Children (RICH). Offering private tutoring after school and weekends at my home. Also presently tutoring at Edmund Burke School and Caesar Chavez Charter High School. Member, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and Independent Schools Mathematical association of Washington.


CAROLE T. GIUNTA, Ph.D.
1430 Highland Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-565-0093, Home: 301-565-3739, Fax: 301-565-3754
drgiunta@giunta-associates.com
www.giunta-associates.com
Services: My specialty is psychological assessment and consultation, primarily with adolescents and adults. A large portion of my practice consists of psycho-educational evaluation of children and adolescents with learning disabilities, ADHD, learning differences or school adjustment problems. I also conduct social-emotional assessments. Neuropsychology, forensic evaluation and expert witness testimony, are additional areas of concentration.
Biography: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Vermont; completed APA approved internship; B.S. in Psychology, University of Washington. Extensive clinical experience in a wide range of inpatient and outpatient settings. Private practice specializing in assessment 1994 -present. Licensed psychologist (MD, DC, VA).


JUDITH M. GLASSER, Ph.d.
Director, Child and Family Services
Chesapeake ADHD Center of MD
8607 Cedar St., Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301-562-8448, Fax: 301-562-8449
Services: Psychological and educational testing and psychotherapy for children of all ages. Comprehensive psychological evaluations are conducted to explore sources of difficulty for children who are struggling. The possibility of learning disabilities, attention difficulties as well as emotional problems are examined via interviews, test data as well as review of prior records and behavioral observation when indicated. Particular area of interest is in the area of coexisting conditions. Results are thoroughly explained to parents and consultation with other professionals is provided with parental permission.
Biography: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Catholic University of America in 1979. Private Practice in northern Virginia for the past 21 years doing psychotherapy and psychological testing.


AMY GLEKLEN, ACC, MBA, MS
Next Game Plan
14 Greentree Court, Bethesda, MD 20817
301-642-9950; Fax: 301-760-7566
coachamy@nextgameplan.com
Services: Amy Gleklen coaches teens to help them discover their uniqueness, find their passions, and explore careers for the future. She employs assessments and coaching techniques (Myers-Briggs, Strong Interest and Knowdell Values Card Sort) to clarify strengths, interests, values, and personality type. She works with the teen alone, as well with the family, to help teens build their playbook for the future. Next Game Plan helps teens find their fit and/or purpose in life, resulting in clarity and increased motivation to succeed in school and beyond.
Biography: MBA, Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania; BS, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania; MS Counseling, Johns Hopkins; Certified Leadership Coach, Georgetown University; more than 20 years of business and management experience in the corporate and nonprofit worlds; member of the International Coaching Federation and the Wharton Club.


KARA GOOBIC, PsyD
Chesapeake ADHD Center of Maryland
8607 Cedar Street Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-562-8448 ext. 12, Fax: 301-562-8449
karagoobic@chesapeakeadd.com
Services: Specializing in AD/HD and autism spectrum disorders. Autism Spectrum evaluations to assess and diagnose autism and pervasive developmental disorders across ages, developmental levels and language skills; Individual, and family psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults; individual and group social skills training, parent counseling and school consultation.
Biography: PsyD, (Clinical Psychology) The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; Post Doctoral Fellowship, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Division TEACCH, worked exclusively with children and adults on the autism spectrum. Previous employment with Kennedy Krieger Center for Autism and Related Disorders; DC Public School system - St. John's Community Services; Northwestern University Hospital Developmental Evaluation Clinic, Chicago, Illinois. Adjunct Faculty Argosy University. Memberships: APA, CHADD, MCASA and MPA.


STEVEN ROY GOODMAN, M.S., J.D.
3554 Appleton Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008
202-986-9431
steve@topcolleges.com
www.topcolleges.com
Services: Comprehensive admissions counseling for applicants to colleges, universities, and graduate schools. Services include: self-assessment exercises, school selection, development of personal admissions portfolios, and professional guidance with application materials. Highly practical education planning includes: selecting courses and activities effectively; identifying the right schools for you; comparing academic programs knowledgeably; evaluating your competitiveness at various universities; making the strongest possible case for your applications; training for on-campus and alumni interviews; writing powerful admissions essays and personal statements.
Biography: International authority on U.S. college and graduate admissions. Former faculty member at Wharton and Haverford, with degrees in public policy (Duke), higher education (Penn), and law (USC). Book Author: College Admissions Together: It Takes a Family. Undergraduate Admissions Advisory Committee, University of Pennsylvania. Over twenty years, coached 1,700+ students and families through the application process: colleges, graduate programs, business, law, and medical schools. Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association. Certified Educational Planner. Former Executive Director, College Admissions Institute of America.


GLENNON GORDON, LICSW
4545 42nd Street NW, Suite 201, Washington, DC 20016
202-966-1145 ext. 3
glennontg@verizon.net
www.livingoptimally.com
Services: Psychotherapy: Consultation to individuals, couples and families using a Bowen family systems approach. When individuals, couples and families experience challenges in their physical, emotional, or social functioning, it is an opportunity to learn new patterns to live more optimally. To develop the ability to take responsibility for the part one is playing in interactions is central to a decrease in symptoms. Neurofeedback: Neurofeedback is brain wave training. It is a process where the brain learns more efficient patterns. Brain wave patterns are optimal when they are flexible and respond effectively to any situation. Individual brain patterns arise from life experience. The more rigid the brain patterns are, the more likely a person experiences symptoms or discomfort. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive therapy that is helpful for symptoms such as anything on the anxiety spectrum, depression, insomnia, attention problems, migraines and chronic pain.
Biography: MSW from New York University in 1996. Post-graduate training at The Georgetown Family Center and the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family.


RHONA M. GORDON, M.S.
Speech/Language Pathologist
7300 Pomander Lane, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-986-1503, Fax: 301-986-1211
Rhona@thinkingorganized.com
www.thinkingorganized.com
Services: Provide diagnosis and treatment for children, adolescents and adults presenting with expressive and receptive language disorders. The practice specializes in problems relating to executive function, organization and timemanagement. Groups are held for all ages to teach strategies for effective management of school work, written language and short and long-term memory. Parent groups focus on ways to implement effective systems into daily routines. Adults work individually to organize their professional careers or daily goals.
Biography: M.S., Ithaca college, B.S., psychology, New York University. Instructor and clinical supervisor, State University of New York, 2years; curriculum development for the Early Childhood Language Program. Montgomery County Public Schools, 3years; private practice, over 30 years. Founder, Thinking Organized, LLC. Fully certified and licensed. Rhona has published a book entitled Thinking Organized for Parents and Children. It has recently won five awards. The Thinking Organized Workbook that accompanies the book is also available.


JUDITH GREENBERG, PH.D
School Finders, LLC 
198 Halpine Rd. #1411, Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: 301-230-1090, Fax: 301-251-0865
schoolfind@aol.com
www.schoolfinders.net
Services: As an educational consulting firm we offer many services to students and parents including: advocacy, a homeschool tutoring facility for middle & high school ages, after school tutoring-all grades and subjects, private school, college & post-grad placement, prep for SSAT and an independent flex testing site, prep for SAT/ACT, and expert witness testimony in family law cases. We specialize in helping students with special learning needs, but we happily work with all types of learners.
Biography: Dr. Judith Greenberg is a graduate of The College of NJ, has a Masters degree in Special Education from the U of MD, and a Ph.D. in Community Education. She is also the author and co-author of 37 books for children and teens, published by Scholastic, Silver-Burdette, and Raintree. Dr. Greenberg has been an educator for forty years and specializes in working with students who need individualized attention. Her consulting firm, School Finders, LLC, is designed to help families who are seeking to improve their child's educational experience as well as to determine the best place for their child to enjoy school. Dr. Greenberg has written numerous educational and online articles dealing with educational topics and has taught at the U of Md, The Catholic University of America, Montgomery Community College, Morgan State University, and also served as the Teacher Outreach Advisor for the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, DC.


BRIAN K. GRUBER, Esq.
Attorney at Law 
4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814
301-657-3777, Fax: 301-657-1610
Brian.Gruber@BKGPC.com                                                                                                                          www.BKGPC.com
Services: Legal representation and advocacy for special education students and their families, including: Due process hearings. Serving DC and Maryland, and with affiliated attorneys in Virginia. Sliding scale/contingency fee available.


DONNA HART, Ed.D
Educational Pathways
7048 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20817
202-237-8947 Fax: 202-237-6879
dhart@edpathways.net
www.edpathways.net
Services: Donna Hart is co-founder of Educational Pathways. We work with families whose children are struggling in their current educational and social settings as a result of unmet learning needs, emotional or behavioral problems, developmental delays, or because they just don’t seem to fit. Meeting with both the child and the parents, we help parents better understand their child, prioritize their child’s educational needs, identify schools and other support services, provide referrals, build parent’s advocacy skills, and enhance parenting skills. We visit and evaluate educational programs locally, across the region, and nationally to provide optimal options to families.
Biography: Donna Hart has worked in education for more than three decades. She is an experienced teacher trainer, special needs educator, writer, administrator, community activist, and speaker on family and educational issues. She has had extensive involvement with innovative learning strategies, sensory integration deficits, social and emotional disabilities, behavior modification, multicultural education, gender equity, GT/LD, and early identification of developmental delays. She has significant experience with children who have pervasive developmental disorders, brain injury, and she is knowledgeable about issues relating to post-secondary education for students with special needs. She founded and published Parent & Child, an awardwinning magazine for parents in the DC area, and was the executive editor of Parent to Parent: Raising Kids in Washington, a guidebook for parents and adolescents. Donna received her masters and doctoral degrees from George Washington University.


RUTH C. HEITIN, Ph.D.
Educational Consulting Services
100 West Howell Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301
703-519-7181, Fax: 703-519-4737
info@educationalconsultingva.com
www.educationalconsultingva.com
Services: Evaluation, consultation and advocacy for students with special needs and their families. Support for all areas of special needs including deafness -- Dr. Heitin is proficient in sign language. Assessment and diagnosis of learning disabilities, evaluation of the impact of attentional issues on achievement and articulation of academic difficulties through comprehensive psycho-educational evaluation. Support offered in all steps of identification and service provision for special education through consultation and advocacy, assuring that the rights of the special needs child are protected. Independent assessment of school services and consultation with school personnel to support the individual needs of the client. Coordination of services with other professionals to meet the educational needs of the child.
Biography: Ph.D. in Special Education Administration, M.A. in Special Education. More than 30 years of experience in education; in private practice since 1992. Experience as teacher and administrator in public and private programs with past certification as teacher and elementary school principal. Teaching experience with students with learning disabilities, emotional disabilities and deafness. College and graduate school instructor in reading, evaluation and special education.

KRISTA IRISH-BOARD MEMBER
MLS Educational Consultants, Inc.
1320 Vincent Place McLean, VA 22101
703-356-0780
krista@mlstutors.com
Services: Students served include those who are struggling in school with issues related to diagnosed and undiagnosed learning disabilities, ADHD and executive functioning disorder. Skill areas taught included reading, math, writing, standardized test preparation, and academic areas affected by the skill areas. Individual and group tutoring services provided for children 5 through 18 in a wide range of academic areas with additional emphasis on organization and efficient production of academic work. In addition support of college age students is available in limited areas. Formal diagnostic testing is available to explore learning styles and academic skill levels for the purpose of educational programming or eligibility for special education. Parents are supported in their requests and design of 504s and IEPs. Parents are accompanied to meetings with teachers, Local screening Committee Meetings, 504 and IEP meetings.
Biography: B.A. University of Maryland at College Park
Pursuing an M.Ed University of Maryland University College
The Princeton Review, SAT/ACT/GRE Instructor and Tutor, 3 years
The George Washington University, Head Diving Coach, 4 years
MLS Educational Consultants, Program Director, 3 years

BRIE JEWELER-BENTZ, M.A., PSY.D.
The School Counseling Group
4725 MacArthur Blvd., NW, Washington, DC 20007
202-333-3530, Fax: 202-333-3212
brie@schoolcounseling.com
www.schoolcounseling.com
Services/Biography: Dr. Jeweler-Bentz assists students and families through the college selection and application process; she also works with students who are interested in a GAP year option. In addition to providing a comprehensive college search, Dr. Jeweler-Bentz also helps students write strong and effective college essays, prepare for college visits and interviews, complete their applications in a timely fashion, and manage their stress effectively. Dr. Jeweler-Bentz joined the School Counseling Group in 2009 and is a native of the Washington, DC area. She attended Montgomery County public schools, earned a B.A in Psychology from the University of Michigan, and received her Psy.D. in clinical psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has several years of clinical experience in university counseling centers, has taught at the undergraduate and graduate level, and has been a private academic tutor and college advisor for local area high school students. Prior to her graduate studies, Dr. Jeweler-Bentz worked as an undergraduate admissions officer for the University of Michigan. Dr. Jeweler- Bentz has a clinical interest in the stress that often accompanies the college application process, and she has given several lectures on the topic.


BARBARA B. KELLER, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
3615-F Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
703-280-2931 Fax: 703-992-9881
drbarbarakeller@gmail.com
www.drbarbarakeller.com
Services: Psychoeducational testing to assess academic, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Evaluation of ADHD, LD and ED. Educational assessment and consultation for school placement decisions including advanced academic programs. Psychotherapy with children and adolescents for stress and anxiety.
Biography: Over 20 years experience specializing in psychological testing and evaluations. Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from University of Virginia, 1978. Formal cross-training program in School/Child/Clinical Psychology, University of Virginia, 1982-84. Internship in Child Clinical Psychology at Children’s Hospital National Medical Center, 1984-85. Also, M.Ed. in Special Education from College of William and Mary, 1973. Clinical Instructor in Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, 1978-1982. Consulting psychologist with Child Psychiatry Branch, NIMH at NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD from 1985 to 2008. Consulting psychologist with Law Enforcement Assessment Center since 2006. Licensed in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Membership in National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, American Psychological Association, Virginia Psychological Association, and Northern Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists.


LESLIE A. KENT, MA
Educational Consultant, Certified Educational Planner
2713 Verily Court, Oakton, VA 22124
703-620-9297
lakent@cox.net
Services: Leslie Kent provides personalized assistance with the college admissions process for high school students and their families. Comprehensive services include college search, organizational strategies to keep the student on task and on time, assistance in developing an effective resume, preparation for college visits and interviews, and evaluation of essays and personal statements. Leslie believes that an organized approach helps reduce the stress that sometimes accompanies the admissions process, allowing the family to enjoy this exciting stage of the child’s educational career.
Biography: Ohio Wesleyan University, BA; University of Northern Colorado, MA. Member: IECA, NACAC, PACAC, HECA.30 years of experience in public education with15 years as a school principal. Nominated as Principal of the Year on 2 occasions. Led numerous information & training sessions for parents on adolescent issues & effective parenting. Served as Director of Instruction for 37 schools in Fairfax County, VA. Taught English & served as teacher/consultant for the Northern Virginia Writing Project Presenter at local, state & national conferences on the teaching of English & on topics affecting school administrators. Participated in IECA’s Practices & Principles Institute. (2004). Certificate in College Counseling, UCLA (2006). Certified Educational Planner (2007)


HEATHER H. KIRBY, LCSW, CSAC
Kirby Creative Clinical Solutions, LLC
10704 Hayes Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20902
703-409-2571
kc_hiking@yahoo.com
Services: Providing creative solutions to help adolescents be more successful at home and in school. Offering individual, group and family therapy; IEP and educational consulting; training and workshops for parents, teachers, and students. Utilizing a variety of interventions including equine therapy, sand tray, recreational therapy, facilitated socialization, movies, art, sports, community service, individualized behavioral plans, in-home counseling, and canine therapy with my own certified therapy dog.
Biography: Heather Kirby is Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) and has worked with adults and adolescents with learning disabilities, mental health issues, social difficulties, and addiction issues for over 18 years. Heather originally earned her BA in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 1989. She worked with adolescents for ten years in a variety of settings including residential treatment, psychiatric hospital, Day Treatment, Intensive Out-Patient and Private Day School before returning to school at the University of Maryland, Baltimore where she earned her Masters in Social Work in 1999. She worked with ED / LD adolescents at The Dominion School in Springfield, VA from 1999-2005. From September 2005 - June 2010, she served as the Assistant Director and Dean of Students at Accotink Alternative Learning Center where she was both a clinician and administrator for students with severe learning disabilities. She holds a certification in Special Education Leadership from George Mason University and operates an expanding private practice in which she specializes in reaching adolescents who are resistant or unresponsive to more traditional forms of therapy.


J. MICHAEL KIRCHBERG, M.A.
Tutorial Service
4545 42nd St., N.W., Suite 212, Washington, DC 20016
202-244-4017, Fax: 202-244-4781
tutormichael@earthlink.net
Services: Informal diagnosis, remediation and routine instruction - particularly with long-term learning problems, including poor study skills, motivation problems and low self-esteem; English language and literature (reading and writing); math (through advanced algebra/pre-calculus), thinking skills and various learning skills; thesis/dissertation organization, writing and editing; consultation and evaluation regarding classroom instruction; SSAT, PSAT, SAT, GRE, GED, Achievement Test preparation for adolescents and adults.
Biography: B.S., U.S. Naval Academy; M.A., Oxford University (Rhodes Scholarship); M.A., University of MD. Teacher, Georgetown Day School, 7th- 12th Grades, 1971-1987, English, Social Studies, learning skills, math. Private practice tutorial work: 1977 to present.


RITA J. KIRSHSTEIN, Ph.D.
College Connections LLC
1721 Webster Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011
202-726-1721
Services: Full-service college counseling that includes: assistance in identifying colleges that mesh with students’ interests and background; organization of the application process from start to finish; the development of realistic schedules to ensure that all deadlines are met and all components of the application get the attention they need; advice on college visits; guidance on high school courses and activities; recommendations on whether to take the SAT or ACT, or both, and how best to prepare for the test; assistance in identifying and applying for financial aid; advice on whether transitional opportunities between high school and college – such as work, travel, or internship programs – should be explored; and workshops for school and community groups.
Biography: Ph.D. in Sociology. Over 25 years of experience studying higher education access and finance issues. College counseling for 5 years. Authored and co-authored numerous reports on college costs and financial aid, including Straight Talk about College Costs and Prices (developed for the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education), Managing the Price of College; Access and Accessibility: Refocusing Financial Aid in Maryland; and Workforce Contingent Financial Aid: How States Link Financial Aid to Employment.


KATHY KUHL
Homeschool Consultant
Learn Differently LLC
2965 Treadwell Lane, Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 715-8697
Kathy@LearnDifferently.com
www.learndifferently.com
Services: Your link to the homeschool community, Kathy Kuhl prepares parents to decide whether to homeschool, and equips new and experienced homeschoolers. Advises parents on planning, curriculum, transition, and resources of the vast homeschool community, including group classes, support, and training. Advises on homeschooling through high school, and on teaching children with learning challenges, including AD/HD, LD, ASD, and giftedness. Kuhl speaks at national patient advocacy conferences (CHADD, ASA, and LDA) and homeschool conventions, as well as to smaller groups. Her experiences as teacher, homeschool leader, and parent of a struggling learner equip her to connect communities and resources.
Biography: B.A. English, William and Mary. Taught math in MCPS, homeschooled child with LD and AD/HD, grades 4-12. Author, Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner, 2009. Dr. Larry Silver wrote, “Her scope of knowledge, sensitivity to the needs of parents who homeschool, and the list of resources are invaluable.” Barbara Ingersoll, Ph.D., said, “Anyone who lives or works with a struggling learner – parent, educator, or mental health professional – will find many a valuable nugget to aid in their work with these children.” Kuhl leads a support group for homeschoolers with children with special needs, and co-administers C.H.E.S.S., offering academic courses for teen homeschoolers.


MARY KILLAY LAVAYEN, M.A.
Educational Consultant
Independent School Options
Day School Placement, Pre-K-12th Grade
Independent School Options
6713 Kennedy Lane, Falls Church, VA 22042
(202) 262-3726 - (703) 671-8316 Fax: 703-997-8438
mlavayeniso@gmail.com
www.independentschooloptions.com
Services: Mary Killay Lavayen provides educational consulting and school placement services for families with children from pre-school to the 12th grade. Mary works to give families school placement options for their children that best fit the academic and emotional needs of the child. Mary is knowledgeable about a range of educational opportunities in the DC metropolitan area, including independent, public, language immersion and Catholic schools. In addition, Mary is bilingual and can offer services in Spanish to both families and schools.
Biography: B.A. Georgetown University; M.A. International Management from the School for International Training, Brattleboro, Vermont. Certificates in Management Coaching and Professional Training from Georgetown University. Member of WISER and Associate Member of IECA. Mary has over 25 years work experience in education both in the US and overseas. Mary’s teaching experience began when she worked as the coordinator of an elementary school in coastal Peru where she trained teachers and taught both primary grades and ESL. After receiving her Master’s degree, she worked as a cross-cultural trainer at a small cultural foundation in Madrid, Spain. There she designed and taught courses about the American High School to Spanish teenagers preparing to live in the US. In addition, she counseled Spanish families about educational opportunities in the US.

For many years, Mary worked on a USAID-funded scholarship program at Georgetown University that placed students from Latin America in school placements throughout the US. Her roles included assisting with the selection of the schools that would best “fit” the needs of the students, and monitoring the student’s personal and academic adjustment. In addition, Mary trained both students and staff about how to effectively deal with cross-cultural differences. Finally, Mary has extensive experience working with both special education and second language learners in the Arlington and Fairfax County public school systems, as well as Catholic schools located in the DC metropolitan area.


SHELLEY LEVINE
College Bound
10224 Falls Road, Potomac, Maryland 20854
301-765-7909 Fax: 1-240-209-8367
slevine183@aol.com
shelleylevinecollegebound.com
Services: Shelley Levine helps students and their parents understand the available options leading to educational and career success. Through ongoing personalized counseling, students can make informed choices, successfully complete the application process, and achieve their individual goals. Services include: evaluation of student’s academic credentials, recommendations of high school courses, suggestions for standardized testing, development of appropriate college list, assistance in the application process, guidance in planning productive campus visits, and suggestions for creative summer activities.
Biography: Shelley Levine has been assisting high school students and their parents navigate through the college admissions process for over 18 years. Founder of Mathworks, Shelley is also a well-recognized expert in the field of standardized test preparation. Shelley received a BS in Secondary Education from the University of Maryland and has a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA Extension Program. She is a member of NACAC, IECA, HECA, and ACCESS. Shelley is currently the College Counselor for the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington and has written articles for The Washington Jewish Week and Potomac Gazette. She has been a featured speaker at JCC College Fair and area PTA College Workshops.


KIM McWHORTER
Tutor Rx
9502 Lindale Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20817
301-523-2116
kimtutorrx@aol.com
www.Tutorrx.com
Services: Kim provides private tutoring to students who may be experiencing learning difficulties, in need of strategy instruction, remediation, or curriculum based support. Specialty areas include instruction of organizational skills, time management, test prep, note taking skills, study skills and strategies, language arts, reading, writing, math, as well as homework help in all subjects from elementary level through high school. Experience working with students of all abilities, with emphasis on students diagnosed with learning disabilities, ADHD, and ADD.
Biography: M. Ed. in Special Education, Learning Disabilities, University of Maryland; B.B.A. in Finance, University of Miami. Classroom experience in Montgomery County Public Schools at Elementary, Middle, and High School levels, with past certification as Special Education Teacher grades 1 through 12. Experience tutoring students with learning disabilities, ADD, ADHD, as well as students with learning difficulties, since 1997. Completed Tutor Training at The Kingsbury School, 2006.


SANCI MICHAEL
Strategies, Skills, Self-Esteem
6339 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD. 20852
4608 Nottingham Drive, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-656-5811
scm65@columbia.edu
Services: Diagnostic-prescriptive tutoring, coaching, and case management for adolescents and adults to improve executive functioning and reduce learning difficulties at school, home, and work. Strategy and skill instruction are tailored to client’s needs, talents, and interests and applied in a variety of courses and settings. During the school year, course demands affect pace, focus, and materials; during the summer, services are more responsive to client needs and interests. Typical goals: (a) enhance comprehension, memory, planning and productivity (especially writing and timely completion of assignments), (b) improve study efficiency, effectiveness, and test-taking, and (c) reduce procrastination, disorganization (time, thought, materials), anxiety, and frustration. With parent and professional input (psycho-educational testing, school reports, family concerns, other professionals’ observations), the coach/ tutor and client collaboratively develop and implement plans for learning and behavior change as well as accommodations at home and school. Advocacy skills are modeled and taught. Until goals are achieved, monitoring, adjustment, practice and reinforcement are provided in face-to-face meetings, supplemented by phone or e-mail. Through personalized tutoring and coaching process, the client develops self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-advocacy. Standardized test prep: GRE, ACT, SAT, AP Exams, LSAT, MCAT, professional licensing exam (med boards, law, etc.)
Biography: Graduate work Columbia University, U of MD, and George Mason. Academic Therapist, trained and employed by Tri-Services and Center School. 10 years classroom experience (regular and special ed; college and secondary level). More than 20 years private practice experience. CHADD certified Parent to Parent trainer, coordinator of Montgomery County CHADD chapter, past chair of LDAMC tutor referral committee, member International Dyslexia Association and GT/LD Network. Keeps current with participation in associations, workshops, and conferences.


BILLY MILLER, M. ED., CSCS*D
BG-7 Mathematics Tutoring, LLC
1530 Key Blvd. #1131, Rosslyn, Virginia 22209
(240) 601-6677
BG-7@Live.com
Services: Billy provides Private Tutoring in Mathematics for students Elementary through High School in need of remediation, test taking strategies, curriculum based support, or homework help. Experienced in working with children with learning disabilities, emphasizing the importance of the "Language of Math", as a means to a better understanding of fundamental concepts as well as the big picture. "Both my children believe they are good at Math; not because they were both geniuses but because they have the confidence that they can master the next math concept when Mr. Miller teaches it".-Lynn F (Potomac, MD Parent). This statement is indicative of the respect, support , and trust Billy Miller has earned in the Potomac community, over the last 22 years as a Classroom Teacher, Football, Basketball, Strength & Conditioning Coach, and Mathematics tutor.
Biography: M. Ed. in Education, University of Virginia; A.B. Elementary Education, Elon University; Over 25 years classroom teaching experience in Independent schools in VA and MD. Outstanding Teacher Award, Bullis Middle School 1989 and Who's Who Among America's Teachers 2006. Private tutoring in the DC Metro area 22 years. Certified Middle School Mathematics Teacher in VA. and MD. Professional member of LDAMD (Learning Disabled Association of Maryland). Professional member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association and CSCS*D certified by the NSCA.


JOSEPHINE GALLIHER MURPHY, PH.D.
Educational Psychologist
Help with Homework
806 Crooked Crow Lane, Great Falls, Virginia 22066
301-461-1651
JGalliher8@aol.com
Services: We tap into your child's true potential and help them achieve success. Help with Homework provides support and guidance to students of all ages. Instructional strategies are taught across content areas specifically, reading, writing, math, science, English, and history. Services range from at home help to in school observations, at school instruction, behavior analysis, long/short term organization and planning. Similarly, students will begin to identify their intrinsic motivations with coaching and support. Advocacy for both the student and parents is part of the entire process and collaboration with teachers and other school or health related professionals is established and promoted.
Biography: Dr. Murphy earned her Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC in Educational Psychology specializing in assessment and evaluation. Her Masters Degree was earned from Pennsylvania State University in Special Education with expertise in early intervention. She has taught students across the age span i.e., elementary, secondary, undergraduate, and graduates. She was an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York for over four years. Currently, she runs her private practice, continues to advocate for students, lecture, present workshops, and training programs across the country.


PATRICIA MURPHY, RN, MPA
Certified Educational Planner
8724 Preston Place, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-718-7790, Fax: 301-718-7710
1-866-718-7710 Nationwide
www.pattimurphy98@gmail.com
Services: Assessment, planning and placement of children, adolescents and young adults with special needs in residential as well as local schools and programs.
Biography: As a behavioral health nurse and certified educational planner, Patti has over 25 years of experience providing for the special needs of children and young adults. Well versed in diagnostic psychological, medical and educational criteria for appropriate placement, Patti uses this knowledge base, along with frequent travel to and evaluation of schools/programs/ facilities, to provide a “goodness of fit” for each client she counsels. As an NYU grad, Patti utilizes her extensive national network to better serve her client base.


KATHLEEN G. NADEAU, Ph.D.
Director, Chesapeake Center for Attention and Learning
8607 Cedar Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-562-8448
drkathleennadeau@gmail.com
www.chesapeakeadd.com
Services: Nationally recognized authority on ADHD and author of numerous books on the topic offers assessment of ADHD and LD; individual and family psychotherapy related to problems of learning and attention; school consultations; college consultations related to ADHD and LD.
Biography: Kathleen Nadeau earned her Ph.D. from the University of Florida in 1970 and has worked in the DC Metro area since that time. She edited the first book for professionals on the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and is also known for her work promoting the understanding of girls and women with ADHD. She has appeared on the Today Show and the Early Show and is a recipient of the CHADD Hall of Fame award for her leadership in the field of ADHD and was selected as a Top Therapist of 2009 by the Washingtonian Magazine. Dr. Nadeau is a frequent lecturer both nationally and internationally on topics related to ADHD. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Maryland Psychological Association, and CHADD (Children and Adults with ADD).


IVAN M. NALIBOTSKY, CCPS - BOARD MEMBER
Capital Solutions Group
6901 Rockledge Drive, Suite 800, Bethesda, Maryland 20817
301-838-4112 Fax: 301-838-0623
ivan@capsolutionsgroup.com
www.capsolutionsgroup.com
Services: Financial planning strategies to reduce the cost of private school and/or college to have more available for retirement. We accomplish this through a combination of cash flow, tax, academic, and financial aid strategies.
Biography: Ivan Nalibotsky is a graduate of Florida International University in Miami, is accredited and certified by the National Institute of Certified College Planners, and teaches college and retirement financing courses for Montgomery College Workforce Development, as well as for many high schools/corporations.


MICHAEL OBERSCHNEIDER, PSY.D
Ashburn Psychological Services
44110 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Suite 251 Ashburn, VA 20147
704 South King Street, Suite 1, Leesburg, VA 20176
Work: (703) 723-2999 Fax: (703) 723-4144
info@ashburnpsych.com
www.ashburnpsych.com
Services: Ashburn Psychological Services is the premiere clinical psychology and psychiatry practice in Loudoun County. APS offers a wide array of testing, psychotherapy, medication and consultation services for children, adolescents, adults and families. APS is comprised of board certified pediatric/ child, adult, geriatric and forensic psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists, school psychologists, speech and language and auditory processing specialists and life coaches. APS takes a team approach to assessment and treatment for clients from 2 years through the life span.
Biography: Congratulations to Dr. Michael Oberschneider for being named a “Top Psychologist” in the Washingtonian Magazine for his work with children and adolescents. A renowned psychologist, Dr. Oberschneider has received numerous awards, has written for the Washington Post as syndicated columnist and has been featured on TV and national public radio. Dr. Oberschneider is the founder and director of Ashburn Psychological Services, Loudoun County’s premiere multidisciplinary private mental health practice with offices in Ashburn and Leesburg, Virginia. Dr. Oberschneider and the team at APS can provide clients with state of the art assessment and treatment from 2 years of age through the life span.


AMY M. PACOS, PSY.D.
Licensed Psychologist/Clinical Neuropsychologist
Clinical Neuropsychology Services, LLC
200 North Glebe Rd., Suite 1050 Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: 703-231-5117 Fax: 703-875-0476
info@drpacos.com
www.drpacos.com
Services: Dr. Pacos provides a wide range of evaluation, therapy, and consultation services for children, adolescents, and adult populations. Her office is conveniently located in Arlington, VA. Weekend and evening appointments are available.
Evaluation Services: Dr. Pacos specializes in individualized neuropsychological and psycho-educational assessments, detailed analysis of test results, personalized intervention strategies, and support in implementing recommendations. Dr. Pacos also offers psychological, psycho-educational, and pre-admissions testing for private schools.
Therapy Services: Individual therapy, family therapy, and group treatment services are offered to treat a wide range of conditions including: depression, anxiety, behavioral challenges, adjustment difficulties, school problems, stress, among many others.
Consultation Services: Dr. Pacos also offers a wide variety of consultations services including: consultation regarding school and work placement, second opinion consultation, review of neuropsychological records and testing, assistance with behavior plans and IEPS, consultation with advocates and special education attorneys, community presentations, in-service presentations, and school-based presentations.
Biography: Dr. Pacos earned her Bachelor's degree from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA with a double major in Psychology and Education. She earned her Master's and Doctoral degree (Psy.D.) from the American School of Professional Psychology-Washington, DC Campus. During her graduate career, Dr. Pacos trained at several local settings including, Children’s National Medical Center, Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital, Walter Reed Army Medical Center and several private practice settings. She completed a one-year formal Internship in Clinical Psychology and Pediatric Neuropsychology at the Children’s Hospital in Michigan and a two-year formal Postdoctoral Fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology at two local private practice settings. Dr. Pacos maintains a private practice in Arlington, Virginia (www.drpacos.com). She is an active member of the National Academy of Neuropsychology, the American Psychological Association – Division 40 (Neuropsychology), International Neuropsychology Society (INS), Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) organization.


CHARLES E. PARKS, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
6505 Wiscasset Road, Bethesda, MD 20816
1325 18th Street, NW, Suite 202, Washington, DC 20036
301-320-3266
drparks@ceparks.com
Services: Psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and adults. Parent counseling. Family and couples therapy. Diagnostic evaluation and psychological testing. Clinical consultation and supervision.
Biography: Licensed clinical psychologist (DC, VA, MD). Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, The George Washington University; Director, The Center Clinic, The George Washington University Center for Professional Psychology; Teaching Analyst and Co-director Child Psychotherapists Training Program, Baltimore-Washington Institute for Psychoanalysis. Former teacher of learning-disabled children.


PAUL K. PENNIMAN
3522 Davenport St., N.W., Washington, DC 20008
202-364-4263
paul@mathteachingtoday.com
www.mathteachingtoday.com
Services: Mathematics diagnostic testing and tutoring from elementary school through calculus and probability and statistics. Tutoring in the physical sciences also available.
Biography: B.A., Johns Hopkins University, 1978. Over thirty years experience teaching and tutoring math in DC area, five years as math department head at the Edmund Burke School. Member, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Independent Schools Mathematical Association of Washington. Founded Resources for Inner city CHildren (RICH) in 2003, which provides WISER-like resources to underserved students in Washington, D.C.


RALPH G. PERRINO, M.P.A.; ED.D - WISER PRESIDENT
Northern Virginia Tutoring Service, L.L.C.
P.O. Box 6621, Falls Church, Virginia 22040
703-534-5779; Fax: 703-534-3307
drperrino@nvtutoring.com
www.nvtutoring.com
Services: Northern Virginia Tutoring Service provides individualized one-onone tutoring, academic enrichment, and academic coaching services from elementary through college and graduate levels in the areas of organization and study skills, writing, reading, and test-taking strategies. Assistance is also available in the areas of math (at all levels), statistics, all sciences, PSAT and SAT preparation, LSAT, PRAXIS Exam, SOL Exam, Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, German, and ESL, special education services, report/term paper preparation, research techniques, college application essays, and thesis / dissertation assistance. Homework assistance is provided if needed. Our tutors come to the home, school, or other convenient public facility. Tutors are carefully screened and possess teaching experience and degrees in specialized areas.
Biography: Doctorate, Education Leadership, George Mason University, 1998; Masters Degree, Public Administration, George Mason University, 1980; Graduate work, Sociology, University of North Carolina 1971-74; Bachelor's Degree, Sociology, Catawba College, 1971. Assistant Professor (Adjunct) of Behavioral Sciences, Northern Virginia Community College, 1986 - present; Founder and Director, Northern Virginia Tutoring Service, LLC, 1995 - present; Former teacher in Arlington County Public Schools Interlude Program for emotionally disturbed youth, and Homebound Teacher in Arlington Special Education Division; Over 20 years of teaching and tutoring experience with elementary through college-age students. Consultant to Northern Virginia Community College in area of strategic planning; Dr. Perrino has prepared essays in professional journals and position papers/ management studies for institutions of higher education and local governments; Management and public policy experience with Fairfax County Board of Supervisors as Chief of Staff to County Board Member. Founder and Board President of Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization, Arlington, Virginia (1986-1998); Board Member, Residential Program Center, Arlington, Virginia (1998-2009); Corporate sponsor, Falls Church City Business in Education Partnership; Member, Falls Church Education Foundation; Corporate sponsor, Arlington County Public Schools Partners in Education Program; Chairman, Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce 2009-2011. Outstanding Citizen Award, Arlington County Public Schools, 1992; Nominated for Outstanding Citizen Award, Arlington County Public Schools, 2005; Arlington School Administrators 2006 Civic Award; Arlington County James B. Hunter Community Hero Award, 2009.


ISOBEL RAHN
Isobel Rahn Consulting
7912 Falstaff Road, McLean, VA 22102
703-475-4160
McLeancollegeconsultant@gmail.com
Services: Isobel offers individual comprehensive college consultation to students and their families in Northern Virginia and nearby Maryland. Areas of support include college admissions (college search, testing. visits, applications, interviews, resumes, essays), financial aid and scholarships, course selection, summer programs, careers and organizational and time management skills. Her goal is to help all students find those colleges, 2-year or 4-year, which match where a student would like to spend their college years while reducing the stress which can accompany the process.
Biography: Over the last 15 years at McLean High School in Fairfax County Public Schools, Isobel worked with over 6000 students as the College and Career Specialist. Previously, she taught Social Studies. Narrowing her focus to working with all high school students in their post-secondary planning, she guides them by focusing on their interests and skills to college acceptance. She has a BA in History from Hofstra University, a MA.Ed. from George Washington University, and credits from the University of Virginia in curricular areas and college advising. She is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling.


BRITT H. RATHBONE, LCSW-C, BCD, CGP
Rathbone & Associates
5942 Hubbard Drive, Rockville, MD 20852 301-230-9490
4701 Sangamore Road, Suite 210N, Bethesda, MD 20816 301-229-9490
Fax: 301-230-9865
britt@rathboneandassociates.net
www.rathboneandassociates.com
Services: Practice specializes in adolescent mental health. Individual, group and family psychotherapy, parent guidance, and DBT. Numerous ongoing single sex and coed therapy groups for middle school, high school, and college students. Treatment of full range of adolescent problems, including conditions associated with ADHD, PDD/Asperger's disorder, anxiety disorders including social anxiety, depression, aggression, and academic underachievement. Treatment is focused and goal directed, using a short-term model when appropriate. Public speaking services available.
Biography: MSSW Columbia University, 1986, Director, Rathbone & Associates 1990 - present. On the graduate school faculty of the National Catholic School of Social Service at Catholic University and JSSA's postgraduate certification program for advanced clinicians. Named one of Washington's best therapists for adolescents by Washingtonian Magazine. Coordinator of Adolescent Services at the Jewish Social Service Agency 1988- 1996, and Branch Supervisor, Upper Montgomery County JSSA 1991- 1996. Presenter of hundreds of workshops, speeches and presentations for adolescents and parents. Formerly worked with adolescents in New York City at The Door.


LAURA RUBINOFF, M.S.
Speech/Language Pathologist/Learning Disability Specialist
6505 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20817
301-493-4695, Fax: 301-493-6520
www.lraspeech.com
lrubinoff@aol.com
Services: Diagnostic and therapeutic services for preschool, school-age and adolescent children who experience delays or impairments in speech and language acquisition, in understanding incoming language as it increases in complexity, in memory and retrieval, in expressive language, fluency, speech intelligibility and pragmatic language functions. The practice also addresses language learning disabilities and treats a wide variety of reading, writing and spelling disorders. The practice is dedicated to collaborating with parents and teachers about intervention strategies which enhance communication, reading and writing. Evidence-based practice techniques are combined with innovative, well researched computer technology to enhance understanding, speaking, reading and writing. To maximize effectiveness and carryover of learned skills, the practice uses treatment techniques to develop an individual’s metacognitive, metalinguistic and executive function skills. Treatment programs are designed to meet the individual needs of the client. Clients may choose to work on one or more areas of speech, language and literacy instruction. Programs are offered for all ages interested in improving social language interactions. Educational Advocacy and workshops are also available.
Biography: B.S. Degree from Northwestern University; M.S. Degree from the University of Michigan; Former adjunct faculty member at American University; Consultant to public and private agencies addressing the relationship among the foundation skils of communication, academic learning and social competence; Private practice ; Fully licensed and certified.


RICHARD RUTH, Ph.D.
11303 Amherst Ave., Suite 1, Wheaton, MD 20902
301-933-3072, 301-933-0118
rruth@erols.com
Services: Individual psychotherapy for children and adolescents; family therapy; psychological and neuropsychological evaluations; consultation with schools, day care centers, hospitals. Services provided in Spanish and English. Areas of particular expertise and interest: cross-cultural therapy, physical disability, trauma, mental retardation, forensic evaluation, major mental illness.
Biography: PhD, clinical psychology, Yeshiva University; BA, New School for Social Research; post-graduate training in psychoanalysis, family therapy, neuropsychology. Currently Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, The George Washington University; formerly supervising psychologist, CPC Health/Chestnut Lodge Hospital. Bilingual in Spanish and bicultural.


CANDACE SAHM, MA ED/HD
7920 Longridge Court, Cabin John, MD 20818
301-229-9515
coach@candacesahm.com
www.candacesahm.com
Services: Candace Sahm, MA Ed/HD is an experienced ADHD Coach who works with both students and adults as they master strategies for personal and professional goal achievement. She has a special interest in helping students with ADHD/LD successfully navigate the transition into and through college. She is currently involved with research, support and advocacy for ADHD students. She is a tireless advocate for raising awareness about ADHD and its impact and will be leading a workshop during the 2008 International CHADD Conference.
Biography: Ms. Sahm is a coach, educator and parent of two children with ADHD. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Special Vocational Education from George Washington University, and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from the University of Maryland. Ms. Sahm has over 90 CEU Credits in the areas of ADHD/LD, Coaching, Executive Functioning, and Remedial Reading. She was also a Tutor for the Lab School of Washington, DC, The Norwood School, the Bullis School, to name a few. Ms Sahm has taught numerous Study Skills Courses as well. She is a member of ACO, ADDA, and CHADD. She is also Founder and Principal of Positive Learning Experiences (PLE), a highly regarded private tutoring center in suburban Maryland. She has also presented at conferences such as; the Council for Exceptional Children and was very involved with ACCD (American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities.) and gained extensive experience with program development for special needs groups, including the physically and mentally challenged. PLE is known for its ADHD expertise, a coaching approach to tutoring and SAT-ACT prep courses.  Ms. Sahm has over 20 years of experience.


DIANA M. SAVIT
Savit and Szymkowicz, LLP
7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 601N, Bethesda, MD 20814
301-951-9191, Fax: 301-718-7788
dms@savitlaw.com
www.savitlaw.com
Services: Our law firm provides general legal services to individuals and businesses in the following areas: special education, disability rights, other civil rights and employment matters, general business practice, estate planning and probate, personal injury defense, guardianship and conservatorship, adoption, child welfare and family law. We practice in District of Columbia and Maryland state and federal courts. We can affiliate with lawyers in other jurisdictions as needed.
Biography: A.B. Princeton University (1973); J.D. George Washington University Law School (1976). General attorney, U.S. Customs Service, 1976-1979. Trial attorney, D.C. Corporation Counsel, 1979-1 985. Private practice, 1985-present. Past president, Women's Bar Association of D.C. (1993-94). Member, D.C. Advisory Committee on Education of the Handicapped, 1980-81, 1984-85. Past chair, Board of Governors, Chelsea School. Immediate past president, Women's Bar Association Foundation of the District of Columbia. WISER past president..


ZOLA DINCIN SCHNEIDER, M.A.
The College Advisory Service
5812 Warwick Place, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-654-5889
Zdi.schneider@verizon.net
Services: As the founder of THE COLLEGE ADVISORY SERVICE in 1973, I have vast experience working with college bound students. I guide each student through the rigors and details of the process through an in-depth individual approach, dealing with academic scheduling, testing, college choices, campus visits and interviews, the application and essay and any college-related issues that students and/or parents wish to work on. I am the author of several books and articles on the college process, including Campus Visits and College Interviews; Countdown to College (both College Board books); and The College Connection (Xerox Press).
Biography: U Wisconsin-Madison, B.A.; Columbia U, M.A. Member: NACAC. PCACAC, ACCESS, American Ass’n University Women. Formerly, Educational Consultant Chestnut Lodge, Yale Psychiatric Institute; Editorial Staff, The Saturday Review.

ALLISON SIBLEY, PH.D
Allison Sibley & Associates, PLLC
5236 44th Street NW #4, Washington, DC 20015
202-237-1196 - phone
202-744-1086 - cell
202-237-1198 - fax
allison@allisonsibleyassociates.com
www.allisonsibleyassociates
Services: We are a group of child therapists with expertise in individual therapy, group counseling, and parent/family work for children, teens, young adults and their parents [ages 4-21]. While we have integrative practice approaches, we bring our own unique orientations (cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness practices, play therapy, psychodynamic) and specialties (anxiety, developmental delays, mood disorders). We offer Parent Groups and Child/Adolescent Groups for school-aged children, middle school and high school girls.
Biography: B.A. University of Richmond, M.S.W. Virginia Commonwealth University, Ph.D. Smith College School for Social Work. Outpatient/Community mental health treatment for children/adolescents/parents, 10 years; Norwood School Counselor, 2 years; Private Practice, 5 years; Washington School of Psychiatry--Faculty Member for Child & Adolescent Training Program, 3 years; Registered Play Therapy-Supervisor; Fully certified and licensed.


ALAN L. SIKES, O.D.
Developmental-Behavioral Optometrist
Burke Professional Center, 9002 Fern Park Drive, Burke, VA 22015
703-978-5010, Fax: 703-978-5011
www.dralansikes.com
Services: General Optometric practice emphasizing prevention, enhancement, and remediation of vision problems. My approach is holistic and can involve vision training therapy to help remediate learning related vision problems. I emphasize nutrition, and vision hygiene methods to help prevent vision problems from developing and for those that have already developed.
Biography: B.A. Edinboro State College, PA; B.S., O.D., Pennsylvania College of Optometry; Member of College of Optometrists in Vision Development (C.O.V.D.) and the Optometric Extension Program (OEP). I was appointed for 1 year to the VA Optometric Association Task Force on Learning Disabilities.


MARCIA LIBES SIMON
College Planning Service, LLC
8309 Raymond Lane, Potomac, MD 20854
301-983-2804 (phone and fax)
mlsimon2@yahoo.com
www.simoncollegeplanning.com
Services: College Planning Service, LLC guides families through the complex decisions they must make in the college admissions process. In addition to advising about the selection of colleges, services include: suggestions for course selection, extracurricular activities, summer programs, and volunteer opportunities; information about college entrance exams and interpretation of results; referrals for test preparation, tutoring, and financial aid; schedules and checklists designed to help students meet all deadlines; assistance with applications and essays.
Biography: Yale University, BA; recipient of Bates Traveling Fellowship. Georgetown University, JD. Joined College Planning Service in 1999. Volunteer with College Summit, a national organization helping low income and first-generation students gain access to higher education. Member of the Yale Alumni Schools Committee. Professional memberships: IECA, NACAC, PCACAC, ACCESS.


JO ANN SKINNER
ATMG Coaching
268 New Bedford Lane Reston, VA 20194
703-925-0510
joannsskinner@yahoo.com
Services: Jo Ann coaches students and parents with ADHD. She helps them learn to work with their strengths and weaknesses. The goal is to find individual strategies to enhance quality of life, improve performance and support growth and change. Jo Ann coaches her clients to improve their skills in areas such as academics, time management, organization and social skills. In addition, Jo Ann will advocate for her students to issure that the schools offer them an appropriate education.
Biography: Jo Ann has a BA in Political Science and German from Susquehanna University. She worked in banking and marketing until she discovered that she loves helping families with special needs. Jo Ann is a trained life coach with Fast Track Coaching, trained in ADHD coaching by Jodi Sleeper-Tripplett, a member of the International Coaching Federation, Institute for the Advancement of AD/HD Coaching (IAAC), IAAC, CHADD and the ADHD Coaches Organization. Jo Ann is also a member of the FCPS Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities.


EMILY A. SNYDER, M.A.
Managing Director and Educational Consultant
Know Your Options, LLC
9691-B Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22033
703.268.5886 or 703.817.0797 Fax - 1.703.636.7739
emily@knowyouroptions.net
www.knowyouroptions.net
Services: Emily A. Snyder is the founder and Managing Director, an educational consulting services firm located in Fairfax County, Virginia. As an experienced and nationally known educational consultant, Emily assists students and families looking for academic guidance, independent school placement, and college planning services.
Biography: Masters Degree in School Counseling Psychology, Marymount University, Arlington, VA. Bachelor of Arts in English, Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, PA. Former Member, Fairfax County Public Schools Board of Education. Current Board Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and College Access Fairfax. Member, National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), Potomac and Chesapeake Association of College Admission Counseling (PCACAC), and Association of Consultants and Counselors for Educational Support and Services (ACCESS). Author, speaker, and frequent contributor on education topics.


ELIZABETH STOFF, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
PO Box 1311, Rockville, MD 20849
301-294-7319, Fax: 301-294-3751
estoff@comcast.net
Services: Special education advocacy and consultation with families and schools regarding appropriate school services and placement, attendance at school meetings and IEP development, parent training in legal rights and advocacy skills, presentations to parent organizations and groups. Expertise in complex developmental disorders, chronic illnesses and learning disabilities.
Biography: Over 25 years experience in special education including teaching, coordinating a private school program for children with multiple learning and behavioral needs, working as an education specialist in a major pediatric hospital. Masters degree, special education, Temple University, 1976; Bachelors degree, special education, SUNY College at Buffalo, 1973.


DAVID L. STORPER - BOARD MEMBER
President, Prep U Tutoring
7625 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814
202-255-0133
david@preptutor.com
www.preptutor.com
Services: My name is David Storper, and I raise test scores. It’s one-on-one. It’s one hour a week. I will not waste your valuable time with stuff you already know or don’t need to know. My students have all the techniques, content, timing, and stress management skills needed to ace the SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, SSAT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT. “I actually look forward to prep class…” is a phrase I hear often. To raise your score significantly, it takes hard work, but it does not have to be dull. If you put in the effort, I will have you laughing all the way to your goal score and beyond.
Biography: David Storper graduated from Brandeis University in 1995 with a B.A. in Politics. After working on Capitol Hill, he was an editor for CNN and a producer for BookTV on C-SPAN2. A standardized test instructor for six years, David founded Prep U in 2005.


PETER A. STURTEVANT, Jr., M.A., M.A.L.S.
Director, The School Counseling Group
4725 MacArthur Blvd., NW, Washington, DC 20007
202-333-3530; Fax: 202-333-3212
peter@schoolcounseling.com
www.schoolcounseling.com
Services/Biography: Consultant for middle school, high school, college-age students, and young adults, Mr. Sturtevant is a former teacher, coach, and administrator at The Maret School in Washington and former Head of School at The Gunston Day School on the Eastern Shore. A native Washingtonian, Mr. Sturtevant attended Potomac School and Landon before receiving his B.A. in Religion from Bowdoin College, his M.A. in English from Middlebury College, and an M.A.L.S. with a concentration in Counseling Psychology from Skidmore College. Mr. Sturtevant’s practice includes the counseling of young people and young adults with learning and/or emotional issues. As do the other consultants in the Group, Mr. Sturtevant spends approximately one week of each month visiting programs, schools and colleges throughout the country. Mr. Sturtevant is presently a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).


MARY LOU SULLIVAN, M.Ed.
MLS Educational Consultants, Inc.
1029 Broad Branch Ct., McLean, Va. 22101
Office: (703) 356-0780; Cell: (703) 915-3092
Fax: (703) 734-6121
Msulli4612@aol.com
Services: Students served include those who are struggling in school with issues related to diagnosed and undiagnosed learning disabilities, ADHD and executive functioning disorder. Skill areas taught included reading, math writing, and academic areas affected by the skill areas. Individual and group tutoring services provided for children 5 through 18 in a wide range of academic areas with additional emphasis on organization and efficient production of academic work. In addition support of college age students is available in limited areas. Formal diagnostic testing is available to explore learning styles and academic skill levels for the purpose of educational programming or eligibility for special education. Parents are supported in their requests and design of 504s and IEPs. Parents are accompanied to meetings with teachers, Local screening Committee Meetings, 504 and IEP meetings.
Biography: Mary Lou Sullivan earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in elementary education, special education and teaching emotionally disturbed children at Boston College. She received certification in teaching children with learning disabilities through the University of Virginia. Mrs. Sullivan received post-graduate training in behavior management, learning theory, and attention deficit disorder at UCLA and California State University at Los Angeles. Mrs. Sullivan has taught in Brookline, Massachusetts; Fairfax County, Virginia; and La Canada, California school systems. She was part of the pilot program for Fairfax County Public Schools Learning Disabilities Resource Programs. She has been in private practice in McLean since 1981.


PAUL TEBBETS
2100 Lee Highway, #217, Arlington, VA 22201
202-321-8250; Fax: 202-318-3038
paul.tebbets@gmail.com
Services: Educational tutoring, Washington, DC, metropolitan area, 2004- present. Math (from Pre-Algebra through Calculus and Statistics), English (reading and writing at all levels), Executive Function (organization and study skills), Test Prep (SSAT, PSAT, SAT, GRE and others), Reading skills, Writing skills. Students range from grade school through graduate school. Students are primarily located in or near DC; some are located in Europe (tutoring is conducted using the Skype internet communication system).
Biography: Harvard University BA; Stanford University Graduate School of Business MBA; Kingsbury Tutoring Center—training in 2005, designation as Master Tutor in 2006 (the Kingsbury Tutoring Center is associated with the Kingsbury School in Washington, DC, specializing in educating students with learning disabilities). Approx. 3500 hours tutoring to date.


PAMELA M. TEDESCHI, M.S.ED.
Tedeschi Educational Consulting
4701 Willard Avenue, Suite 227, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Phone: 301-951-0131, Fax: 301-951-1024
pamela@pmtedcon.com
www.pmtedcon.com
Services: Pamela Tedeschi is the President of Tedeschi Educational Consulting. For over ten years she was an Associate at Georgia K. Irvin and Associates, an educational consulting firm known for its insightful assessment of children and wise counsel to parents regarding independent and public schools in metropolitan Washington, and boarding and therapeutic schools nationally. On June 1, 2010 Pamela purchased Georgia K Irvin and Associates. She will continue to provide the same level of sensitivity, knowledge and insight that clients have come to expect.

In addition to her consulting with families, she provides the following services for clients: administers achievement tests, mentors for the SSAT, and tutors.
Biography: Education: B.A. in Elementary Education, Emory University; M.S. Ed. in Special Education, (Course Concentration in Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders) S.U.N.Y. Binghamton; Post graduate courses in School Administration and Gifted Education, Georgia State University.
Experience: In public schools: teacher in New York, Georgia and Maryland; Department Head of special education program; Hands on Science teacher and teacher mentor, director of a preschool. In independent schools: teacher at the McLean School of Maryland. Other: Featured speaker on radio talk shows about learning differences; Leader of discussion groups on testing, special education, and behavior management for parents and teachers; tutor of children with learning differences. Certified Educational Planner, IECA (Independent Educational Consulting Association) Learning Disability Committee Chairperson


JON THOMAS, Ed.D
The AD/HD College Success Guidance Program
9477 Silver King Court, Fairfax, VA 22031
703-849-8414, Fax: 703-359-8330
jthoma3540@aol.com
www.ADHDCollegeSuccess.com
Services: The AD/HD College Success Guidance Program was developed by Dr. Jon Thomas and grew out of the lessons learned during his more than 20 years of work with transitioning high school and college students. After successfully reorienting hundreds of students who had failed their first attempt at college, he developed a program that incorporated the overlooked needs that contributed to the initial failure of this special population. The Program provides training in these specific areas of need during the school year and summer prior to college and continues support and trouble-shooting services during weekly follow up sessions by phone, email, IM, and teleconference throughout the first year of college.
Biography: Dr. Thomas holds a Virginia license as "Licensed Professional Counselor", and is also a Certified National Counselor, Certified National Rehabilitation Counselor and Nationally Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. After attaining his Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and later his Doctorate in Counseling and Human Development at George Washington University, he continued Post-Doctoral studies in Marriage and Family Therapy at Virginia Tech. Additional training included a two-year Post- Doctoral program in Ericksonian Hypnotherapy and Solution-Focused Therapy at the American Hypnosis Training Academy. In addition, Dr. Thomas has extensive training in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Psychodrama, and Men's Work. Prior to entering private practice twenty years ago, Dr. Thomas served for five years as Project Director and later Principal Investigator for a School-To-Work Transition Project for young adults with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder. He is currently president of The Pineridge Counseling Center, a private practice specializing in treating persons with AD/ HD and Learning Disabilities, as well as the founding director of the ADHD College Success Guidance Program.


DANIEL TURETSKY, Psy.D.
4809 St. Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814 - 301-913-5947
1010 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 505 Washington, DC 20007 - 202-210-5947
Services: Individual, group, family and couples psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults; social skills/ relationship groups for elementary, middle school and high school students; counseling for parenting skills and behavior management techniques; psychodiagnostic evaluation; school consultation. Specializing in learning disabilities, ADHD, social skill deficits, low self-esteem, depression, shyness, chronic illness, adoption and divorce issues, marital and parenting issues, anger management, anxiety.
Biography: Psy.D., School/Child Clinical Psychology, Yeshiva University. Previous employment with Lab School of Washington, Psychiatric Institute, DC Commission on Mental Health Services. Recent presentations include workshops on learning disabilities, attention disorders, childhood and adolescent depression, substance abuse, psychodiagnostic assessment, coping with chronic illness, the “holiday blues.” Past Secretary, WISER Board of Directors.


GLORIA KAY VANDERHORST, PH.D., LLC - BOARD MEMBER
8701 Georgia Avenue, Suite 713, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Phone and Fax: 301-578-8760
gkvanderhorst@gmail.com
www.drvanderhorst.com
Services: Individual treatment of adults and couples using an Integrative approach of Client Centered and Cognitive Interpersonal Therapy to facilitate growth. Christian and inter-faith counseling of individuals and couples. Child centered counseling that honors individual strengths allowing the child to take ownership of disabilities and address issues of anxiety, school performance, peer relationships and parent-child dynamics. Team building increases communication with school systems, teachers, psychiatrists, physicians, coaches, tutors, and student disability services.
Biography: Ph.D. from Bowling Green University, Bowling Green, Ohio, Internship in Family Systems at Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. Former tenured Assistant Professor of Psychology at Towson University, Towson, Maryland. Former Director of Vanderhorst & Associates, a multi-disciplinary practice in Baltimore, Maryland. Former Director of Child and Family Services at the Chesapeake ADHD Center of Maryland in Silver Spring, Maryland. Affiliations: Diplomat, American College of Forensic Psychologists, Maryland Psychological Association, American Psychological Association. Dr. Vanderhorst has been in practice for over 30 years providing psychotherapy and psychological assessment focusing on the early identification of LD and AD/HD. She uses Integrative Psychotherapy combining Client Centered and Cognitive Interpersonal Therapy and is trained in Family Systems. She has a subspecialty in working with men and is considered an expert in the treatment of men with anxiety resulting from previously unidentified ADD or LD. She has worked closely with physicians, school counselors, tutors, child advocates, lawyers, and coaches. She is skilled in helping couples to repair their marriage relationships, working to integrate the couple's faith and spirituality with the process of healing and growth. She is currently in private practice in Silver Spring, Maryland.


BRUCE VINIK
Vinik Educational Placement Services, Inc.
6500 Seven Locks Rd., Suite 218, Cabin John, MD 20818
301-320-9711, Fax: 301-229-1815
bruce@vinikeps.com
www.vinikeps.com
Services: Vinik Educational Placement Services offers comprehensive and individualized services to families who would like help with the college admissions process. Services include the evaluation of academic records and learning styles, the identification of appropriate colleges, help with the preparation of applications, guidance about standardized testing, campus visits and interviews, and assistance with the final choice of college.
Biography: Bruce Vinik worked for more than twenty years as a teacher and administrator in Washington area independent schools. He was Director of College Counseling and Director of Admissions at Georgetown Day School. He also served as both a middle and upper school principal in local private schools. He holds a B.A. and M.A. from Duke University and has served as an alumni interviewer for the Duke Admissions Office. He is a Certified Educational Planner and a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, Higher Education Consultants Association, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling.


VIRGINIA REYNOLDS VOGEL, Ed.S.
Educational Guidance Service
3006 Dent Pl., NW, Washington, DC 20007
202-342-1979, Fax: 202-342-2646
Services: Educational counseling for school and college choices. Parent/ student interview is followed by one or more sessions where appropriate independent schools, colleges, or alternative programs are identified. Assistance is given with interviewing skills, application materials, summer activities and curriculum decisions. Review of school or college choices and a follow-up completes the counseling process.
Biography: M.A.(Counseling), 1969, New York University; Ed.S. (Higher Education and Counseling), 1976, The George Washington University. Former Admissions Counselor, N.Y.U. Graduate Business School. Educational Program Counselor, George Washington University. Director of College Counseling, Georgetown Visitation. Member: Independent Educational Consultants Assoc., National Assoc. of College Admissions Counselors, Access. Certified Educational Planner.


JEAN H. WARD, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Fairfax Psychological and Educational Consultants
3615-F Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22030
10286 Johns Hollow Road, Vienna, Virginia 22182
703-385-1777, Fax: 703-759-3046
JeanWard@cox.net
www.DrJeanWard.com
www.FairfaxConsultants.com
Services: College counseling and self-care programs for high school and college students, individual and family therapy with adolescents and adults. Specialties in eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia nervosa and compulsive overeating), transitions in life, adjustment and motivation, stress management and translating core strengths into a calling in life. Special interest in working with the "B student" to identify the best college fit and to thrive. The college preparation package includes psychological and educational assessment, counseling, consultation and recommendations for college level accommodations. Assessment tools that measure personality traits, individual strengths and learning styles supplement a review of academic and educational records, and are used to identify core strengths and interests. College counseling enables the client to articulate in an interview and on the college application profile, essay and personal statements exactly who he or she is. The self-care programs focus on eating practices and nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, stress management, study skills, problem solving, independence and relating to others. These programs are available to individual students, groups of students, student-parent units, and groups of parents. College counseling services, self care programs and clinical psychology services are designed to address emotional development, learning style, personality, interests and school climate, and to optimize the goodness of fit for each student.
Biography: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Vanderbilt University (1982), B.A. with Honors in Psychology from Duke University (1978). Clinical Internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Member of the American Psychological Association, Northern Virginia Society of Clinical Psychologists, Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists, Virginia Psychological Association, Washington Society for the Study of Eating Disorders, and WISER. Listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology since 1986. Dr. Ward was the director of the Adolescent Day Treatment Program at Northwest Center for Community Mental Health during the mid-1980s, and has worked with adolescents and families in Northern Virginia for 25 years.


RICH WEINFELD, M.Ed.
Director, Weinfeld Education Group, LLC
104 Northwood Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20901
301-681-6233
weinfeld@comcast.net
www.richweinfeld.com
Services: Our group of expert consultants provides educational advocacy and assessment for special needs students with all types of disabilities, as well as gifted students of all ages. We review all student records, observe the student in their current educational placement, advise parents on appropriate next steps and represent parents at meetings to advocate for appropriate changes in services or placement in more appropriate public or private programs. We serve as expert witnesses in judicial proceedings, provide training to parent groups and school staffs, and provide consultation to schools and school systems. Through our Spectrum school selection service we help parents, who are in the process of relocating, to make decisions about which neighborhood affords the best educational opportunities for their children. Through our relationship with Jewish Social Services Agency (JSSA) we offer subsidized advocacy and assessment services to clients who demonstrate financial need. Rich also teams with Michelle Davis to train and certify advocates through the Special Needs Advocacy Institute, www.specialneedsadvocacyinstitute.com
Biography: Rich Weinfeld has been an advocate for appropriate educational services for students for over 30 years. After retiring from a career in Montgomery County Public Schools that included time as the director of services for gifted students with learning disabilities and extensive work with students with behavioral issues, Mr. Weinfeld has gone on to establish his own private educational consulting business. Mr. Weinfeld has taught at Johns Hopkins and has published numerous educational articles. Rich has coauthored four books:"Special Needs Advocacy Resource Book: What You Can Do Now to Advocate for Your Exceptional Child's Education"; "Smart Kids with Learning Difficulties: Overcoming Obstacles and Realizing Potential”; "Helping Boys Succeed in School"; and, “School Success for Kids with Asperger’s Syndrome”, all of which have been published by Prufrock Press. Rich serves as an expert witness testifying regarding school related issues. He is on the board of directors of the Association for Educator of Gifted Underachieving Students. He has presented at numerous national and local conferences.


JENNEY G. WILDER, M.S.Ed. - BOARD MEMBER
The School Counseling Group
4725 MacArthur Blvd., NW, Washington, DC 20007
202-333-3530, Fax: 202-333-3212
jwilder@schoolcounseling.com
www.schoolcounseling.com
Services/Biography: Jenney Wilder is an Educational Consultant who works with elementary through high school aged students and their families seeking a day or boarding school, therapeutic intervention, or a Gap Year option. Jenney is a native of the greater Washington area and attended public schools in Montgomery County before graduating from The Maret School in Washington, DC. Jenney obtained her Master’s degree in Special Education from Bank Street College of Education (NY), where she taught at two New York City Public Schools. She also tutored students in reading and writing and is trained in Orton Gillingham. Prior to working in education Jenney worked at three successful start-up companies in Silicon Valley. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College (MA). She is presently a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and a member of the WISER Board.


JOAN WITTAN, M.A.
Bass Educational Services, LLC
4229 Cherry Valley Drive, Olney, MD 20832
240-353-2385 Fax: 1-240-220-0650
Joan@basseducationalservices.com
www.basseducationalservices.com
Services: We offer comprehensive college planning services for high school students with learning differences, beginning as early as freshman year. Families are guided through the college selection and admissions process. Services include preparation of a detailed and personalized college list; assistance with college visits, interviews, applications, and essays; review of psychoeducational testing and recommendations for college level accommodations; suggestions regarding high school course selection, extracurricular and community service activities, and standardized testing (SAT/ACT); assistance in fostering independence and developing selfadvocacy skills.
Biography: Joan Wittan, M.A., works with students with learning disabilities and their families from kindergarten through the college selection process. She is expert at finding services and accommodations that allow students to be successful. Joan has taught and tutored students with disabilities in writing and reading and is knowledgeable about assistive technology. She serves on advisory committees for MCPS and on the Board of the GT/LD Network, is active in the adoption community, and is a member of IECA.


CHRISTINE YEANNAKIS, M.A.
Educational Specialist
2902 Mosby Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22305
703-739-2620
nathanyea@aol.com
Services: Tutoring, Homeschooling Options and Educational Testing for students of all ages, including early childhood. Morning school alternative providing individualized, specialized instruction for small, group. After-school study group for teens. Individual tutoring in following areas: all levels of reading (readiness through college), handwriting, composition, elementary math, organization/study habits.
Biography: Doctoral studies (ABD) in Educational Psychology, M.A. in Education (Reading/Learning Disabilities), BA in Elementary Education. Thirty years experience tutoring, testing and teaching. Private practice since 1997. Directed preschool. Taught early childhood, elementary, secondary special ed and community college reading/writing prep courses.


JUDY B. ZEGAS
Educational Support and Advocacy Services
111 East Street, NE, Vienna, VA 22180
703-344-4573, Fax: 703-319-3478
esas.jbz@verizon.net
Services: Tutorial services are provided for learning disabled children and adults, particularly in reading and writing. Provide support and information to parents as they navigate the special education process. Help to understand the child’s special needs and to find agencies that can serve. Advice and information on choosing an appropriate educational setting; gathering information and accompanying parents to meetings; educating and training parents to become more effective and knowledgeable advocates for their children.
Biography: M.Ed., American University (in conjunction with the Lab School of Washington), Special Education/Learning Disabilities. Currently Reading Specialist, Gesher Jewish Day School ( 2007 – present.) Resource support and tutor, Green Hedges School, Vienna, VA. Teacher/Intern, Lab School of Washington; Office Manager, The Night School, Lab School of Washington; Tutor, Tutoring Services of the Lab School of Washington (1998- 2002); Member, International Dyslexia Association, Council for Exceptional Children, Learning Disabilities Association. Self-employed, Educational Support and Advocacy Services (1997-Present). Co-director of the Summer Reading Program, an intensive daily tutoring program, from 2002 -2004.


AMANDA R. ZELLER, O.D.
Vision and Conceptual Development Center
2400 Virginia Ave., NW, Suite C101, Washington, DC 20037
202-862-0749 , Fax: 202-862-4988
zellerwachsvcdcenter@yahoo.com
www.vcdcwashington.com
Services: The Vision and Conceptual Development Center, founded by Dr. Harry Wachs, and directed since 2006 by Dr. Amanda Zeller, is a complete learning center featuring developmental optometry from a Piagetian approach. The Center’s vision training department specializes in all phases of children in need, autistic spectrum, learning-related problems of children and adults, sports vision, closed head trauma, aging-related vision difficulties, strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eyes), and other ocular motor dysfunctions. Diagnostic testing for all of the above is available. In addition, the Center offers logical thinking classes for children and adults as well as preschool evaluations for children (3-6 years) to determine academic readiness.


MARIA ZIMMITTI, Ph.D.
Maria Zimmitti, Ph.D. and Associates
1321 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20007
202-333-6251, Fax: 202-333-6255
mzimmitti@drzimmitti.com
www.drzimmitti.com
Services: Psychoeducational, Social-Emotional and Behavioral assessments for children and adolescents. Child, Adolescent and Adult Therapy (individual and group). Parent Lecture Series. Storybook Class for Preschoolers to develop pre-reading skills. Areas of expertise: Learning disabilities, ADHD, shyness/social anxiety in children, test taking anxiety, early childhood issues (sleeping, potty training, discipline), interpersonal psychotherapy, adult mood/anxiety disorders, adolescent treatment, international adoption issues.
Biography: M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles; Clinical Internship at Georgetown University Medical Center (Center for Child Development); Member of DC Psychological Association (DCPA) and American Psychological Association (APA). Please view website for bios of other associates.