DIETZEL BUTLER & ASSOCIATES, LLC
Laurie C. Dietzel, Ph.D.
Jamie G. Butler, M.A., M.S.T.
Karen Kent, Ph.D.
Ana Daroowalla, Ph.D.
8737 Colesville Road, LL104, Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-588-1400 , Fax: 301-588-9411
Services:Dietzel Butler & Associates provide neuropsychological and educational testing services to children, adolescents and adults. We also offer consultation services to help parents and adults review previous evaluation results and determine appropriate interventions. Areas of expertise include: learning disabilities, Nonverbal Learning Disorders, Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), executive dysfunction, Pervasive Developmental Disorders (including Asperger's), giftedness, emotional and behavioral difficulties. Dietzel Butler & Associates also have experience with students schooled abroad, adopted children with early institutional care as well as with individuals in universities and postgraduate programs. We conduct evaluations to provide documentation for testing and workplace accommodations. Dietzel Butler & Associates offer admissions testing with weekday and weekend appointments available.
EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT ASSOCIATES (EAA)
Director: June A. Wagner, M.Ed.
5125 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 16, Washington, DC 20016
202-363-9805 , Fax: 202-363-9807
Services: Educational Assessment Associates was founded in January 1993 by the assessment staff of the former George Washington University Reading Center. The team of fourteen educational and reading specialists, two psychologists and a consulting psychologist offer psycho-educational assessments for children, adolescents and adults. Through these assessments, the multiple cognitive and perceptual strengths that each person brings to learning are explored, as well as the educational achievement history and any factors which may inhibit learning. The specific reasons for referral and the persons needs and background are carefully considered to determine the nature and extent of the assessment. A written analysis of the test findings is the basis for the interpretive follow-up conference at which recommendations and strategies for their implementation are presented and discussed. The diagnostic process may also include school observations and conferences as well as referrals to additional specialists.
EAA also offers admissions testing for independent schools and is an alternate site for the administration of the SSAT.
Donna Hart, Ed.D and Karen Guberman, MA, co-founders
7048 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20817
202-237-8947 , Fax: 202-237-6879
Services: Educational Pathways works 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.
ENVISION TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Moira E. Williams
4905 Del Ray Ave., Suite 320, Bethesda, MD 20814
301-654-3568 , Fax: 301-652-1761
Services:Since 1989, Envision Technology has provided affordable assistive technology solutions and training for individuals with learning differences. We are a leading provider of assistive technology hardware and software, and provide technical and instructional user support. Our solutions improve the lives of children and adults, and are designed to improve their skills in:
* Reading
* Writing
* Organization
* Comprehension
* Computer Access
* Communication
* Math
EXPRESSIVE THERAPY CENTER
Stephanie Natter, M.A. ATR, CGP - Clinical Director
1408 Physicians Lane, Suite 111, Rockville, MD 20850 (add. location in Bethesday / Chevy Chase)
301-869-1017 ext. 1, Fax: 301-838-0623
Services:Expressive Therapy Center, LLC, is a consortium of highly experienced psychologists, art and movement therapists, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. We have extensive experience with: attention deficit disorder, developmental disorders, learning disabilities, depression, anxiety, and social skills to name a few. ETC provides an individualized approach using a combination of "talking" therapy and a variety of expressive therapies in an individual, family, or group setting. We treat young children through adults, and offer a wide range of social skills/support groups to meet the needs of all clients.
THE HOWARD GARDNER SCHOOL
Katherine keith, Director
4913 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310
703-822-9300 ; Fax: 703-822-9301
Services:The Howard Gardner School is a small, independent progressive high school for college-bound learners established in 2004 that values community, mutual respect, group work as well as individual differences and sense of place. Based on Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, the school strives to encourage students to develop their strengths in all areas. It is our goal to help students truly thrive intellectually and emotionally--and discover their true potential.
Cathi Cohen, LCSW, CGP
8320 Professional Hill Dr., Fairfax, VA, 22031
1001 Spring Street #206, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Stepping Stones only)
703-876-8480 x12, Fax: 703-876-8482
Services:In Step, P.C. is a comprehensive, private mental health practice providing counseling and other services to children, adolescents, and adults. Services include, but are not limited to, (1) the Stepping Stones group therapy program which is a comprehensive social skills training program for children and their parents and (2) Stepping Stones to School Success which offers educational assessment, tutoring and advocacy.
Cathi Cohen, LCSW, CGP, is the Clinical Director of In Step, P.C. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Tufts before receiving her M.S. from Columbia University School of Social Work. In 1990, Ms. Cohen created Stepping Stones, a highly specialized social skills group therapy program for children, adolescents and their parents. A leading expert in the field of social skills, Ms. Cohen is the author of Raise Your Child's Social IQ: Stepping Stones to People Skills for Kids.
IVYMOUNT SCHOOL and OUTREACH PROGRAMS
11614 Seven Locks Road, Rockville, MD 20854
301-469-0223 , Fax: 301-469-0778
1. AFFILIATED PROGRAM FOR TESTING, TUTORING AND THERAPY (APT)
Coordinator: Julie Martin
Services:The Ivymount APT program provides diagnostic and therapeutic services in the fields of speech/language, occupational and physical therapy, and psycho-therapy. Tutoring services are available in academic subjects. Assistive technology evaluation available. The Ivymount School provides a staff of experienced and certified therapists and educators.
2. AUTISM OUTREACH AND CONSULTATION SERVICES (AOCS)
Director: Tamara Marder, Ph.D., BCBA (Licensed Psychologist)
Services: AOCS delivers support to individuals and their families in home and community settings. Services are initiated upon a referral from a parent or professional to address a child’s specific skill deficits or challenging behaviors. Through home visits, a consultant collaborates with parents to provide assessment of skills and behaviors in order to develop and implement treatment recommendations. All services are individualized to meet the needs of each child and his/her family. Some examples of the services provided include behavioral assessment and development of behavior plans; assessment of skill deficits and implementation of teaching programs; development and supervision of ABA home programs; and parent training and workshops.
3. CENTER FOR OUTREACH IN EDUCATION (CORE)
Coordinator: Judi Greenberg, M.A., OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
Services: CORE programs include professional and parent conferences and workshops, training materials, and consultation to non-special education schools and day care centers on classroom management and strategies. The Professional and Family Training Services are intended to help teachers, day care providers and parents identify children who might be "at risk” for learning and to provide training so that these children can be successful in their educational and home environments. “Spotlight” groups, (language/motor/social skills), are offered for preschoolers ages 4 & 5.
THE JENNY WAELDER CENTER for CHILDREN (JWHCC)
3150 Chesapeake Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008
202-237-1550
Services: The Jenny Waelder Hall Center for Children (JWHCC) provides a nursery school for 3 to 6 year old children with social and emotional vulnerabilities. Our highly trained, multi-disciplinary faculty employs a developmental approach based on research and best practice to nurture the whole child. We seek to enhance the parent-child relationship to the benefit of each child, family and the community by offering a supportive and creative learning environment. Our school day begins at 8:30 AM and ends at 12:15 PM, and we operate on an eleven month calendar, September through July. Our school is for any child with uneven development who could benefit from a smaller class size. Our curriculum emphasizes social, emotional and play skill development as the precursors to meaningful learning and connection to others. Our sensitive teachers facilitate a strong feeling of group membership in the children in order for their empathy, cooperation and self-esteem to thrive. Learning to identify feelings and reflect upon one's own emotional range is favorably associated with future social and emotional health. Interested applicants: please call the school at 202-237-1550 to set up an appointment.
Director: Eric M. Isselhardt, Ph.D
5000 14th St., NW, Washington, DC 20011
202-722-5555 , Fax: 202-722-5533
Services: Founded in 1938, Kingsbury is a private, nonprofit organization with a school, diagnostic and psychological services, and tutoring for children and adults with learning difficulties. Kingsbury Day School is an independent kindergarten through 12th grade full-time special education school serving the needs of students of average or above cognitive abilities with learning disabilities. KDS is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and students graduate with 24 Carnegie Units. The Diagnostic and Psychological Services Division offers psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations for a broad range of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems for individuals aged three and up. Specific concerns addressed include adjustment and developmental issues, learning related problems, ADHD, executive functioning, and autistic spectrum disorders. Individual tutoring in all subjects, study skills, organization skills, and test preparation (SSAT, SAT,GRE, etc.) are provided by highly trained tutors who are also experts in teaching students with learning disabilities.† Small classes (Keyboarding, SSAT Prep, Reading for Concepts, etc.) are offered on Saturdays and in the summer through the Tutoring Department.
THE LAB SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON
Interim Director: Sally Seawright
4759 Reservoir Road, N.W., Washington, DC 20007
202-965-6600 , Fax: 202-965-5105
Services: 1)Day School Program, founded 1967. Enrolls learning disabled students of average to superior intelligence. 2)Summer School Program, 5 week program runs mid-June to end of July. Open to students from other schools who are learning disabled. 3) Tutoring Services: available for children and adults with one on one instruction.(DC, MD and VA) covering reading (Wilson, Orton-Gillingham, Phono-Graphix), writing, math (basics to Calculus), science (Physics and Chemistry), Study skills, Foreign language (Spanish and French), and Test prep (SSAT, SAT, GRE. Contact Leila Kramer( 202-944-3086 ) 4) Clinical Services: Psychological and Diagnostic Services ( 202-454-2242 ), Speech and Language Therapy ( 202-944-2236 ) Occupational Therapy (202-944-2246) 5) The Night School: classes for learning disabled adults. Contact: Peg O’Donnell ( 202-944-2215 ). 6)Career and College Counseling: specifically for students and adults with learning disabilities. The Lab School offers professional development workshops for educators and mental health professionals; lectures for parents and professionals; and an annual Scientific Conference in October. Baltimore Lab: a division of The Lab School of Washington opened in September, 2000 and currently serves grades 1-12. Baltimore Lab's main number is 410/261-5500 .
LINDAMOOD-BELL LEARNING PROCESSES
Center Director: Jennifer Broere
3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW Suite 320, Washington, DC 20016
202-237-7695 , Fax: 202-237-6529
Services:Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, an internationally recognized leader in educational research and remediation, has pioneered programs to develop the sensory-cognitive processes which underlie reading, spelling, math, visual-motor processing, language comprehension, and critical thinking. We are the only provider endorsed and licensed by the authors of the Lindamood-Bell programs, with a Learning Center in Washington, DC. Call to speak to one of our consultants and to schedule a free information visit: 800-300-1818 or online at www.lindamoodbell.com.
Jewel Walwyn, M.Ed; Community Liaison
Tamieka Skinner Thomasson, M.A.; Director
12301 Academy Way, Rockville, MD 20852
301-984-4444 , Fax: 301-881-8043
Services:The Lourie Center School is an early intervention program that provides specialized education/therapeutic services for elementary age children who are challenged by emotional, social and behavioral difficulties interfering with their capacity to learn and to develop healthy relationships with adults and peers. These emotional disorders can include attachment/separation problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, AD/HD, sensory and mood disorders, disruptive behavior and atypical development. The critical elements of the School's approach include providing a therapeutic milieu, a strong academic curriculum, individualized instruction, and an integrated service delivery model. The class size is 8 children to 3 to 4 adults. The School is accredited through MSDE to serve children ages 4 through 10 years old, from Nursery 4 through 5th grade
Andrea Mullins, Director
11614 Seven Locks Road, Rockville, MD 20854
301-469-0223 , Fax: 301-469-0778
Services:The Maddux School serves children in preschool and kindergarten and offers half-day preschool and pre-kindergarten classes; and full-day kindergarten. Maddux celebrates the different learning styles, personalities and interests of young children. The school is committed to establishing strong academic, communication and social skill foundations through innovative activities that complement the strengths, meet the needs and promote the self esteem of each student. The School offers individualized, supportive programming for all students; small classes (generally with a 4-6:1 student teacher ratio); highly trained, certified and experienced teachers; speech pathologists and occupational therapists who deliver small-group integrated services to all students as well as provide consultation to staff; informal assessments; enrichment activities including art, music, library, and gym; ongoing dialogue with parents; referrals to, and collaboration with, private therapists (as needed); and school transition advice and support. Parents interested in The Maddux School should call to schedule an orientation visit and/or request an application. The school’s mission is to enable students to follow their dreams with confidence as they grow and learn.
Head of School: David E. Mullen
955 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-495-6672 , Fax: 301-495-7829
Services:Nora is a school for students who are bright, but are not achieving their potential for a variety of reasons, ranging from mild learning disabilities to motivational problems. Our mission is to empower these children, help them turn their lives around, get them excited about learning, help them to see the world a bit more critically, and get them ready for college. We are a caring community that allows for individuality while stressing an individual’s responsibility to society. We encourage a diversity of races, creeds, economic backgrounds, and lifestyles, and promote an open and free exchange of ideas and attitudes. Our goal is to give each child a chance, not to become equal but to become different - to fully realize that unique potential of body, mind, and spirit he or she possesses.
Sharon DellaRose, Head of School
Krys Renzi, Marketing Coordinator
6135 Old Washington Road, Elkridge, MD 21075
410-796-6700 , Fax: 410-796-7661
Services: Norbel School is a unique educational model for bright capable students in grades 1 -12 with a wide variety of learning disabilities. By individualizing instruction, using multiple teaching methods, and integrating an interpersonal skills curriculum, Norbel maximizes the academic success of each student.
Director: Ron McClain
4842 16th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20011
202-726-0740/0741, Fax:202-726-0748
Services: Parkmont is a small independent school serving grades 6-12. Parkmont provides small classes with a high level of adult guidance and support. At Parkmont, students ally themselves with creative adults whose driving concern is their success and well- being. Parkmont’s innovative academic program and close, supportive relationships with teachers help students develop the motivation, self-confidence and skills necessary to succeed in high school and life. Teachers are experienced with students who require accommodations for minor learning problems, students with uneven academic skills, and students who thrive in a stimulating, hands-on, noncompetitive academic environment. The program incorporates modular courses, frequent field trips and special projects, individualized courses of study and internship opportunities.
President: Erik Kimel
11257 S. Glen Road, Potomac, MD 20854]
Work: 240-744-2470 Fax: 240-465-0762
Services: At Peer2Peer we empower top achieving high school students to tutor and mentor younger schoolmates in K-12 subjects. Through our program, students are motivated to reach new academic heights by leveraging the first-hand knowledge and experience of our trained staff. Our tutors craft personalized plans to improve performance and build self confidence. Often parents refer to our tutors as "homework coaches" who work to ensure assignments are completed correctly and lessons are reinforced. Our core one-to-one tutoring service is affordably priced and convenient (we come to you). Likewise, Peer2Peer has a social mission to create jobs for top achieving high school students and enable younger students to benefit from the knowledge of their older student mentor. It's a mutually beneficial experience that strengthens the community – parents, children, and tutors alike. Peer2Peer was Voted Best Tutoring Company by Bethesda Magazine in 2008.
Paul Penniman and Erin O’Brien, founding directors
3522 Davenport Street, NW Washington, DC 20008
Phone and Fax: 202-364-4263
Services: Veterans of the classroom, we provide mathematics tutoring for ages 10-infinity. Erin specializes in algebra and geometry, while Paul also does statistics and calculus. For middle schoolers and younger, we have a wide variety of motivational games and activities. We also offer (P)SAT classes as well as private tutoring for the PSAT or SAT. The average gain for our '99-'00 classroom (P)SAT students from their previous scores was 84 points. In all of our work, we consult with school teachers and other appropriate professionals to provide the maximum opportunity for achievement.
POSITIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCES, LLC
Tutoring by ADHD Specialists, SAT/ACT Prep
7920 Longridge Court, Cabin John, MD 20818
301-229-9515
Services: Positive Learning Experiences (PLE), a highly regarded private tutoring center just off the Washington Beltway (I-495) at River Road in suburban Maryland. PLE is known for its ADHD expertise, a coaching approach to tutoring and SAT-ACT prep courses. The PLE philosophy supports students in two-fold mastery of academic content and concepts as well as the life skills and strategies that will help them succeed long-term. PLE Founder and Principal, Candace Sahm MA Ed/HD regularly attends IEP and 504 meetings with students and their families to ensure that they receive theirlearning accommodations.
History: PLE was founded in 1990 by Candace Sahm, MA Ed/HD, educator and ADHD Coach. Ms. Sahm 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. She has a deep and longstanding interest in the IEP and 504 Plan process and will be leading a workshop on that topic during the 2008 International CHADD Conference.
Program Director: Brooke H. Brody LCSW-C, LCADC
15720 Seneca Rd., Darnestown (Germantown), MD 20874
301-987-PATH (7284), Fax: 240-246-7851
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
President: Ned Johnson
4918 St. Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814
301-950-0350 , Fax: 301-951-9198
Services: PrepMatters offers comprehensive instruction for standardized tests and educational counseling for college and graduate school admissions. With nearly 40 years of combined experience, Mr. Ned Johnson and Dr. Kathleen O'Connor lead PrepMatters in creating an integrated approach to students' success. Students work one-on-one with test-prep coaches who are expert in combining a thorough knowledge of material, a proven system of test-taking skills, and a unique appreciation of how motivation and anxiety affect student performance. Instruction is available for the alphabet of tests from ACT to SAT, HCPT to SSAT, GMAT to LSAT, etc. Admissions counseling provides superior insight into what really matters and expert advice on how best to achieve scholastic acceptance and academic goals. PrepMatters integrates a combination of close working relationships and robust online technology to provide an unparalleled level of service to its clients.
7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 601N, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
301-951-9191 , Fax: 301-718-7788
Services: Savit & Szymkowicz, LLP is a general practice law firm which provides services to individuals and businesses. We represent parents, students and charter schools in special education and similar cases (including matters involving the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act). We also practice probate, estate planning, family, employment, civil rights and general business law (with an emphasis on small- to medium-sized businesses), and represent brokerage customers in securities disputes. Our attorneys are admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Maryland and the District of Columbia; we affiliate with Virginia practitioners as needed.
THE SCHOOL COUNSELING GROUP, INC.
Director: Peter A. Sturtevant, Jr., MA
4725 MacArthur Blvd, NW, Washington, DC 20007-1904
202-333-3530 , Fax: 202-333-1212
Services: The School Counseling Group, founded in 1979, provides professional, common sense advice to families regarding school choices pre kindergarten through college. We visit and evaluate public and private day school, boarding schools, and colleges throughout the country, so that we can advise families on the options available. Meeting with both the child and the family, we focus on the "why" of school success or failure and provide recommendations so that the child can be both happy and successful. We help place students across a wide spectrum of schools: Day School (private, public, traditional, special needs, and relocation), Boarding School (regional, national, international, traditional or special needs), Crisis Intervention (wilderness, residential treatment, therapeutic boarding schools), College Guidance (public, private, learning disabilities, year-off/gap year, and application/essay support), Mentoring/Coaching Teens and Young Adults (goal setting, planning, and ongoing support), Referrals to local professionals (for testing, tutoring, counseling, or school advocacy).
Please see our counselors’ biographies in the full member section: Clare Anderson (Day and Boarding), Ethna Hopper (Crisis Intervention, Boarding), Oakes Hunnewell (College), Peter Sturtevant (Crisis, Boarding, Mentoring, Gap Year), and Jenney Wilder (Crisis and Boarding).
SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES, LLC
Terry Edelstein, Ph.D., NCSP; Kathy Channick, M.S.
4701 Sangamore Road, Suite 135 So., Bethesda, MD 20816
301-656-5200 , Fax: 202-337-1670
Services: School Support Services, LLC provide an array of educational and clinical services to individual families and schools. A cadre of learning specialists, clinical and educational psychologists deliver services with an emphasis on case management, diagnostic assessment and academic coaching. Dr. Edelstein and Ms. Channick write a column SCHOOL SUPPORT, in the Washington Parent newspaper. The School Support group presents workshops on issues that pertain to academic skill development, conflict resolution, and diagnostic assessment.
9727 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
301-592-0567 , Fax: 301-592-0569
Services: The Siena School serves bright, college-bound students with mild to moderate language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia. Currently serving grades 5-9, we will grow to grades 5-12 by 2009. We offer a high quality, college-prep curriculum featuring multi-sensory instruction and assistive technology in small classes with individualized attention. We emphasize students' strengths and interests and focus on fostering positive self awareness and self-advocacy. Art, music, and drama enrichment is included in the program, along with physical education, and classes in study-skills and keyboarding. An after-school program is available. We are conveniently located immediately off the beltway exit at Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland.
SPODAK, STEFANO & ASSOCIATES, LLC
Director: Ruth B. Spodak Ph.D.
6155 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852