About Me
SpecialEdAdvocateNJ
- Principal Certificate, School Administrator Certificate (CE), K-8 Teaching Certification;
- Board Certified Educational Advocate, (BCEA) from the National Special Education Advocacy Institute;
- Master of Administration and Supervision, Ed.M. – Rutgers University;
- Master of Fine Arts, MFA – The School of the Arts Institute of Chicago;
- K – 8 New Jersey Elementary Education Certification – William Paterson University;
- Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Arts, BA – Ramapo College of New Jersey;
- Member of Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
For the past 25 years I have been in the public school setting. I recently left the public school setting to be a full-time advocate. Before becoming an administrator I was a middle school teacher. I am also the proud parent of three children, two of which required special education services. For almost 15 years I had been working as an special education advocate as a second job. In 2016 I decided to make being a special education advocate my full-time profession.
As an administrator I was a principal, technologist, special education supervisor, and director of curriculum. I truly enjoyed my years as an administrator and believe that I helped shape the programs of the different districts in which I worked.
When I left administration, I knew that I wanted to continue to work in the field of education. Some years back, my wonderful wife had some friends who needed some help navigating the special education process – and that is where and when I decided to make special education my next career.
I sincerely believe that most teachers and administrators want the best for your child. That is why I believe that a professional demeanor is necessary to maintain open communication with the members of the CST and the district. I’d like to believe that most issues are because the teachers and child study teams are just overwhelmed by the regulations and expectations the state and the district has upon them. But – that isn’t our problem. My job as an advocate is to articulate what is the best possible program for your child. And – I will do so with all my education, experience, and passion. Navigating the ins and outs of special education can be difficult and confusing. You don’t have to go through that alone.