Education:
Ph.D., New York University - 2007 (Psychology/Counseling)
M.A., New York University - 1992 (Psychology/Counseling)
M.A., Rutgers University - 1979 (Physician Assistant)
Areas of Expertise:
Focus on autism spectrum disorders. Started first U.S. elementary school for students with AS using social/cognition communication curriculum. Studies factors effecting individuals with AS and their families. Developed innovative approaches to working with students with social/cognitive learning and behavioral challenges in the mainstream room. Expanding the Brooklyn College graduate program in special education to address changes to "clinical training model" and NYS and NYC DOE requirements.
Books and Publications
"Asperger Syndrome." Boy Culture: An Encyclopedia. Eds. Shirley Steingberg and Michael Kehler. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press. (Books and Publications: Chapter) 2009
Creative Work
Everyday Stories. A series of children's books that address the special needs of youngsters on the Autistic Spectrum. 1999
Awards, Honors and Fellowships
Mayor's Citation of Excellence, New York: "Development of Grandmother's Group Program for P.S. 106, District 4." Grandmothers raising grandchildren due to parental death, incarceration, drug abuse and abandonment were targeted to develop a supportive group environment where they could share time with other women in similar situations with children in special education. Emphasis was placed upon reaffirming their self-respect and creating bonds through positive social gatherings with peers. The stressors of raising this second generation of youngsters with special needs while facing feelings of loss and failure from their previous parental experiences proved to be critical areas of focus. Opportunities for pleasant activities and a supportive environment helped improve self-images and added to receptivity and commitment to use of positive approaches with their challenging grandchildren in compromised living situations. (Awards and Honors) 1992
Conferences, Seminars and Symposiums
"Set-Up for Success: Behavior Management for the ASD Student in the Mainstream Dlassroom." South Australia Autism Association. (Conferences, Seminars and Symposiums: Contributed Talk) 2008
Pedagogical Achievements
Assisted in the creation of the educational curriculum for new Advanced Certificate in Autism Program in cooperation with the Department of Speech Communication Arts and Sciences. The 14-credit-hour program provides opportunities for individuals from various professional backgrounds to participate in a program that incorporates equal course concentrations to speech and language development, and interventions along with educational courses on creation of successful teaching and learning environments and specific adaptations and curriculum modifications to address the particular needs of the student with autism spectrum disorders or those with similar social/cognitive communication disabilities. 2007
Community Activities
Vice president, board member and co-chairperson, Education Committee, Aspergers Syndrome Coalition - United States. 2001
Co-chairperson and professional consultant, Parent Support Group of New York City for Asperger Syndrome and Related Disorders. 1998
Other Professional Activities
Consultant to public school systems for implementation and supervision of a mainstream inclusion model for students with ASD or other behavior or management issues. In-service training and education to enhance understanding of these students' perspective and school experience. 2009
