Navigating the special education landscape can feel like an uphill battle. That’s why The Slate Network was founded – to serve as your knowledgeable advocates and partners. We understand the challenges parents face – the complexity of regulations, the emotional journey of advocating for your child, and the need for comprehensive support.
Alongside our professional credentials, we lead with compassion, candor, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring your child’s needs are met. The Slate Network combines expertise with first-hand experience to educate, guide, and fiercely represent your family’s best interests every step of the way.
Lizzy holds dual certification in special and elementary education in New York. She has a Masters in Inclusive Elementary Special Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She began her career as an ICT classroom teacher, district educational evaluator and representative for the preschool and elementary school special education committees. She has worked in both public and private school programs on Long Island and in NYC.
Throughout her 15 plus years in the New York state education system, Lizzy has worked with children on the autism spectrum, students diagnosed with conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, visual and hearing impairments, and specific learning disabilities in reading, writing, and math. Her professional career has been focused on providing equitable and sustainable education plans for every student.
Since becoming a mother of two, Lizzy recognized the need for individualized support for her family and friends entering the world of special education. Lizzy has a remarkable ability to use her understanding of the education system to provide a collaborative and objective approach to child advocacy. She has sat on both sides of the table and is eager to extend her expertise, compassion and dedication to her clients. She is currently a full time non-attorney advocate. She has completed both SEAT 2.0 and 3.0 training and is a member of the Council of Parent Advocates and Attorneys (COPAA).
Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in working with students with learning disabilities. She obtained her Masters of Social Work from NYU, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Communications from the University of Michigan.
Lauren began her Social Work career at a preschool in Manhattan for students with special needs, where she provided individual and group sessions in the form of therapy to students on the Autism Spectrum. For the past 11 years, Lauren worked at the Churchill School and Center, as the Elementary School Social Worker facilitating counseling and social skills groups for students with Learning Disabilities, as well as individualized clinical support on an as needed basis.
Throughout her career, Lauren has been a strong advocate for students and families, regularly attending CSE (Committee on Special Education) meetings to ensure students receive the support they need. Lauren’s extensive experience has provided her with a deep understanding of diverse learning profiles and the necessary interventions to help each student reach their full potential. Lauren is passionate about supporting families in navigating what is often a stressful and daunting process.
Lindsay’s advocacy journey started when she saw the dual paths of raising two children with special needs alongside her typically developing child. When her oldest required early intervention services after a premature birth, Lindsay left behind her corporate career to fully immerse herself in the intricate world of IEPs and specialized education plans.
Witnessing firsthand the victories of securing critical services alongside the frustrations of battling a complex system that doesn’t always understand unique needs, Lindsay was determined to help other families navigate this emotional world. She devoted herself to learning special education regulations in order to provide comprehensive, hands-on advocacy.
Leveraging her background in data-driven negotiations and solutions-oriented problem-solving, Lindsay works with parents to take an active role in their children’s education plans. Her professional expertise is enhanced by profound personal insights into the hopes, struggles and sacrifices families endure on this journey.
Lindsay’s driving force is witnessing the impact the right interventions and accommodations can have on a child’s academic and social-emotional growth. With this balanced perspective, she partners alongside families as a dedicated guide, empowering them to confidently navigate the system and foster positive relationships with schools based on mutual understanding and respect for the shared mission — the student.
As members of the Council of Parent Attorney and Advocates (COPAA), The Slate Network follows COPAA’s Voluntary Code of Ethics for Special Education Advocates.
We do not offer legal advice and no one employed at The Slate Network is an attorney. We do not and will not claim to be experts in special education law.