Hi! I’m Mindy! As an educator and a mom, I am so excited to be collaborating with you to collect the best ideas, resources, and strategies to help those who learn differently. I am the founder of Learnabilities, a homeschool mom and mom of a traditional student (now in college), a consultant and learning differences specialist in private practice, and a former professor and Chair of Education.
To prepare for these roles, I have completed a Ph.D. in Special Education and a Master’s in Learning Disabilities from Syracuse University, a Master’s in English (with a certificate in Creative Writing) from Binghamton University, and Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Psychology from the University of Rochester. So, yes, I enjoy being a student!
My career has centered around helping children and young adults and their families to successfully navigate schooling; develop lifelong academic and career strategies and skills; practice mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques; and, ultimately, build confidence and the capacity for self-knowledge and self-advocacy. My hope is that my work with future and current general and special education teachers has had the broadest impact, but I know that the beauty of teaching lies in the “aha” moments of individual students.
In collaboration with nonprofits, I have been a member and lead architect on numerous curriculum development projects, including an at-home executive function curriculum, parent training workshops, and mindfulness curriculum materials for caregivers and other individuals supporting individuals with developmental (dis)abilities. I have led group conversations with families about learning differences, mindfulness, and the special education process and have trained staff at parent support organizations.
In addition, I have worked on grants to support elementary students transitioning to middle school and have written curriculum content and blogs for homeschooling organizations and resource websites. I have also had the tremendous opportunity to present at international, national, state, and local venues with audiences consisting of administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, and students.
Through my work with teachers, K-12 students, college students, and families, I have been able to explore the education system from different angles. I know that, while there may be some systemic issues, most educators and homeschoolers—and their students—are doing the very best they can.