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 To enhance my ability to help guide troubled children and their parents, as part of my doctoral program research I investigated the causes ofand solutions forchildrenīs academic and behavioral problems in school settings. Additionally, as a result of my search for knowledge regarding services available to special needs adolescents, I co-authored a manuscript entitled, A Federal Resource Guide to Policies Affecting Adolescent Substance Abuse Services, 2001 (unpublished manuscript).
As a person who has experienced learning challenges (not disabilities), including dyslexia, I understand the struggles and difficulties for some students who are identified as having a learning disability. My approach with students is based firmly in the belief that all of us have the potential to be successful academically, however, some schools are unequipped to accommodate those students with different and unique learning styles.
Usually when my clients first come to see me they see themselves as not being smart and have anxieties regarding school. With the Highlands Ability Battery, many if not most leave the feedback session with a first time experience of self confidence and a determination to utilize their identified strengths.
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In 1990, I began my work with special needs children, adolescents, and young adults by providing both individual and family counseling in my role as a psychotherapist. However, I soon realized that many troubled young people need more than weekly counseling sessions to adequately address their needs. When I began working as Forensic Social Worker, seeking placements for troubled children and adolescents for the Right to Treatment Unit of the Juvenile Division of the Dade County Public Defenderīs Office in Miami, Florida, I quickly became aware of the problems and barriers faced by so many parents seeking an appropriate academic and/or therapeutic setting to address their childrenīs needs.
I provided technical assistance in the development of a resource guide to selected federal policies affecting childrenīs social and emotional development (birth to six years), while working at the Schneider Institute for Health Policy at the Heller School/Brandeis University. The resource guide was: Off to a Good Start: Research on the Risk Factors for Early School Problems and Selected Federal Policies Affecting Childrenīs Social and Emotional Development and Their Readiness for School (Huffman & Cavanaugh, et. al., 2000). PhD Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
MA Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA MSW Social Work, Barry University, Miami, FL BA Political Science, Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, GA Professional Accreditation LICSW MA LICSW WA LCSW FL (inactive) Mental Health Professional as Expert Witness and Forensic Examiner Professional Affiliations: National Association of Social Workers American College of Forensic Examiners The International Dyslexia Association I primarily utilize the Highlands Ability Battery with High School and College Students and those persons looking to identify potential majors in college or graduate school.
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