Our Team works with ALL LEARNERS.

Sydni Cohen, an educator with nine years of experience in the field of special education, has been actively engaged in shaping young minds. Having taught in preschool and school-aged self-contained special education classrooms, she has now taken on the role of a Parent Educator within the Montgomery County Public Schools system.

Sydni specializes in providing tailored assistance to her students and their families, leveraging innovative and differentiated strategies that align with individualized needs. Her collaborative approach extends to working closely with therapists and caregivers, ensuring a seamless continuum of progress for each student. Currently, she takes on the responsibility of teaching one our social skills groups for students with disabilities at We Rock The Spectrum, Gaithersburg. 

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Desiree has contributed her talents to the realm of special education for the previous five years. She hones a comprehensive teaching background, spanning Kindergarten, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades within both general education and self-contained classroom environments.

Desiree's knowledge is further exemplified by her possession of an M.Ed. in Special Education and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. 

As a cornerstone of her practice, Desiree places paramount importance on forging and nurturing meaningful connections with students and their families. In her capacity as a dedicated 'speducator,' she wholeheartedly prioritizes the wellbeing and advancement of each child under her care.

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Meet Emma, an experienced educator with a decade of involvement in the world of education. A dedicated reading specialist and special educator, she prioritizes nurturing students' strengths and confidence through specialized instruction and multimodal literacy. Emma's focus is on fostering student social, emotional, and academic growth. Her hard work revolves around providing specialized instruction with a drive to optimize student success through rigorous and engaging teaching methods, including active learning strategies and differentiated instruction. Building strong relationships with her students is at the core of her approach. Emma is looking forward to meeting you!

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Since 2011, Mrs. Brittany has been actively involved in teaching, coaching, and supporting student learning. With a strong passion for working with individuals with unique abilities, she possesses an innate desire to assist all students in achieving their social and academic goals.

Describing her teaching style as "personalized," Mrs. Brittany approaches each student with a careful eye, closely focusing on their individual strengths and needs. By engaging students through learning experiences that align with their personal interests, she creates a nurturing and enriching environment for all.

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Meet Mrs. H., a Certified Special Education Teacher for grades K-12, who currently teaches in the Autism Program at Montgomery County Public Schools. With 4 years of professional classroom experience and over 6 years of serving as a lead teacher and coach to individuals with disabilities, she has honed her expertise in the field. Mrs. H's passion lies in creating accessible, dynamic, and joyful educational experiences. She is eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to work with your child! Currently, she takes on the responsibility of teaching two of our social skills groups for students ages 7-11. 

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Ms. Leane has been an elementary educator for over 20 years. She began her career as an elementary classroom teacher and has taught grades 1-4. With a master’s degree in Reading Education, she went on to be a Reading Specialist for nine years. Ms. Leane has been tutoring students in grades K-9 in reading and writing since 2014. She also has a great deal of experience with students who face challenges with ADHD as well as dysgraphia and dyslexia. Building a good rapport with her students is always her first priority. Her passion is creating lesson plans for each individual student’s needs.

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Meet Miss Hazen, a dedicated special education teacher who currently thrives within the public education setting, where she works in a self-contained K-2 Autism classroom. Miss Hazen's passion for her profession is evident as she loves what she does. Her teaching philosophy centers on utilizing multi-modal methods to unlock the potential of her students across all domains. Miss Hazen finds immense joy in continuing to work with students of all abilities in her current role, where learning, joy, and most importantly, fun are cherished and celebrated.

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Widlyn Paul is presently employed as a Focus/Intervention Teacher at MCPS, where she has accumulated a decade of experience. Widlyn possesses expertise in various instructional models, including push-in/pull-out approaches, self-contained classrooms, and, most recently, co-teaching alongside general education educators. Her primary focus is on addressing the unique needs of each student, encompassing academic and emotional development. Lyn is known for crafting and delivering hands-on lessons tailored to accommodate a wide range of learning abilities. Her commitment extends to establishing strong, positive connections with both students and their families, nurturing a secure and supportive learning environment for all.

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With 20 years of teaching experience spanning from Pre-K 3 to community college, Christina has dedicated herself to special education, ESOL, and alternative education. Her journey began in 2003 when she earned a Master's degree from the University of Florida, with a focus on general, special, and ESOL education.

Throughout her career, she worked diligently with students facing challenges such as dyslexia and/or dysgraphia, as well as those with diverse language and mild behavioral needs. Her passion lies in fostering students' enjoyment of learning while providing them with valuable tools to overcome obstacles. Additionally, she strives to support families with encouragement and practical strategies that enhance each student's learning experience.

Ms. Britney is a Certified Special Education Teacher for grades K-12. Presently, she works in the Early Learning Supports Program at DCPS. With an impressive 8 years of professional classroom experience and an additional 5 years of serving as a lead teacher to students with disabilities, Ms. Britney's dedication to her field is evident.

Her passion centers on making education and social environments accessible to all children, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Ms. Britney's commitment to inclusivity and equity shines through her work, and she strives to create an atmosphere where all students can flourish and reach their fullest potential.

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Having served as a DC teacher for over 6 years, Erin found her calling in Special Education by recognizing the need for personalized learning in the classroom. Understanding that all students possess unique learning styles, she firmly believes that personalizing education is the key to unlocking students' success.

Erin's teaching approach revolves around incorporating students' interests and strengths into lessons, allowing them to see the purpose behind their work and fostering a deeper connection to their learning journey. Beyond the classroom, Erin has dedicated her time to volunteering in music and dance therapy classes, understanding firsthand how diverse modalities impact both the body and mind.

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Ms. Danielle holds the titles of Literacy Specialist and Certified Special Education Teacher for grades K-12. With an impressive 8 years of professional classroom experience, she currently dedicates her expertise to training and coaching teachers on curriculum products.

Her passion lies in working with students with special needs, as it presents numerous opportunities for creative problem-solving. As an educator in the realm of special education servicing, Ms. Danielle is driven to ensure that education is not only accessible but also enjoyable for all students. Her commitment to inclusivity and her innovative approach make her a valuable asset in the field of education.

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Abby Tolkan is a dedicated special education teacher with 14 years of experience in public education. She has taught in diverse classroom settings, including co-taught and self-contained environments, and is a two-time National Board Certified Teacher. Abby is passionate about her profession, adept at supporting a wide range of students using various teaching methods and pedagogies. She possesses extensive knowledge of grade-level standards and alternative/adaptive curriculums. Abby is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with students of all abilities, sharing in the joy of learning and ensuring that the educational experience is enjoyable for her students.

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Ange has lent her expertise to Montgomery County Public Schools in the role of a special education teacher for approximately four years. With roots tracing back to Ivory Coast in West Africa, Ange is fluent in French, her primary language. Beyond her professional commitments, she embraces the responsibilities of parenthood as a mother to a nine-year-old son.

Ange approaches her work with a sense of challenge and enthusiasm. Her focus remains resolutely on her students, ensuring their learning experiences are not only positive but also empowering. Ready to embrace any obstacle, Ange is firm in her commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching educational journey for her students.

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Meet Kathy Vall, a proud and loving mother of four grown children. With 16 years of teaching experience in English, Reading, and Special Education, her true passion lies in instructing Special Education English to high school students, especially those with Autism.

One of her most significant life adventures was a year-long deployment overseas as a civilian in Kabul, Afghanistan. This experience, combined with her roles as a mother and an educator, has instilled in Kathy the belief that with the right tools and a desire to learn, all obstacles can be overcome, and success is attainable.

Currently, she takes on the responsibility of teaching one our social skills groups for adults with disabilities at We Rock The Spectrum, Baltimore. 

As a licensed therapist with over 16 years of experience, Pam takes immense joy in witnessing the progress and growth of their clients and their families. Her dedication lies in empowering individuals to lead lives filled with independence and happiness.

Certified in self-regulation and holding several certifications in fine motor, gross motor, visual motor integration, and sensory therapies, Pam is well-equipped to address a wide range of needs.

With three grown children who share a passion for working with diverse individuals, Pam's commitment to fostering inclusivity is evident.

Outside of her professional life, she finds pleasure in activities such as kayaking, yoga, going to the beach, and gardening.

Her enthusiasm is palpable as she looks forward to making a significant difference in the lives of the children she serves.