Professional Member Services Directory

Welcome to our Professional Directory. This directory is provided as a service to connect our community — parents, educators, and professionals — as we work in partnership to improve the educational experiences of students on the autism spectrum. We believe that positive school experiences, both academic and social, will translate to better outcomes for our children when they transition to employment or higher education.

Professionals listed in this directory have joined us in our commitment to serving students on the autism spectrum and their families by becoming professional members. Inclusion in the directory is voluntary and does not constitute an endorsement.

Click here for more information on becoming a professional member. 

Alliance Pediatrics

9711 Washingtonian Blvd., Ste. 550, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
240-252-4105; www.alliancepediatrics.com
Contact: Dr. Joy Kolb, Ph.D.; jkolb@alliancepediatrics.com
Services: Psychology & Behavior Analysis

ArtStream

8401 Connecticut Ave, #1230, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-565-4567; www.art-stream.org/
Contact: Heller An Shapiro; h.shapiro@art-stream.org
Services: Social Skills; recreational support; performing arts support

ArtStream offers performance opportunities to people with IDDs – including autism - of all ages. Classes, workshops, and performances are available throughout the DMV. ArtStream’s programs encourage collaboration and engage people in lifelong learning opportunities. Through ArtStream’s classes, performances, social skills workshops, and other programming, participants gain skills and confidence to engage with the world. We welcome everyone to work together, learn from each other, and be valued for their creative contributions.

Suzanne Keith Blattner and Associates

10605 Concord St., Ste. 102, Kensington, MD 20895
301-758-4275; www.suzannekeithblattner.com
Contact: Suzanne Keith Blattner; skb.edu@mac.com
Services: Educational consulting; Advocacy; Academic tutoring/coaching

Matthew B. Bogin, Attorney at Law

5454 Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 760, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-656-1755; www.boginlaw.com
Contact: Matthew Bogin; matthew.bogin@boginlaw.com
Services: Financial/trust management

Matthew B. Bogin has been helping families with special needs members throughout the D.C. metropolitan area for over thirty-five years. He is well respected for his championing the varying rights of special needs clients. Currently his particular focus is ensuring that families with special needs members complete and review planning to ensure a successful future for these children. Because that calls for specialized knowledge and expertise, Matthew is ideally suited to assist clients in the area of special needs trust, estate planning, and guardianship.

Center for Assessment And Treatment (CAAT)

8401 Connecticut Ave., Ste. 1000, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
240-424-0184; caatonline.com
Contact: David Black, Ph.D.; dblack@caatonline.com
Services: Psychological counseling; Social skills therapy; Educational consulting; Neuropsychological testing

The Center for Assessment And Treatment (CAAT) was created to improve the lives of children, teens, and adults. Their team consists of compassionate clinicians who are dedicated to identifying the obstacles that interfere with an individual’s performance and creating personalized treatment plans to help the individual reach his or her full potential. CAAT provides extraordinary service through a uniquely integrated and continuous approach to evaluation, treatment, and support. We are committed to helping people reach their potential through careful evaluations of strengths and weaknesses and providing individually tailored, empirically-based interventions.

Center for Communication & Learning

6208 Montrose Rd., Rockville, MD 20852
301-468-9343 x2; www.ccl-md.com
Contact: Susan Abrams; susanabramsslp@gmail.com
Services: Speech/language therapy; Social skills therapy; Parent education

The Center For Communication and Learning is a comprehensive pediatric speech and language private practice that provides evaluations and therapy to children diagnosed with communication challenges secondary to autism, social pragmatic language disorders, speech and language delays, apraxia and oral motor/feeding difficulties. Staff collaborate with educators and therapists in order to provide an integrated approach to services for your child. Family participation is welcomed. The dynamic Be Social Kids programs assist children in developing social thinking skills to enhance their ability to navigate the social world at school and at home. Information and enrollment for groups and parent workshops are available at www.parentuniv.org.

Ms. Abrams has completed the mentorship by Ms. Michelle Garcia Winner at the Social Thinking Clinic in San Jose, Ms. Abrams and Ms. Rosenblatt have presented at the Social Thinking Providers Conference in California. Each of the therapists at CCL are certified members of the American Speech Language-Hearing Association and licensed by the State of Maryland.

Chesapeake Center, ADHD Learning & Behavioral Health

6430 Rockledge Dr, Suite 500, Bethesda, MD 20817
301-562-8448; www.chesapeakeadd.com
Contact: Kathleen Nadeau, kathleennadeau@chesapeakeadd.com
Services: Medical/medicine management; Psychological counseling; Behavioral therapy; Educational consulting; Educational testing; Neuropsychological testing; Academic tutoring/coaching; College placement assistance; Behavioral support; Medicine management

The Chesapeake Center is an ADHD, Learning and Behavioral Health clinic that offers a broad range of services to people across the lifespan. We provide individualized and integrated care all in one location using a team-based approach. Our services include: developmental and behavioral pediatrics, psychotherapy, psychiatry / medication management, a comprehensive array of assessments including neuropsychological and psychoeducational testing, tutoring and study skills support, executive functioning coaching, specialized career services, school consultations / observations and therapeutic placement services. We believe in treating the whole person taking a strengths-based and solution-focused approach.

DC Peers

5028 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016
202-580-5622; www.dcpeers.org
Contact: Catherine Roberston; crobertson@dcpeers.org
Services: Social skills therapy; recreational support; coaching

DC Peers is a nonprofit providing innovative free/low-cost social learning and social coaching programs to teens and young adults. Our programs bring typical and autistic peers together to learn how neurological differences affect social interactions. We're committed to raising neurodiversity awareness in our organization and our community.

Disability Rights Maryland

1500 Union Avenue Suite 2000, Baltimore, MD 21211
410-727-6352; disabilityrightsmd.org
Contact: Robin Murphy; RobinM@DisabilityRightsMD.org
Services: Nonprofit organization; Special education law; advocacy

Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) envisions a world where people with disabilities are fully included in the workplace, neighborhoods and all aspects of community life. We help people with disabilities pursue opportunities to participate fully in all aspects of community life, and champion their rights to self-determination, dignity, equality, opportunity, and freedom from discrimination and harm. DRM may represent Maryland residents who have a disability and a legal issue within the scope of our Advocacy Services Plan.

Exceptional Educational Solutions

701 Hyde Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902
724-320-9026; ExceptionalEducationalSolutions.com
Contact: Stephanie Frumkin; Stephanie@exceptionaleducationalsolutions.com
Services: Educational consulting

Educational consulting services for families with out-of-the-box learners. Support, Consultation, Advocacy, Traditional and Alternative Learning Environments, Supporting Neurodiversity. Stephanie works with families with bright and struggling students to find the best educational decisions for their children. Her specialty is "high functioning" autism/Asperger's and twice exceptional students.  

Fitness for Health

11140 Rockville Pike, Ste. 303, Rockville, MD 20852
301-231-7138; www.fitnessforhealth.org
Contact: William Sickel; willie@fitnessforhealth.org
Services: Occupational therapy; Physical therapy; Social skills therapy; Athletics/recreational support

Fitness for Health strives to build self-esteem and self confidence, and to make a difference in the lives of the children with whom they work. Combining state-of-the-art equipment with innovative approaches to exercise, Fitness for Health helps people of all ages and abilities enjoy the benefits of physical activity while having fun. Featured in O Magazine, Fox News, and The Today Show, founder Marc Sickel is fulfilling his dream of helping children maximize their physical potential. By using specialized equipment and unique methods, Marc has created an exciting, safe environment where children can develop the motivation and confidence to learn new skills and take on new challenges. They offer a non-intimidating, relaxed environment where children can feel comfortable. Therapeutic fitness, and Occupational and Physical Therapy services are available.

Family Legal Advocacy Group (FLAG Family Law)

7120 Minstrel Way, Ste. 202, Columbia, MD 21045
410-884-0400; flagfamilylaw.com
Contact: Katherine Thomas; katherine@flagfamilylaw.com
Services: Special education law

The attorneys at FLAG are former educators with years of experience working with disadvantaged and special education students. We combine our knowledge of the intricacies of the special education process with the advocacy skills of an attorney. Given that skill set, we are uniquely able to help families determine if an IEP or 504 is appropriate, explain the legal framework, and get children the help they need.

Groove

5707 Arundel Ave., Unit B, Rockville, MD 20852
301-348-8763, www.groovetoday.com
Contact: Zachary Lasko; info@groovetoday.com
Services: Academic tutoring/coaching; Athletics/recreational support

Our mission at Groove is to help everyone build connection and share their passion for the arts and for movement. Our adaptive specialists make sure that nothing stands in the way of an individual who wants to participate in our programming and in the community. Using techniques informed by the most cutting-edge clinical and educational approaches, we apply our knowledge to help every child succeed, no matter what their adaptive differences may be. Current offerings include music, dance, yoga, and rock climbing.

Brian K. Gruber, P.C., Law Office

6110 Executive Blvd., Ste. 220, Rockville, MD 20852
301-657-3777; www.bkgpc.com
Contact: Brian K. Gruber, Esq., brian.gruber@bkgpc.com
Services: Special education law including consultation, representation at IEP meetings, conflict resolution, mediation, and due process hearings

The Law Offices of Brian K. Gruber, P.C. represents students and their parents in matters related to special education, access to appropriate accommodations under section 504, and students who are facing long-term suspension or expulsion. By developing and maintaining strong relationships with public school agencies in Maryland and DC, the office is often able to help achieve a positive outcome for clients without the need for litigation.

Attorney Brian Gruber is an experienced special education litigator, having handled more than 250 due process hearings and mediations. Mr. Gruber has appeared before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States District Courts for both Maryland and the District of Columbia. Mr. Gruber is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Gruber graduated cum laude from the District of Columbia School of Law in 1997. He is frequently engaged to train lawyers in education law matters and has conducted continuing education classes for the Bar Association of the District of Columbia, the Bar Association of Montgomery County, and the Maryland Public Defenders Service.

Guiding Exceptional Parents, LLC

4711 Sheridan St., Riverdale Park, MD 20737
301-768-8503, www.guidingexceptionalparents.com
Contact: Sarah Wayland, wayland@guidingexceptionalparents.com
Services: Social skills therapy; Behavioral therapy; Educational consulting

Sarah Wayland, Ph.D., is a certified RDI consultant and a special needs care navigator at Guiding Exceptional Parents, LLC. Her Special Needs Navigation Services are designed to help parents learn how to access resources and knowledge so they can confidently and effectively help their children. She knows how to effectively navigate clinical care and educational systems, how to evaluate reports, and how to help prioritize. With good information, you can avoid wasting time and money.

As an RDI™ consultant, Dr. Wayland works with parents to show them how to teach their children the essential skills that make relationships work. She teaches them how to identify problems, and through a highly customized program that takes both their profile and their child’s profile into account, they learn how to teach the missing skills. She also work with teens and adults to help them learn the skills necessary for making and maintaining meaningful relationships.

Dr. Wayland is co-editor of the book, Technology Tools for Students with Autism: Innovations That Enhance Independence and Learning.

Jean Hickey, M.Ed.

Contact: 240-460-5306; jeh217@aol.com
Services: Individual educational therapy, educational consulting, parent training and support

Jean Hickey has worked with children and adolescents with significant learning needs for more than 25 years. Jean works with children ages 3-21 and her experience covers the range of academic skills in addition to community, vocational, and life skills instruction. For the past 15 years, Jean has worked one-on-one with students to build skills in all areas. Jean works out of her office and in student homes and private schools. Jean has experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum as well as with children with Fragile X, Down Syndrome, Myotonic Dystrophy, Kabuki Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, and significant learning delays. Jean develops a hands-on, fun and individualized approach for each child and provides parents with information and skills to support their child. In addition to individual instruction and parent support, Jean also consults with team members and coordinates the focus of support among school-based and private therapists and teachers. Jean also develops home-based instruction for a team approach.

Jean Hickey received her Bachelors degree from Boston College with a focus on low incidence disabilities and a minor in Speech Therapy. She received her Masters degree in Special Education from the University of Maryland. Jean has shared her skills in classrooms in England, Morocco, and Botswana, and has spoken on reading and math instruction for children with special needs at the Fragile X International Conference and the Learning Disabilities Association of Montgomery County.

HLD Advocates

Glenwood, MD
301-467-8259; www.hldspecialeducationadvocates.com
Contact: Stacey Dworin, MS; Stacey.hldadvocates@gmail.com
Services: Educational consulting and tutoring, servicing most counties in Maryland

HLD Advocates are dedicated to assuring our students are given the resources and support they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. We assess the particular needs of each child and work with the family and school to assure that the school system provides appropriate free education support to the student. We strive to educate and inform parents about the special education process and relevant legal issues so they can become a more effective advocate for their child.

Integrated Living Opportunities

5603 Potomac Avenue NW, North Entrance, Washington DC 20015
202-248-7113; www.ilonow.org
Contact: Maedi Tanham Carney; maedi@ilonow.org
Services: Independent living support

Integrated Living Opportunities is a non-profit organization that is devoted to helping families with special needs build supportive, integrated communities that enable safe, productive, independent living options for their young adults with developmental disabilities.

The Ivymount School & Programs

11614 Seven Locks Rd., Rockville, MD 20854
301-469-0223; www.ivymount.org
Contact: Carolyn Leskowitz Woodham; cwoodham@ivymount.org
Services: Private school; Nonprofit organization; Occupational therapy; Speech/language therapy; Social skills therapy; Behavioral therapy; Educational consulting; Athletics/recreational support

Ivymount School and Programs provides school- and community-based services for children and young adults with special needs from throughout the Washington metropolitan area. The school program serves more than 200 students, ages 4–21, with speech and language impairments, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, health impairments, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. The classrooms are structured to serve students with a range of academic and cognitive abilities, including, in some cases, those who have the potential to obtain a high school diploma.

Ivymount Outreach Programs serve students, teachers, and parents to support children with learning and developmental challenges in the community through assessments, evaluations, therapies and professional development. The goal in all of the programs is to help children and young adults achieve their highest level of development and independence to live with dignity and self-respect. Ivymount School has been twice recognized as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. Founded in 1961, Ivymount celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011.

Eric Jorgensen

TurningPoint Financial
7210 Corporate Court, Suite A, Frederick, MD 21703
Contact: eric@tpfinancial.com; 301-846-9336
Services: Financial Planning, CFP, ChFEBC

Eric Jorgensen helps families navigate the special needs planning world, from special needs trusts to retirement for parents and their children. As the father of a son with autism, he brings a unique perspective by living the same challenges you face.

Steven Kane, Ph.D.

4405 East West Highway, Suite 501, Bethesda, MD 20814
240-476-8764; www.stevenkanephd.com
Contact: Steven Kane; stevenkanephd@verizon.net
Services: Psychological counseling; Social skills therapy

Steven Kane provides psychotherapy to children and adults with diverse neurodevelopmental profiles. He has worked in special education, residential and private practice settings for over 30 years with a primary focus on autism spectrum disorders.

The Language Link

Silver Spring, MD
240-621-0855; www.thelanguagelink.com; www.speechexplorers.com
Contact: Aviva Krauthammer; aviva@thelanguagelink.com
Services: Speech/language therapy, Social skills therapy, Behavioral support, Verbal Behavior, Educational consulting, Social Skills Groups, Parent Education

Dr. Joanna Lhulier

5480 Wisconsin Ave. NW, #204, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
202-262-1483; www.drlhulier.com
Contact: Dr. Joanna Lhulier; drlhulier@gmail.com
Services: Psychological counseling

Dr. Joanna Lhulier is a licensed psychologist in MD and DC, and has been in private practice for over 15 years. She provides individual psychotherapy and psychological consultations to both adults and adolescents who are either on the autism spectrum or who have a loved one on the spectrum (parents, siblings, spouses etc.)

Link Education Resources

17208 Wellflet Dr., Olney, MD 20832
240-644-4648; www.linkeducationresources.com
Contact: Eve Margol; eve@linkeducationresources.com
Services: Educational Consulting

Our philosophy is to provide children, parents and educators the greatest chance of success by offering the necessary supports, education, and skills for both the individual and group setting. In a group setting, a classroom, daycare or homeschool environment, LinkEducation Resources offers parents and educators research based training and development of strategies for student’s mindfulness, executive functioning and behavior modification as well as the underdeveloped student skills that often accompany and lay as the root of these behaviors. This multi-tiered and collaborative support approach partners parents, teachers and students to work as a team towards the shared goal of student success. On the individual level, LinkEducation Resources offers support for both typical and exceptional students in understanding and developing underlying academic areas weakness and identifying strengths. This is done using an individualized tutoring approach combining research based programs such as Orton Gillingham, Lindamood Bell, Handwriting Without Tears, and Framing Your Thoughts. Additionally, LER integrates strategies that will enable students to problem solve, stay organized and master challenging academic environments independently.

MOCO Movement Center

5268-A Nicholson Lane, Kensington, MD 20895
301-770-5437; www.MOCOmc.com
Contact: Andrea Santman; info@MOCOmc.com
Services: Occupational therapy; Physical therapy; Speech/language therapy; Social skills therapy; Athletics/recreational support

Monica Martinez

10605 Concord St., Ste. 102, Kensington, MD 20895
202-255-7842
Contact: Monica Martinez; mmartinez@martinezadvocacy.com
Services: Special Education Advocate

Monica’s areas of expertise are services and accommodations for students on the autism spectrum, as well as those with ADHD and/or co-morbid mental health issues.  Monica also works to help parents and guardians understand the educational rights of their children. In addition to directing the work of xMinds for the past four years, Monica has attended Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training and completed the yearlong Special Education Advocate Training (SEAT) 2.0 through the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA).

Rebecca Resnik & Associates

5602 Shields Drive, Ste. A, Bethesda, MD 20814
301-581-1120; www.resnikpsychology.com
Contact: Rebecca Resnik; drresnik@resnikpsychology.com
Services: Psychological counseling; Educational consulting; Educational testing; Neuropsychological testing

Dr. Rebecca Resnik and Associates, LLC, in Bethesda and Rockville offers neuropsychological and psychoeducational assessment, psychotherapy, consulting, and speaking. For our clients with ASDs, we focus on helping each individual realize his/her potential and find the path for his/her own success story. Our Licensed Psychologists conduct custom-designed psychological evaluations personally (we never use techs or students in our practice). Our testing psychologists incorporate their expertise in brain-behavior relationships, emotional development, and evidence-based educational 'best practices' together to create a data-based action plan. Our licensed psychotherapists offer cognitive behavior therapy, group therapy, play therapy, parent coaching and insight oriented treatments to promote wellness. We also offer a Medical and Dental Desensitization program for children with sensory issues. Our highly experienced clinicians are committed to making your work with us a positive, meaningful experience.

SCI Educational Consultants,Inc.

8800 Quiet Stream Ct., Potomac, MD 20854
301 996-4124
Contact: Dr. Sheila Iseman, scikids@gmail.com
Services: Educational consulting; Special education grades K-5; Special education Grades 9-12; Special education Pre-K ; General Education Grades K-5; General education Grades 9-12; Transition ages (18–21)

Dr. Iseman, with 50 years' experience in the area of special needs, provides service to students and their parents to achieve appropriate educational programming and/or placement in public and private schools. Consulting services include case management, IEP development, support at all meetings, referrals for evaluations and community services.

Starobin Counseling

3413 Olandwood Ct., Ste. 104, Olney, MD 20832
301-524-4450; www.starobincounseling.com
Contact: Caron Starobin, LCSW-C; caron@starobincounseling.com
Services: Psychological counseling; Social skills therapy

Starobin Counseling offers individual, family, and group therapy for people living with autism. In individual & family counseling for people on the spectrum, individuals learn relationship skills and tools for functioning with greater flexibility, and family members learn to interact with greater ease and compassion with their loved ones. Starobin Counseling also provides parent support groups and PEERS® social skills groups for teens and young adults. The parent group offers parents emotional support, information, resources, opportunities to develop relationships with other parents, and aims to strengthen the capacity of families to navigate the emotional and practical challenges of raising children on the Spectrum. The PEERS® groups help group members practice social skills and relationship development with their peers, families, and communities and helps parents develop effective social coaching skills. In addition, Starobin Counseling offers individual, couples, and family therapy for people challenged by other issues.

Liz Stoff

Educational Consultant
P.O. Box 1311,Rockville, MD 20849
301-294-7319
Contact: estoff@verizon.net
Services: Educational consulting, advocacy for children with special learning needs and assistance with identification of services and placements, parent training and support.

Training in special education and general education; 6 years teaching experience; more than 30 years as a parent advocate and consultant on behalf of families with children in need of specialized instruction and services in the educational settings.

The Treatment and Learning Centers

2092 Gaither Rd., Ste. 100, Rockville, MD 20850
301-424-5200; www.ttlc.org
Contact: Michelle Lyons; mlyons@ttlc.org
Services: Private school; Psychological counseling; Occupational therapy; Speech/language therapy; Social skills therapy; Educational testing; Neuropsychological testing; Academic tutoring/coaching

TLC annually serves nearly 2,000 children and adults with a wide range of special needs. Our mission is to improve the lives of and to expand possibilities for these individuals through offering a family of services within one organization. We offer speech-language and occupational therapy, evaluations and summer programs for children; comprehensive psychological and educational testing, tutoring and counseling for students with learning challenges.

The Katherine Thomas School is a private school for students with moderate to severe language and learning disabilities and/or autism, preschool through twelfth grade. Summer programs and intensive educational programs are available.

The Outcomes Service helps individuals with special needs find and keep jobs and live independently in our community.

The Family Hearing Center conducts hearing testing, provides counseling, evaluations and hearing aid fittings for all ages.

Weinfeld Education Group

Rich Weinfeld
104 Northwood Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20901
301-681-6233; www.weingeldeducationgroup.com
Contact: Christie Plaisance, parentsupport@weinfeldeducationgroup.com
Services: Psychological Counseling; Occupational therapy; Speech/language therapy; Behavioral support; Special education law; Educational consulting; Educational testing; Neuropsychological testing

Weinfeld Education Group strives to help all students reach their potential. They focus on students who face the increased obstacles presented by their learning challenges or disabilities, and are in need of special education or other educational support services. WEG provides services in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Dr. Jamell White

6288 Montrose Rd., Rockville, MD 20850
301-613-1766
Contact: Dr. Jamell White; drjamellwhite@gmail.com
Services: Psychological counseling; Social skills therapy; Behavioral support

Dr. Jamell White is a therapist specializing in working with children, adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. She has over 19 years of experience providing individual and family therapy, social skills intervention, and care coordination for individuals with disabilities and their families. Dr. White is also a PEERS Certified Provider.

Dr. White has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree in social work from The Catholic University of America, a master’s degree in special education from Johns Hopkins University and a doctorate in Human Development and Quantitative Methodology from the University of Maryland. Dr. White is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry (Child and Adolescent) at Georgetown University School of Medicine as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.