About Us Our expert team brings deep knowledge to every project about child development, intervention, and current research, as well as local, state and federal regulations. Our experienced practitioners coach families and interventionists/teachers and our skilled trainers deliver client-tailored, cost effective training to early intervention and early childhood programs. Each member of our team partners with families, practitioners, and leadership personnel with a commitment to active listening, responsive and effective communication, and professionalism. The consulting team provides support for intervention and inclusive practices, as well as program development and professional development. The consulting team has both broad and deep expertise in areas including but not limited to: natural environment practices, such as implementing a coaching- based approach to service delivery and embedding interventions within daily routines; assessment tools or assessment practices; communication-based intervention; universal design for learning and inclusive practice; physical activity play for all learners; infant and early childhood mental health; culturally responsive practice; tele-health intervention; and teacher wellness. |
|
Karin H. Spencer EdD
Dr. Spencer has 25 years of experience in the field of early childhood education and care as a teacher, teacher coach, administrator and teacher educator. She is dedicated to fostering high quality environments and interactions for infants, toddlers and young children with or at-risk for disabilities or special needs. Dr. Spencer has pursued her passion for promoting infant and early childhood mental health by translating research into practice to lead program development and provide professional development. She has organized and facilitated playgroups for vulnerable populations of young children and their families. Dr. Spencer has created innovative program evaluation and professional development tools to support reflection and implementation of culturally responsive and mentally healthy practices. She is a frequent local, regional and national presenter on early intervention and early childhood education and care topics including resilience, mentally healthy environments, challenging behavior, physical activity, inclusion, culturally responsive practice, and universal design for learning. |
Lorelei E. Pisha, EdD
Dr. Pisha is an experienced early interventionist and professional development specialist who is passionate about inclusive service provision, cultural competence, and the role of technology as a tool for professional learning. She has studied and implemented effective support of young children with complex disabilities through evidence-based strategies and relationship-based approaches. Her work is based in the belief that all children learn best in natural environments with their peers. She has been a leader in the development of playgroups to facilitate primary prevention of maltreatment and early identification of developmental delay and pioneered the use of telehealth technology to deliver coaching-based intervention in natural environments. She has used this methodology as a direct service provider and to coach and support early interventionists in their work with families. Dr. Pisha is a thoughtful presenter and writer who supports professional learning in pre-service and in-service settings. |
Aileen Carerro
Ms. Carerro is an experienced, bilingual early interventionist and early childhood special education teacher. She possesses a deep knowledge of child development, a playful spirit, and makes easy connections with children, families, and staff. Ms. Carerro's experience includes work as a Family Partner, classroom teacher, and teacher coach in Head Start programs. She has honed her skills at individualizing instruction teaching in the early childhood special education classroom and worked closely with families to support children's development in their natural environments. |
Laura McCarty
Laura McCarty, M. Ed. has a diverse educational background beginning with a B.A. in English Literature and Psychology from the UNM, a Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School, and a M.Ed. in Special Education in 2014. She has been working with early learners for 10 years and specifically in early childhood special education for 7 years. Ms. McCarty holds her Virginia Certification as an Early Interventionist . She is committed to working in partnership with families to facilitate children's development. She believes that children learn best when presented with whole body, engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences. She partners with caregivers to provide multifaceted hands on experiences that encourage learning. She has a special interest and talent for promoting language and literacy skills for young diverse learners. |