Directors and Advocates
RICH WEINFELD
Executive Director & Educational Consultant x
Richard Weinfeld directs Weinfeld Education Group, LLC, a group of over 25 educational consultants, located in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. In addition to directing the work of the company, Mr. Weinfeld provides direct special education consultation services to families of students with special needs. Mr. Weinfeld also provides extensive parent and staff training and consults with schools about appropriate programming for students. Rich has long been an advocate for quality educational programs for all students. Twenty-six years of his thirty-year career, with Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools, were spent in a variety of leadership roles in special education. Mr. Weinfeld has expertise in working with students with a wide range of disabilities including learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and emotional disabilities. He served as Montgomery County’s first full-time coordinator of programs for students who are simultaneously gifted and learning disabled. Rich’s books include, School Success for Kids with High Functioning Autism, Smart Kids with Learning Difficulties: Overcoming Obstacles and Realizing Potential; Helping Boys Succeed in School; School Success for Student’s with Asperger’s Syndrome; and Special Needs Advocacy Resource Book. He has also co-authored several articles on a variety of special education topics, including Legal Issues in Identifying and Serving Twice-Exceptional Gifted Learners. He was co-host of a weekly Internet radio show, “Teach Your Children Well: Hot Topics in Education.” Rich presents at numerous national conferences. He has instructed at Johns Hopkins University, served on the Maryland State Department of Education's Gifted Advisory Committee, and served on the board of directors for the Association for Educators of Gifted Underachieving Student (AEGUS). Mr. Weinfeld is currently on the board of directors of International Partners, through which WEG sponsors a school in El Salvador. Mr. Weinfeld also serves on the editorial advisory board for CHADD’s Attention magazine. Rich received his Masters degree from Trinity College and is certified in early childhood and elementary education, special education, administration and supervision. Rich provides advocacy and expert witness services at WEG. |
JENNIFER ENGEL FISHER
Associate Director & Educational Consultant x
Jennifer Engel Fisher, M.S, is the Assistant Director of Weinfeld Education Group, where she oversees thirteen advocates and leads the Advocacy, School Selection, and Educational Assessment divisions. Jennifer earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and her master's degree in Special Education from The Johns Hopkins University. She currently holds teaching certifications in both Elementary and Special Education. Jennifer is an experienced educator with expertise in working with students with a variety of disabilities including specific learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and twice-exceptional. Jennifer taught in Howard County Public Schools in both self-contained and inclusion settings. Additionally, she co-founded the Resource Program at the Lowell School in Washington D.C. Her passion is guiding and empowering parents through the special education/Section 504 processes. Her expertise includes developing appropriate strength based IEP’s and Section 504 Plans, data collection, educational assessments, training, and differentiated instruction. Jennifer’s expertise in administering and analyzing educational assessments provide parents with concrete data in order to make informed decisions for their child’s educational programming. Additional specialty trainings and certifications include Orton-Gillingham, OG Plus, Fundations, and all three Project Read strands, which allow her to bring a specialized skill set to the IEP or Section 504 Table. She has testified as an expert witness in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia for students with special needs. Jennifer has spoken at many national conferences including COPAA and CHADD. She recently co-presented at William & Mary’s Annual Conference on the current state on the impact of the Endrew F. Supreme Court decision on twice-exceptional students. Additional presentations include collaborating with school teams in order to hold effective and successful IEP meetings. Jennifer is the co-author of Take Control of Asperger’s Syndrome: The Official Strategy Guide for Teens with Asperger’s Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disorders. She is currently working on her second book, Take Control of Reading Difficulties. Jennifer is also a contributing author of School Success for Kids with ADHD. Jennifer provides advocacy and expert witness services at WEG. |
DR. KRISTEN ECCLESTON
Dir, Social-Emotional Services & Educational Consultant x
Dr. Kristen Eccleston's key differentiator is her first-hand knowledge and demonstrated competence grounded in real-life professional experience. She has a Doctorate of Education in Mind, Brain, & Teaching from Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Science in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University, and a Certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Hood College. Dr. Eccleston was the creator and former Director of the Enhanced- Social-Emotional Special Education Services (E-SESES) Program for Montgomery County Public Schools and has been a Montgomery County Special Education teacher for over 15 years. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at Towson University in their Secondary and Special Education Graduate Programs. Dr. Eccleston has worked on extensive research examining adolescent mental health impairments in the education environment and is well versed in the needs of the neurodiverse brain. She currently serves as part of the Smithsonian's Zero Barriers in STEM Education Advisory Committee and is a National Board Certified Teacher: Exceptional Needs Specialist. Dr. Eccleston has extensive experience creating and reviewing Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Her work as a Special Educator has provided her with expertise administering educational testing and creating individualized learning plans tailored for student success. She has served as an expert witness in court cases specific to Special Education. Dr. Eccleston is the mother of two elementary students and enjoys spending time with her family in her spare time. |
ROBERT FELTON
Educational Consultant x
While working with the Montgomery County School system for thirty years, Robert Felton has been a teacher of students with learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and emotional disturbance. He was the county's first coordinator for students with cognitive disabilities. In the role as coordinator, Mr. Felton was an important player in working with various organizations and companies to establish integrated worksites for students with developmental delays. He worked to extend the transition process beyond the world of work to develop resources to allow individuals with developmental delays to have a safe, stable home in which to live; to have access to a variety of places to engage in meaningful activities; to have a social network of meaningful relationships; and to have a level of personal choice that enhanced the quality of their lives to allow them to be safe and healthy. Following his role as coordinator he became Supervisor of special education. During this time, he was noted for his strong efforts to advocate for the inclusion of students with a variety of disabilities in their home school, in general education classrooms, with appropriate supports. Since retirement, Mr. Felton has been President of Pathways to Learning, an organization focused on teaching to the brain and promoting the transition of students with developmental delays into the world of adulthood. He conducts workshops on teaching with an emphasis on using movement, breath and touch to help focus the attention of the brain for teachers working with students with special needs in pre-school. In addition, he conducts training sessions for school staff on creating an inclusive school culture to address the needs of diverse learners. Mr. Felton holds a BA in English from Elon University. He has a Masters in Special Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and Advanced Certification in Special Education Administration and Supervision from Virginia Tech University. He is certified as a special education administrator and supervisor, a special education teacher K-12 and a general education teacher of English in Maryland. |
LAURA FITZGERALD
Educational Consultant x
Laura is excited to support WEG, families and students as a Special Education Consultant. She is a Spanish-English bilingual school building leader currently based in the metro Washington DC area. In her 12 years of service to the education industry, she has demonstrated success as an early literacy interventionist in diverse elementary settings and as a supervisor of special education in secondary settings. Laura earned a Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership from The College of New Jersey's Global Education Program in Mallorca, Spain. She is certified in Students with Disabilities (PreK-12), Administration (PreK-12) and Health and Physical Education (PreK-12). Laura has supported students and families in domestic and international schools, at the secondary and elementary levels. She has worked with students and families in Madrid, San Francisco, Shanghai, Dakar, New York City and Shenzhen. Laura is a certified Orton-Gillingham instructor. She has extensive experience working with English Language Learners, children with Autism, ADHD, dyslexia and emotional disturbances. She is able to support children and parents in a holistic approach, paying special attention to cultural nuances and expectations of individual families. In her free time, Laura likes to travel with her family, try new restaurants and visit museums and art galleries. |
REVANETTE GILMORE, MEd
Educational Consultant x
She has also worked with students with autism, intellectual limitations, specific learning disabilities, and ADHD. As she enjoyed her position of certified special education teacher she eagerly pursued a M.Ed. in Rehabilitative Counseling which was obtained from Coppin State University in June of 1995. Pursuant to that she continued her studies at Loyola University by taking course work for administration/supervision certification. Her close to 30 years of work in the field of special education at various schools, has afforded her the opportunity to hold many positions; special education teacher, diagnostic/ prescriptive teacher, Assistant Principal and Director of Education. As a Director of Education she maintained the accreditation and certification of the schools, opened new schools, hired and trained special education staff, provided program development training, oversaw the IEP process and maintained the schools budget. She has enhanced her professional growth by presenting at conferences and completing over 27 hours of special needs advocacy training. For the last six years she has had the pleasure of serving in the capacity of educational consultant which has allowed her the ultimate pleasure of helping families successfully navigate the special education process. In addition to advocacy work, she provides mentoring and training to school staff, and is a University Supervisor for JHU, where she provides classroom observations and feedback to student interns who are pursuing certification in the field of special education. Ms. Gilmore loves animals, fitness activities, traveling, and working with children. |
MARCY JACKSON, MA
Educational Consultant x
Marcy Jackson is an Education Consultant, a Special Education Advocate and Expert witness for Weinfeld Education Group, since 2009. Collaboratively, with parents, school staff, and related professionals, Marcy develops and revises IEPs, 504 plans, observes students in learning environments, advocates in meetings, and consults on school placement and related strategies for student success.Marcy has certificates in Special Education Advocacy, 90-hour Child Development, Healthy Beginnings (Maryland’s Early Childhood Development framework), and co-authored with her husband of 25 years, P.A.R.E.N.T.S. Life Skills, Literacy and Leadership. Marcy came to the special education profession after advocating in Montgomery County Public Schools for her own son with an intellectual disability. She also developed the first ever Developmental Driver Education program at Montgomery College, where she programmed and supported faculty to assess and teach driving skills to students with Autism and other social and cognitive disabilities. She’s also partnered with her son’s teacher to develop LIFE ACT Language, an applied communication experience for transitioning age young adults with intellectual disabilities. In 2020, Marcy championed for and now serves as the coordinator for SEE US: Special Education Excellence for Underserved Students, providing free advocacy to Black students with special needs such as learning disabilities, emotional trauma or giftedness. Marcy’s educational leadership extends beyond special education. Marcy also has expertise in maternal health, mental health and higher education. She has been recognized for her leadership in many inclusive workforce, organizational and professional development programs, grants and trainings over 25 years, and occasionally consults on related projects. Marcy has a Masters Degree in Education Administration from University of South Dakota, and a Bachelor’s in International Studies from Towson University in Baltimore, and High School Diploma from Wilde Lake High School in Howard County, Maryland. Marcy presents nationally on parenting, special education and equity, and work-life alignment. |
HAYLEY JACOBSON
Educational Consultant & Lead School Selection Specialist x
Since 2011, Hayley has worked as an Educational Consultant successfully advocating for the needs of her clients. Hayley helps parents of special needs students to identify and seek out appropriate services for their children. She has advocated for those with ADHD, Emotional Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, FASD, Specific Learning Disabilities and Twice Exceptional students (GT/LD). Hayley’s also serves as the School Selection Specialist for the group. In this role Hayley evaluates and recommends both public and private school options for parents trying to determine the correct placement of their children based on their individual needs. Hayley is a trained ADHD coach and provides coaching support to students with ADHD, guidance to parents, and has facilitated ADHD support groups for children. This includes working with students to identify and teach appropriate strategies to improve executive function weaknesses and to improve self-advocacy skills. Hayley’s professional training includes coursework under the direction of Dr. William Stixrud focusing on understanding the neuropsychology of learning and identifying best practices and strategies for helping students with various learning differences and executive function weaknesses. Hayley has also trained with Jodi Sleeper-Triplet as an ADHD coach specializing in teens and adolescents. In addition, she has completed specialized training in educational advocacy under the guidance of Rich Weinfeld and Wrightslaw training with Peter Wright. Hayley Jacobson received a Bachelor of Arts from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Science from Johns Hopkins University. In addition to her professional work, Hayley is the mother of two children with ADHD and has advocated successfully on their behalf for many years at the elementary, middle and high school levels. |
PAUL LIVELLI, PhD
Educational Consultant & Behavior Intervention Specialist x
Twenty-one years ago, Paul began his career in special education as a one-to-one aide for a student with autism in Virginia. Later, he became the vocational coordinator for students with developmental disabilities at this first school. He has been a special education teacher for students with autism, emotional disturbance, and juvenile offenders in both public and private programs. Paul worked for eight years at Sheppard Pratt Health System supervising nine special education schools for students with autism throughout the State of Maryland. Currently, Paul is an educational consultant for families and school systems in Maryland and Virginia. Paul also serves as a research associate for the University of Maryland in College Park where he teaches courses on autism, classroom management, social communication and supervises graduate students in their practicum placements. Paul has presented at many conferences both nationally and internationally on educating students with disabilities whom exhibit significant behavioral difficulties. |
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THOMAS PUMPHREY
Educational Consultant x
Thomas has a Master's Degree in Special Education and Administration. He is a double retiree from Montgomery County Public Schools and as Senior Pastor of the Interdenominational Church of God in Gaithersburg, MD. His career in education includes 25 years with MCPS beginning as a special education paraeducator and a special education teacher with learning disabilities and emotional disturbances. His final years with MCPS were as an elementary school administrator. After his retirement from MCPS, he worked for a time with WEG as a student advocate and conducting workshops on “Racial Representation in Programs for Students with Emotional Disabilities”. He continued, as a part of his pastoral role, to serve as a parent/student advocate with families of students with special needs. Thomas earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Morgan State University. After undergraduate work he served in the field of housing with the Housing Opportunities Commision of Montgomery County for 10 years. As a tenant counselor, his role included working closely with family/community relations and other social agencies including MCPS. After his transition to MCPS, he was selected by MCPS to enter a pilot Special Education Master's program with Johns Hopkins University. While studying, he was selected to do a presentation on “Selection and Retention of Minorities” at the TED Council for Exceptional Children Conference. He earned his Master of Science degree in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University and an Advanced Certification in Administration with MCPS. Thomas believes that all students deserve the opportunity to be their very best. He lives in Gaithersburg, MD with his wife and is the father of three and an active grandfather of five. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation, a member of the Black Ministers Conference of Montgomery County and the Afro-American Student Achievement Action Group (AASAAG). He was also awarded the City of Gaithersburg Black History Month Proclamation for his accomplishments and community service. |
CAROLINE STRAUSS
Educational Consultant x
Caroline received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Presbyterian College and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. She participated in TNTP’s teacher preparation program for special education teachers in Charlotte, North Carolina. She holds a teaching certificate in Special Education k-12 and Early Childhood Special Education. Caroline has taught in self-contained, resource, and inclusive settings in both public schools and private programs. She served in the Peace Corps as a Youth Development Volunteer in Peru where she assisted in a local school for children with disabilities. She has worked with students with a broad range of disabilities including Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Specific Learning Disabilities, Emotional Behavioral Disorders, and an array of rare genetic disorders. In addition to classroom teaching, Caroline has held leadership positions including Special Education Department Chair and Compliance Facilitator. She has worked closely with general education teachers, administration, related service providers (OT, ST, PT), and school psychologists. Caroline is experienced in writing and reviewing IEPs, educating parents on the special education processes, and mentoring teachers and staff working with children with disabilities. In her free time, Caroline enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband, son, and dog. |
RACHEL WILLS
Educational Consultant x
Rachel Wills has worked in the field of special education for over thirty years. During that time, she has advocated for students and families from both within and outside of public school systems. In her early years, she worked with students at the high school level on job training, accessing community resources, and transition planning. She then went into administration as she coordinated large scale special education programs within the public school setting. She ran the largest special education program in Montgomery County Public Schools for many years. Rachel opened the Aspergers program at two school locations. She assisted in the opening of a county-run transition program. Rachel worked with teachers, parents, advocates, attorneys, and school-based and county-level administrators to assure that all students received the services they needed and were entitled to. Over her years in school leadership, she has been a part of over 9000 IEP meetings. Rachel has experience working with students with intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, ADHD, behavioral and mental health challenges, and anxiety and depression. She has worked with students on the autism spectrum along with those identified as twice exceptional. Rachel has served as an expert witness in legal proceedings for IEP services and custody determinations. Rachel earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Education and her Masters in Education in Secondary and Transition from the University of Maryland. She is certified to work with special education students Grade 1-Adulthood while being highly qualified in Severe/Profound Disabilities. She has her Administration and Supervision Certificate from Trinity College. Rachel has been trained in Comprehensive Behavior Management Interventions. She has presented training to school leaders about IEP paperwork systems. Rachel worked with the Summer Institute at Temple University supporting adults learning to use augmentative communication systems when they were being field tested in the late 80s and early 90s. She has attended the national conference on suburban school systems with large special education programs and presented at a TASH conference, a leader in international disability advocacy. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys travel, great food, building with Legos, and spending time with her twins and extended family. |
HELAINE ZINAMAN
Educational Consultant x
Helaine Zinaman, M.Ed. is a graduate of American University, majoring in Elementary Education and the University of Maryland with a double major in Learning Disabilities and Gifted Education. Helaine has a Maryland Advanced Professional Certificate in Elementary, Middle, and Special Education. She retired from Prince George's County Public Schools after 32 years serving as a special and gifted education teacher, gifted education coordinator, and administrator. She was the Talented and Gifted (TAG) Magnet Coordinator for 11 years from the onset of the magnet program at Glenarden Woods Elementary School, where more than 250 gifted magnet students attended. Subsequently, Helaine worked in the TAG Office where she was a TAG Specialist and then the TAG Supervisor for the whole school system. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences. Helaine is the recipient of a Senate of Maryland Official Citation and a Proclamation from the County Executive for accomplishments in gifted education in 2005 and she received the State Leadership in Gifted and Talented Education Award in the state of Maryland in 2014. She is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers and Who's Who Among America's Women. In her retirement, Ms. Zinaman is continuing her passion for education and advocating for gifted, twice exceptional, special education, and early childhood students. Helaine is the Executive Director of Maryland Educators for Gifted Students (MEGS), an organization which supports and provides professional development for teachers and administrators working with gifted students. She serves on the Maryland State Advisory Council on Gifted and Talented Education and is the chair of the Public Awareness sub-committee. Specializing in early childhood, led Helaine to volunteer at Feynman School, a school for bright pre-k through grade 5 students. She has been working with the Weinfeld Education Group, providing services for early childhood, gifted, twice exceptional, learning disabled, and students on the autism spectrum and their parents. |
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Administrative and Parent Support
Consultants to WEG
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Thanks from parents of special needs children...
This team literally changed the course of my child’s life. Without WEG, my amazing kid would be stifled in school and perhaps on the sidelines. Because of WEG and their insights and advocacy, my kiddo is in the most fabulous school for him, coming home with commendation cards, and loving learning. Best of all, he is comfortable in his own shoes — and valuing his gifts. I’ve referred other families who have worked with other professionals at WEG and their experiences have been the same. I not only hear the great stories, but I see the smiles on their kids’ faces. You can’t put a price on that. Whether you need input on how to navigate your current school, what to seek out at your current school, what your child’s actual needs are (sometimes well meaning teachers are not right), or if there is a summer school or camp that might help your kiddo soar during the year, I would feel remiss not publicly telling everyone that you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to support your kid. The course of my child’s life was literally changed. What WEG can observe for you in a classroom alone is mind-boggling; the founder has dedicated his life to helping kids of all needs — and assembling a team here to specifically address specific needs. Call them to learn what you might not even yet know to ask, and feel free to message me on FB if you want more info from an indebted parent. Thank you, WEG! I was so choked up on the phone that I couldn't speak! We are thrilled with the outcome! I think I've read the ruling about 20 times. Your efforts have our son well on his way to reaching his full potential! A heartfelt THANK YOU! Thanks for all your support for both my kids over the last several years. It’s been great to have your insight and experience on our side. Appreciation is in order for making it financially possible for our family to access your services. I know we are strong and loving parents; however, I don't know where we would be without you. Thank you for lifting a huge burden off my shoulders. Its a great feeling knowing that we are not alone in this battle. The IEP meetings can be intimidating when so many people are present. This time, I felt like you helped facilitate my voice being heard. I sincerely appreciate your time, concern, and preparation for the meeting. I believe I've made the right choice with Weinfeld Education Group. Thank you so much for your time and the attention you gave to my daughter and her needs. Thank you for being so thorough, professional, and going the extra mile to really get a solid grasp of her capabilities. I talked with both of her teachers today, and they appreciated their conversations with you, too. My daughter is excited to continue on with the great team of teachers! |
