During my Master’s in Elementary Education with Reading Specialist endorsement program, I had many classes which addressed special needs and individual differences, as well as how to adapt curricula and lessons to meet those needs. I am a National Writing Project fellow (‘96-’97), in which I learned and practiced a variety of strategies for teaching writing to students with intellectual disabilities. I have been teaching learners with special needs for 31 years. I have helped learners improve their knowledge and usage of grammar, as well as their syntax. For example, in answering “What did you do yesterday?”, one learner initially gave responses such as, “Did you go to the store” and “[Name] likes hamburger French fries.” After tutoring, the learner consistently responds with appropriate answers, such as, “I went to the store with Mommy. I bought a puzzle.” I have also had much success with encouraging preverbal learners to speak and even answer simple questions.  

Testimonials:
- “Ms Laura has an amazing rapport with the kids; particularly the special needs kids. She is patient and engaging.  My son looks forward to his classes with her each week. Since working with her, his ability to connect and communicate with others has improved tremendously!” - Outschool parent of a private writing tutoring learner with autism

- “I love the happy upbeat setting of this class. My son is preverbal and Ms. Laura can get words from him and even engagement in short conversations. Very happy with this class.” - Outschool parent of a learner with autism

- “Absolutely LOVED Laura's style and I was thrilled that she managed to pull my son out of his shell almost immediately. You can tell she has a genuine passion & gift working with special needs. I'm signing him up for every class she offers!” - Outschool parent of a learner with special needs

- "She is amazing. She is our beacon of hope. She is a professional special needs educator truly. As a special needs parent and educator, we all know we need lots of energy to educate kids. For special needs children, we need double and triple efforts. Miss Laura, she delivers extraordinary lessons. My son has quality time with Miss Laura." - Outschool parent of a private tutoring learner with special needs 

- “Ms. Laura is amazing, inclusive and very enthusiastic. If you want a high energetic class, this is the class for you. My daughter has a speech disorder, but Ms. Laura amazes me with the strategies she uses to ensure that she understands my daughter.” - Outschool parent of a learner with special needs

- “This was such a fun class for our child! He used his AAC to communicate. Thank you for providing such a fun and inclusive space.” - Outschool parent of a learner with special needs

- “My son loves this class and looks forward to it every week. He has limited speech and the teacher knows how to communicate with him very well.”- Outschool parent of a learner with special needs

- “Ms. Laura is incredibly kind and experienced with children who have Down Syndrome and children with special needs. She is never rude, and always patient with a genuine smile. Our [daughter] loves this class. We plan to return fall 2024. I highly recommend her.” - Outschool parent of a learner with special needs 

- “My son with DS loves the lessons.. . . [the] teacher's lesson really encourages him to engage with students and with the teacher too.” - Outschool parent of a private tutoring and group class learner with Down syndrome

- “Wonderful teacher that accommodates the needs of the learners.” - Outschool parent of a learner with special needs

- “Laura went above and beyond to make this class SO GREAT for my girls! So grateful for her” - Outschool parent of a learner with special needs

- “My 11 year old son has significant autism and struggles socially, however he has connected with Miss Laura and the other children in a very real and lovely way” - Outschool parent of a learner with autism