Dr. Kristin Meyer is a compassionate non-attorney advocate and consultant with over 15 years of experience empowering families to navigate the special education system and secure the supports their children need to thrive. As the Middle School, High School, and Transition Specialist at The REACH Group, Dr. Meyer collaborates with families and schools to create pathways for student success, ensuring meaningful educational outcomes.

With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University, Dr. Meyer’s research highlighted the essential role of advocates in building strong partnerships between families and schools. She holds certifications in Elementary and Special Education, along with a Supervisor of Special Education credential, underscoring her deep understanding of program design and compliance. Her role as a Fellow with the Pennsylvania Department of Education further expands her expertise, allowing her to influence education policy and advocate for systemic change.

Areas of Expertise:

• Transition Planning for middle and high school students, preparing them for life
  after graduation.
• IEP Development and Compliance, ensuring individualized plans are legally
  sound and educationally effective.
• Autism Support and Behavioral Interventions, tailored to meet the unique
  needs of students with diverse abilities.
• Family Advocacy and Consultation, offering guidance to parents through the
  complexities of special education processes.
• Education Policy and Program Development, blending hands-on experience
  with a policy-driven perspective.

Dr. Meyer’s passion for special education is rooted in her extensive professional experience working with children across all levels of intensity and need. She is dedicated to empowering families, supporting students, and fostering collaboration between schools and families. Whether guiding parents through IEP meetings, leading multidisciplinary teams, or influencing policy at the state level, her mission is to help students achieve their fullest potential.

Families and organizations looking for a knowledgeable and compassionate advocate can trust Dr. Meyer’s expertise, dedication, and collaborative approach. Contact her today to begin creating a brighter future for your child.

Dana, the Early Intervention and Elementary Specialist at The REACH Group, is a highly skilled and compassionate educational consultant and advocate with over 15 years of experience supporting families and guiding students through the complexities of the education and mental health systems. With certifications in Regular and Special Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, Dana blends extensive expertise with a personalized approach tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. Dana’s professional background encompasses a wide range of roles, including Therapeutic Support Staff, Regular and Special Education Teacher, IEP Facilitator, and Special Education Manager. Her diverse experience equips her to address the most challenging educational and behavioral concerns with empathy and effectiveness.

Dana’s specialized training includes:

• Safety Care and De-escalation strategies
• Autism and Verbal Behavior (VB) methodologies
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
• Executive Functioning development
• IEP development, including SMART goals and progress monitoring
• Special Education Law

Areas of Expertise:

• Verbal Behavior/Intensive Teaching: Expertise in using evidence-based VB
  techniques to support language and behavior development.
• IEP Development: Writing measurable goals, ensuring compliance, and monitoring
  progress effectively.
• Early Intervention Transitions: Guiding families through the transition from
  early intervention services to school-age programs.
• Autism Supports and Inclusion: Designing and implementing inclusive
  educational plans and autism-specific supports.
• Behavior Interventions: Developing and implementing behavior intervention
  plans and modifications tailored to individual needs.

Dana’s dedication to empowering families and supporting students to reach their full potential is the cornerstone of her work at The REACH Group.