About Us
Lisa brings 25+ years of personal and professional experience to her special needs consulting practice. Acting as an advisor and advocate, Lisa guides families as they navigate the complex range of challenges faced throughout the life span of a loved one with special needs. Lisa’s range of expertise includes Early Intervention, CPSE and CSE services, post high school transition, accessing college support services, adult services/benefits and special needs estate planning.
Lisa is also a certified New York State OPWDD Self Direction Broker and a trained NYS Housing Navigator.
Prior to founding NY Special Needs Navigation, LLC in 2018, Lisa was an Executive Functioning Coach for college students with ADHD, high functioning autism and learning disabilities at Manhattanville College and New Frontiers in Learning. Before that, she worked as a paralegal and advocate for the Cuddy Law Firm, a special needs practice in White Plains, NY. Lisa joined the firm after working for 10 years throughout Westchester County as a Special Education Itinerant Teacher; some of that time was concurrent with her college coaching.
Lisa began her career in publishing and advertising. The birth of her special needs child inspired Lisa to pivot her career. An experienced non-profit board member, Lisa serves as VP of the Familial Dysautonomia Foundation, which supports medical research and treatment of Familial Dysautonomia, a rare genetic disorder.
Lisa earned her MPS in Special Education/Elementary Education at Manhattanville College and has permanent NYS certification in both fields. She earned her BA in Economics from Bucknell University. She is a graduate of the Women’s Enterprise Development Center's Entrepreneurial Training Program. Lisa is the parent of two adult daughters, one of whom has a medical disability, graduated from Pace University, Magna Cum Laude and is working in the communications/digital marketing field. When she’s not working, Lisa enjoys exercising, reading, cooking and spending time with friends and family.