About

Sarah is a dedicated educator and advocate whose passion for empowering students with disabilities has shaped her career in special education. A proud graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, complemented by a minor in Sociology. This academic foundation helped to inform her understanding of the diverse needs of her students and the importance of fostering inclusive learning environments.

From the moment she graduated high school, Sarah has devoted herself to serving adults and students with disabilities across a variety of settings. As a licensed Special Education teacher, she holds endorsements in Intellectual Disabilities, Middle School Language Arts, and English as a Second Language. Her commitment to her students is evident in her extensive experience, particularly in a program she helped establish in 2003 for students with Autism participating in the Standards of Learning Curriculum at the secondary level. For 19 years, Sarah worked alongside her students and their families, advocating for their unique needs and ensuring their voices are heard in the educational process. She credits her students as being her greatest educators.

Throughout her career, Sarah has worked intently on creating and implementing tools designed to support the executive functioning needs of her students. Recognizing the barriers that many face, she has dedicated herself to developing strategies that help level the playing field within academic settings. Her collaborative approach with her team has not only enhanced the learning experience for her students but has also made a lasting impact on the broader educational community.

In addition to her role as a language arts educator, Sarah discovered a profound love for teaching Study Skills and Social Skills. She believes that these foundational skills are essential for her students’ success both in and out of the classroom. Her enthusiasm for teaching is infectious, inspiring her students to develop the confidence and resilience they need to navigate their educational journeys.

Throughout her 22+ years career, Sarah and her team have been invited to share their knowledge and experiences in division-wide trainings, furthering the understanding and support of special education needs across the district. Her presentations reflect her passion for inclusive education and her unwavering belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive.

With a heart committed to advocacy, Sarah continues to inspire students, families, and fellow educators alike. She remains steadfast in her mission to provide equitable education and prepare her students for successful futures. Sarah now serves as a Coordinator of Special Education and continues to share her knowledge, resources, experiences and advocacy with her students, their families and her department.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, kayaking and hiking. She enjoys the summers off, but lives for the fall weather, changing leaves and onset of winter.

Briana “Bree” Duclos has a bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology from the University of California Davis. She has experience leading neurodivergent minds across varying socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures.

Bree understands the struggles that come with ADHD and has seen the life-changing benefits of executive functioning coaching. Through her years of study and personal experience, she tailors her coaching to each individual’s unique strengths and needs, so clients can achieve their goals with confidence and purpose. With an emphasis on self-empowerment and resilience strategies, she creates a non-judgemental space for clients to thrive and grow.

Bree and her husband love to visit Staunton, VA for hiking, fresh air, and wonderful Shakespeare plays. When she is not working, you can find her reading, playing board games, and doing puzzles.

Aaron Dunbar received his Bachelor degree in Secondary English Education, Secondary Special Education, and English from Marshall University in 2015, and his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Virginia Tech in 2021. Before Aaron began teaching he worked at a daycare for 5 years and a boys home for teenagers. He has worked as a Special Education teacher for 8 years and a Coordinator of Special Education for one year. Aaron has mostly been at the Elementary level working with students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder, Executive Function Disorders, Emotional Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and Other Health Impairments. He currently works as a Middle School Special Education teacher in Chesterfield county.

Aaron loves working with students and families to help them find systems that best work so they can be successful at school, work, and at home. He enjoys making things fun, while also being realistic about what is doable day in and day out. TEAM is important to Aaron and making sure that everyone is on the same page is what he is aiming to do as a coach.

In Aaron’s off time, he enjoys being with his wife, daughter, and dog. He finds joy working outside in the yard, working out at the gym, and watching basketball.

Danielle Gibson holds a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from Troy University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Adult Education – Curriculum Design and Instructional Technology. She serves as a Transition Specialist, working with high school students to help them develop essential skills for post-secondary education and employment. Danielle teaches self-advocacy, soft skills, social skills, conflict resolution, and teamwork—equipping students with the tools they need to navigate life beyond high school successfully.

With experience supporting individuals across all age groups, Danielle is passionate about creating accessible, inclusive environments that empower people to reach their full potential.

Outside of her professional work, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Megan has been involved with the neurodiverse community for more than 2 decades: as a counselor, tutor, consultant, program manager, home educator, and social skills group facilitator. While her roles have varied, what has remained the same is her passion for supporting and empowering neurodivergent individuals as they build skills and confidence and ultimately grow to become their own self-advocates. She values active listening and rapport building and believes in the self-determination of every individual, so her coaching sessions are embedded with respect for the client, with supporting their goals as the top priority. She believes that the expectations of society are not always congruent with the neurodivergent experience, so while developing skills for success is important, she also encourages clients to become advocates for themselves and to create (and choose) environments where their needs are valued and accommodated.

Megan has her Master’s Degree in Counseling and has pursued continuing education and postgraduate coursework in the areas of executive function and neurodivergence, as well autism and AD/HD coaching. She values staying abreast of current practices and research in the field, and she brings that knowledge to her work with clients.

She and her family recently moved to Colorado, and they are enjoying getting out into nature every chance they have. Megan loves to hike, create and listen to music, and drink freshly roasted coffee. She has 2 teenagers, a spouse, a dog, and 3 cats, and her family is her top priority and greatest joy.

Schuyler Hicks has a Bachelor of Science in Special Education & Master of Arts in Special Education from James Madison University (Go Dukes!). Schuyler has worked with students from elementary to high school in the classroom, after school, summer school, and sport setting. Since graduating, she has taught special education in Chesterfield County.

Schuyler’s experience includes working with students with Specific Learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The needs of these students have ranged from academic, coping, social-emotional, executive functioning, and behavioral. Schuyler leads with empathy, intentionality, and collaboration to find the best support for students and families. She is passionate about working with students on life skills, mainly self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and problem-solving.

Schuyler enjoys being active, reading, and trying new things. She loves playing and coaching lacrosse, going on walks and runs with her dog, and spending time with family.

Susan holds a Bachelor’s in Chinese Language and Literature from Middlebury College and a Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Pennsylvania State University. Before starting her graduate program, she volunteered at an aphasia center and worked at a nonprofit museum, tutoring center, and children’s mental health clinic, gaining insights into diverse backgrounds and learning styles.

Susan began her SLP career with a clinical fellowship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute as a LEND trainee, receiving specialized training in developmental pediatrics and neurodevelopmental disabilities. She has worked as an SLP across four states (MD, MA, SD, VA) in hospitals, outpatient clinics, a specialty school, and early intervention. Additionally, she received ADOS training as part of a multidisciplinary Autism Diagnostic team.

Susan is passionate about alleviating the struggles of neurodivergent individuals, especially regarding executive functioning as supports fade and expectations rise into adulthood. Susan aims to be an empathetic cheerleader for individuals of all ages, helping them see their potential and achieve their goals. Outside of work, Susan loves spending time with her son, husband, and dog. She also enjoys exploring new foods, and learning new languages.

Gwyn earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Illinois State University and her Master of Teaching and Leadership from St. Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois. She has sixteen years of experience in both the Chicagoland area and Richmond, Virginia as a middle and high school Special Education teacher and athletic coach. Gwyn collaborates with clients to acquire a true understanding of executive function skills with the goal of implementation to promote personal, academic, and social success.

Upon relocation to Virginia from Illinois, Gwyn entered the fitness realm, working with clients to set sustainable routines around exercise and nutrition. During this time, Gwyn developed an affinity for working with the adult demographic. She leveraged executive function skills to assist her clients in recognizing variables that dictate the productiveness of one’s daily functioning.

Gwyn is a mother to three active daughters who share the same love of travel as Gwyn and her husband. At any given moment, they are either planning their next international adventure, driving to and from various sports practices, or pursuing their endless bread and pastry baking endeavors.

Maggie is passionate about helping people reach their full potential. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Forensic Psychology, and certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), she has dedicated her career to understanding behavior and supporting individuals in making meaningful progress.
With over 10 years of work experience rooted in helping people in various capacities, the past six years have been focused on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), where she has helped individuals build essential life skills and improve day-to-day functioning.

Maggie has worked with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and Emotional Disorders, using proven strategies to foster confidence, independence, and personal growth.

Maggie believes in an individualized, supportive approach, ensuring that each person she works with feels empowered and motivated. She leads with empathy, kindness, and collaboration,
creating a positive environment for learning and growth.

Outside of work, you can find Maggie at a workout class, enjoying a cozy coffee shop, snuggling with her dog Dwight, or soaking up the sun at the beach with her husband.

Krys Murray is a proud Carolina girl, born and raised in the heart of the South. She graduated from the University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks!) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Her passion for helping others led her to earn a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling with a minor in Life Coaching. Krys also holds a CBHC (Certified Behavioral Health Coach) certification from the Headspace Training Institute, equipping her with the tools to truly make a difference in the lives of those she works with.

Coaching isn’t just what Krys does—it’s who she is. She is dedicated to creating a safe space where individuals can uncover their limitless potential. Her mission is to help them develop goals and a plan to become the very best version of themselves. Krys’ coaching style centers around motivational interviewing and goal-setting, designed to empower clients by tapping into their intrinsic motivations and helping them set meaningful, achievable goals.

In her sessions, clients will find a supportive and collaborative environment where they work together to explore what truly drives them. Krys believes in the power of open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations to help individuals uncover their values, strengths, and aspirations. Her goal is to help them set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that align with their personal vision and values.

Krys’ approach is entirely client-centered—she listens deeply, meets clients where they are, and helps them navigate any challenges or obstacles that come their way. Together, they won’t just create a plan; they’ll ensure that the goals set are deeply resonant and motivating, fostering a genuine commitment to growth and development. By the end of the coaching journey, Krys aims for her clients to feel confident, empowered, and fully engaged in pursuing the academic, social, life and/or career goals that matter most to them.

With the love and support of her husband, Krys co-founded a 501c3 organization dedicated to supporting the mental, physical, and spiritual development of underserved teens. She is also a Full-Time Behavioral Health Coach for a leading company in the industry, where she continues to live out her passion every day.

When Krys isn’t coaching, she can be found relaxing at home with her husband and daughter, on a tennis court hitting balls for fun, at church, or exploring cool restaurants around RVA!

Dr. Chrissy Ogilvie (“Dr. O”) was a middle school special education teacher for 11 years in her home state of Massachusetts, specializing in best practices in inclusion for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Fueled by her successes with helping teachers include students with autism, Dr. O pursued her PhD in Education/Special Education at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL. In 2008, she graduated with her Doctorate followed by 5 years in the higher education setting as an Assistant Professor of Special Education. Dr. Ogilvie specializes in social skills instruction for any student, peer mentoring, and best practices in inclusion and has published multiple journal articles on these subjects as well as being co-editor of several books. After 5 years in higher education, Dr. Ogilvie joined the Florida State University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FSU CARD). In her role with FSU CARD, Dr. Ogilvie developed meaningful partnerships with many schools and community organizations. She was an active member of the autism community and cherished the privilege of working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, their families, teachers, and the community at large. Dr. O’s approach to working on executive function skills includes building trusting relationships with her clients and their families, direct instruction and practice, and concrete measurable goals. She also focuses on social skills instruction with groups and individuals using evidence-based practices.

In those rare moments of “free time”, Dr. Ogilvie loves hanging out with her two wonderful dogs, sailing, and swimming. She also loves mystery novels and cheesy 80’s sitcoms. Dr. O resides in beautiful central Massachusetts on her family’s small farm.

Ashlei Peters has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Atlanta and a Master’s in Teaching Special Education from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. With 14 years of experience in education, she has served in various roles, including an art educator and special education specialist.

Ashlei is a dedicated and experienced educator with a passion for fostering learning and development across diverse populations including refugees and immigrants. She has worked with a wide array of students, parents, and educational institutions, bringing her expertise to both urban and rural settings, and serving diverse socio-economic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. Ashlei creates a learning environment where students are able to meet their highest potential.

Adept at overseeing classroom curriculum, organizing academic resources, and promoting restorative practices, her passion lies in helping students reach their full potential and mentoring them while fostering lasting relationships with their families. Ashlei’s guidance includes inspiring internal motivation within students and individuals experiencing barriers, while providing them with support to understand their personal assets while expanding their repertoire of strategies as related to academic, social, life skills, and executive function needs. This approach enables individuals to overcome any challenge and help them achieve independence.

When Ashlei is not working with clients, she enjoys yoga, roller skating, and bike riding.

Justin earned his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the US Air Force Academy, multiple masters degrees, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Michigan in Aerospace Engineering.

He is an educator with over 22 years experience leading teams, mentoring, coaching, tutoring, and teaching both high school and college students. After a long military career and secondary mathematics teaching opportunity, Justin pivoted to academic/executive function coaching to help students become more confident learners while also developing skills to become the “CEOs” of their own lives. He has worked with students with ADHD and Autism both as a teacher and tutor, helping them see the potential in their brilliant brains and beautiful hearts. He enjoys sharing his career experiences with students as they work through the difficult challenges of adolescence & young adulthood, and is grateful to simply play a small part in their life journey.

Justin continually cultivates his own intellectual curiosity through reading, including biographies, history of the American West & Great Plains, philosophies about healing anxiety through mindful presence, and modern fiction. His hobbies include watching football, hockey, biking, hiking, yoga, and enjoying all that the Boulder, Colorado area has to offer with his wife of over 20 years, son, and dog.

Lauren Sabawa is an experienced special education teacher with over 13 years of experience working with students with a wide range of learning differences and disabilities in both New Jersey and South Carolina. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Montclair State University and a B.A. in Communications and Writing Arts from Rowan University.

Throughout her career as a special education teacher, Lauren has been deeply committed to empowering neurodiverse learners by fostering structured, inclusive, and supportive environments tailored to individual needs. She has worked extensively with students diagnosed with ADHD, Dyslexia, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, with a particular focus on those facing executive functioning challenges.

In addition, Lauren is a certified Dyslexia Practitioner through Wilson Reading System and specializes in literacy intervention for students with language-based learning disabilities. She has completed comprehensive Orton-Gillingham training through the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE), equipping her with tools to break down learning barriers and build foundational academic skills.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Lauren has coached and mentored fellow educators in implementing and designing differentiated instruction and making curriculum accessible for all learners. She brings warmth, patience, and a problem-solving mindset to her work, helping students build confidence and become more independent, resilient learners.

In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, going to the beach, exploring new restaurants, and taking barre classes.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Sociology from Virginia Tech. Upon graduating from college, she entered the field of community services, including supported employment, independent living, case management, and in-home supports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. After 8 years in community services, Jennifer entered the world of special education by completing a teacher licensure program at Old Dominion University. She is currently enrolled in a Master of Special Education program with a concentration in autism spectrum disorder.

Jennifer has over 20 years of experience as a teacher of students with disabilities at both the elementary and secondary levels specializing in social skills, coping skills, study skills, math, reading, and writing. Jennifer’s experience includes working with students with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, specific learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, other health impairments, and emotional disabilities. Jennifer utilizes a whole-person approach to coaching and recognizes that executive functioning challenges affect many aspects of a person’s life.

She is incredibly passionate about helping people develop the social and executive functioning skills needed to succeed. She believes that all challenges are an opportunity for growth and learning.

Outside of school, Jennifer can often be found enjoying camping, hiking, and kayaking. She loves hanging out with her family whether it’s watching a movie or going to a Broadway show. She also relishes quiet time to read and is a big fan of memoirs and autobiographies.

Trisha is a licensed occupational therapist practicing in California. A triple trojan, Trisha graduated with her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California (USC). She received her doctoral training as an occupational therapy resident in an outpatient clinic supporting folks with chronic and mental health conditions with challenges in functioning and participating in their daily routines. Here she primarily worked with neurodivergent college students and young adults to improve symptom management and executive functioning skills. Much of this work involved client education, problem solving, and goal-setting around executive functioning and symptom management skills to cultivate supportive habits, routines, and lifestyle changes. Trisha also has experience working as a school-based occupational therapist, working with students ranging from pre-kindergarteners to high school seniors with special education eligibility to support their functional skills and access to educational curricula.

Trisha has experience working with clients with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, and depression. Trisha focuses on building rapport through client-centered motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral techniques, acknowledging that intrinsic motivation and self-awareness are key, and that progress is not necessarily linear. Outside of work, Trisha enjoys attending fitness classes or fitting in a run when she can, exploring new places to grab an iced latte, and playing with her beloved cat.