Who We Are
About Our Team
Carol Dimas | President/Founder: Educational Advocate
During her twenty-five-plus years of experience in education, Carol began teaching children with special needs in the public school system. She helped pilot a program that involved a collaboration between the school district and Loyola University Department of Psychiatry to better serve culturally disadvantaged youth in the area of mental health. She was also the chair of the Special Education committee to develop a district-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Program.
Sara Platenberg | Assistant Director of Advocacy - D.C. area offices
Her 12 plus years of experience include: Gifted and Talented Educator in Fairfax County; Private tutor in written expression/language and SAT prep, and Educational Advocate. Sara is a member of the Council of Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates, the National Association for Gifted Children, and is a listed provider in the Wrightslaw Yellow Pages for Kids.
Cassie Clark | Executive Director / Co-Founder / EAC Dyslexia Center
Cassie Clark holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Special Education with a concentration in dyslexia, and has completed additional coursework through Yale University’s Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. Cassie is a Wilson Partner Trainer, Certified Wilson Dyslexia Therapist (W.D.T.) and CERI Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (C-SLDS). As Executive Director and Co Founder of the EAC Dyslexia Center, Cassie’s journey began as a parent of a child with dyslexia and has ignited
her passion for helping support students with language-based learning disabilities along with
providing professional development to educators.
Cassie is a strong believer in “Literacy for All” and is dedicated to helping students achieve success in school and beyond. Cassie provides private, individualized Wilson instruction, along with expertise on dyslexia rights and advocacy. Cassie is a Certified Special
Education Dyslexia Advocate, a trusted provider for the International Dyslexia Association, Center for Effective Reading Instruction, Everyone Reading Illinois, and Learning Ally, and a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates & the Learning Disabilities
Association.
Deb Hillstrom | Educational Advocate
As a teacher, Deb worked in both self-contained and general education classrooms to modify curricula and adapt teaching and prompting strategies to accommodate the needs of individual learners. She worked with teachers to facilitate the appropriate and successful inclusion of children with special needs into general education settings. As a BCBA, Deb trained parents and school staff in implementing individualized, research-based teaching and prompting methods, data collection strategies, and developmentally-appropriate, measurable goals.
Deb has experience conducting a variety of formal and informal assessments and utilizing quantitative measures to develop skill acquisition and behavior reduction targets appropriate for the individualized needs of children. Deb is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International and the Council of Parents, Attorneys and Advocates.
Amanda Amburn | Educational Advocate
Amanda’s life experiences ignited a desire to support families in a different way, leading her to pursue a career in advocacy and consulting. Through her career to date and personal experience, Amanda has also gained extensive knowledge of educational law, as well as therapeutic and residential treatment for social-emotional, communication, and learning needs. She has a special interest and expertise in working with our families whose children are looking toward transition. Amanda is excited to merge her personal and professional expertise to help families in need.
Amanda holds a professional educator license in Illinois and as a Learning Behavior Specialist and Educational Administrator. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership. Amanda is passionate about collaboratively working towards positive outcomes for all students. Amanda is a member of the Council of Parents, Attorneys and Advocates
Stephanie Dawson | Educational Advocate & Educational Diagnostician
Kelly Houston
Dyslexia Therapist/Educational Advocate
Kelly Houston is an Illinois-certified K-12 Teacher with a Masters of Arts in Education: Reading Specialist. She worked in the public school system for 10 years before her current role as a Dyslexia Therapist and Educational Advocate. Kelly obtained her Wilson Dyslexia Therapist (W.D.T.) and Wilson Fundations Facilitator certifications through Wilson Language Learning.
Kelly provides individualized Wilson Reading System instruction to individuals with language-based learning disabilities, such as; dyslexia. Kelly is a Certified Special Education Dyslexia Advocate, an approved provider for Everyone Reading Illinois, an ambassador for the Reading League Illinois Chapter, and a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates and the International Dyslexia Association.
BrieAnne Rader | EdD
Marisa Saxen | Educational Advocate
Abby Shapland | Educational Advocate
Over the past 16 years, Abby has worked in various Special Education teaching roles including multi-needs, resource, co-taught, cross-categorical and self contained classrooms. Each of these experiences enhanced Abby's ability to implement individualized instruction, creatively problem solve student needs and concerns, and foster student growth through meaningful data collection processes.
As a case manager, Abby worked collaboratively with her students' families to build trusted and authentic partnerships. She ensured that all aspects of a student's Individualized Education Plan was executed accurately and ethically, created an open line of communication with families, and fully advocated for her students' needs. Abby is eager to transition into a role where her expertise of best teaching practices, knowledge of special education services, and passion for advocating for students' rights will be utilized to the fullest. Abby is a member of the Council of Parents, Attorneys and Advocates.
Amanda Taglia | Educational Advocate
Jay Smith | Educational Consultant
Amanda Luciano | Intake Coordinator
Laura McLean | Educational Advocate (Retired)
Laura performs most of the student observations for our clients which helps to support our staff in advocating for students as we realize the importance of seeing the student in his or her educational environment. Laura has attended training through Wrightslaw and her experience and expertise make her a valuable member of our team. Laura is a member of the Council of Parents, Attorneys and Advocates.