Typically my referrals include students (preschool through graduate school) who are struggling in school. Students may have been experiencing difficulty with following directions, reading (decoding, fluency/speed, comprehension), staying on task, writing (composition, spelling, or fluency/speed), math (calculations, applications, or fluency/speed), oral expression, listening comprehension, short & long term retrieval, hypersensitivity to touch or sound, or executive functioning difficulties (planning, organizing, executing, regulating behavior throughout). Students also seek evaluation when appealing for standardized test accommodations(e.g.PSAT, SSAT, SAT, ACT, LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, GRE, DAT, PCAT, OAT, MAT, AP exams, SAT Subject TEsts, CLEP, ASVAB, SSAT, SHSAT, ISEE, NCLEX-RN, NCLEX-PN(e.g. extended time on standardized tests). Others are simply evaluated to determine whether their performance is meeting their potential-- as a check and balance effort. I am able to assess, diagnose, and make recommendations for educational growth (including recommended services and interventions, as well as readings for parents).
I can typically schedule a student within a two week window and unless my own child is sick, can have the report back to the parent within a few weeks. Both weekday and WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS are available.
Students who have been referred include those with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorder with inattention and/or hyperactivity. My experience includes teaching at the University (including Colorado State University, The George Washington University and George Mason University) as well as teaching in K-12 settings (both special and regular education in private and public sectors). My research and scholarship has been centered on student achievement and outcomes, data driven instruction, transforming learning, educational reform,technology, special education and teacher training.
Consistently my research has bridged theory and practice with the goal of producing innovative strategies. Such strategies can be applied in schools to further student achievement. Not only focused on how to improve test scores, the inquiry investigates the processes of learning. As a diagnostician, I do report test scores. The scores are analyzed to form conculsions about the student's abilities, skills, and learning processes. What follows are specific research-based interventions. If implemented, these outcome driven interventions likely impact student academic gain.
Over the past years, I have appreciated collaborating with small groups of researchers. Collective inquiry has driven my research agenda and inspired my practice. Moving beyond the simple design and testing of interventions, such inquiry has encouraged the production of meaningful changes in classrooms. This shift has been actualized in my research at the University level as well as in my work as an independent practitioner.
As a tool, technology has faciliated such change. My own research and practice have examined the implementation and use of technology as it drives learning and fuels understanding. Despite the physical distance between people, technology has the ability to provide a vehicle for fostering understanding and connectivity.
My outreach continues to embrace the various perspectives and experiences of people. I appreciate the diversity that culture, gender, age, linguistics, orientation, religion, race, ability, and social economic status bring. I love my work and have great pride in delivering products that tie theory to practice and further positive change. Likewise my efforts remain student centered and embrace innovation. The purpose of my work simply is to promote meaningful change for all students in school.
My perspective is that of an educator--not a psychologist--and as you will discover this perspective strengthens my reports. I do work in collaboration with a psychologist during the interpretation and analysis of the data. We both sign off on the reports. Should further neuropsychological assessment be required, my colleague is trained and experienced in that area.
Personally I am a married, mother of four children, living in Northern Virginia. I grew up in the Middleburg area and have returned after living in the Washington DC, Boulder and Fort Collins, Colorado metropolitan areas. I graduated from Vanderbilt University (BA 1989), and The George Washington University (MA 1990 & Ed.D. 1998). When not evaluating students, I really enjoy spending time with my own children and husband - laughing and relaxing together (reading, going to the beach, hiking, skiing, boating, fishing, cooking, traveling, listening to music, attending one another's sporting/art events, getting together with friends and family, and playing outside). Our family also has a well-loved and well-fed eight year old Labrador Retriever named Thor.
My perspective as a mother influences my approach to my work. I treat people who walk into my office as if they were in my home. Also I view each child with whom I work with the same respect, regard and appreciation I would hope others would treat my own children. Because I am a mother, I believe this perspective is strengthened. Also I absolutely HATE to be away from my own small children unless I can honestly justify the effort---so parents can be assured that every moment during the process, I make every second count. These evaluations are thorough, purposeful and sound. This is how I try to live my life--with intention and purpose.
Here are photos of my four precious children. I am in the second photo that follows. These photos were taken in the fall of 2008 in Virginia. We have two daughters and two sons. Being a mother has brought the greatest joy. (Photo credit: Diana Dunbar Place of www.wonderblink.com)
My husband and I love this chapter in our life together. Parenting our children has been an incredibly rewarding experience. We are truly grateful for the experience and are reminded on a daily basis of life's meaning through the eyes of our children. As a result, my personal world view has been forever changed. Below is a photo of my wonderful husband and partner in this life--Stephen. My family motivates and influences all that I do, including my work.
References for services include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, dentists, pediatricians, Universities, K-12 schools (private and public), school counseling and placement agencies, University placement consultants, occupational and speech therapists, tutors, advocates, executive functioning and ADHD coaches. These references can be provided upon request. I look forward to working together. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
To schedule an appointment you are invited to contact me by phone 703-728-8676 or smuir@testingld.com. All calls and emails will be returned promptly.
