Elizabeth Orfanos, M. Ed.

Elizabeth Orfanos, M. Ed. is an educator and advocate with sixteen years of experience in both private and public education.  Elizabeth earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and behavioral sciences from Framingham State University as well as a Masters degree in special education from Salem State University.  She holds educator licensure in general and special education at the elementary level as well as administrative licensure as principal/assistant principal and special education administrator.  Elizabeth pursued additional training and certifications through Project Read, the Wilson Reading System (level 1 certification) and the Social Thinking methodology.  

Elizabeth has worked with a variety of learning profiles (specific learning disability, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, autism, anxiety, selective mutism, executive functioning disorder and neurological impairments).  She has worked collaboratively in the piloting of a repertoire of curriculums and pedagogical teaching models within a full and partial inclusion setting.  During her tenure in public education, Elizabeth led a special education department and held the role of acting team chair.  She has a passion for collaborating with and supporting families through the special education process, a passion that grew as she became the parent of a child with a neurodiverse profile.  She has additional training in advocacy with the WrightsLaw organization and the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) Parent Consultant Training Institute.  Elizabeth centers her advocacy work on active listening and empathy to empower parents to better understand their child’s profile and confidently advocate for their needs.  She applies this approach when working collaboratively with school based teams in order to foster positive outcomes for every child.