"Karen has a rare
blend of enthusiasm and knowledge that makes her an excellent
service provider. She effectively inspires those with
whom she works, both clients and other professionals. Her creativity,
passion and compassion for her work and those she works with
cannot be surpassed." |
–Mark Cooperberg, Ph.D |
Licensed Psychologist,
Behavior Therapy Associates, P.A |
Parents of preschool
children with special needs often benefited from consultations
with Ms. Karen Umstead. She listened to parents describe their
children’s patterns of behavior at home and provided concrete
suggestions. Her willingness to share her personal history as
an individual with a family member with a developmental disability
seemed to enable her to connect easily with many parents of
special needs children. In summary, Ms. Umstead’s expertise
as a behavior specialist, trainer, and consultant has enhanced
positive behavior supports for students at the preschool and
elementary level. Her accessibility to staff and parents promotes
successful working relationships from those who desire to effect
behavioral change in their students or children. I have on more
than one occasion said to a colleague, “What would
this child do without Ms. Umstead?” |
- Linda
Hagerty Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant |
Ms. Umstead
has provided our staff members with quality professional development
in the areas of autism, Crisis Prevention Intervention, and
behavior management. Ms. Umstead's experience as a classroom
teacher and her knowledge regarding student behavior has enabled
her to create meaningful workshops for teachers, administrators,
and paraprofessionals alike. Karen is "in touch" with
the realities of today's classrooms, and her presentations focus
on real-world situations. Staff members have enjoyed her workshops
and frequently comment about the ease with which they have put
her ideas into practice.
- Dave Tate, Special Education Supervisor |
"Ms. Umstead’s
extensive knowledge of individuals with disabilities translates
into her ability to design social skills groups and functional
behavior assessments to successfully meet the needs of school-age
children. She is well respected for the high level of professionalism
she brings to her workshops and presentations, and for her ability
to work with all staff members from paraprofessionals to teachers
to Child Study Team members to administrators."
-Christine D’Avirro, National Certified School Counselor
|
“I learned the reasonable ways to respond to behavior
and situations to ensure the best possible outcome”
|
–Dana Young, High School Nurse
|
“I would recommend this workshop to the entire staff so
people are prepared and confident. The instructor was very knowledgeable
and easy to work with. She was never redundant”
|
–Michael Maresz, Middle School Music
Teacher
|
“I enjoyed the ‘true life’ examples she used
so we could understand things”
|
–Gayle Hill, paraprofessional
|
“We were able to talk openly about the issues we have”
|
–Jode DiClaudio, paraprofessional
|
“She was informative and able to answer other’s
questions”
|
–Suzy Beck, paraprofessional
|
