Professionals at SEC have the foundational belief that learning is truly a lifelong process and take pride in offering a multidisciplinary team of professionals. Experts in a variety of disciplines are skilled in helping individuals identify their goals and to plan and develop successful, practical approaches that will guide them in achieving their goals.
All
Academic Support Coaching
Career Development
College Counseling
LD, ADHD & Executive Functioning Coaching
Life Coaching
Psychoeducational and Neuropsychological Evaluations
Behavioral Success Coaching
Transition Services
Tutoring
Laurel A. Brady has over 35 years of experience in serving individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders. Laurel specializes in the area of transition--from high school to post secondary education, to employment and self sufficiency. At SEC, Laurel provides comprehensive educational evaluations for children, adolescents and adults to determine the presence of Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) and other special needs, and recommend specialized educational interventions and appropriate accommodations. In addition, Laurel offers academic coaching to help individuals understand the impact of SLD/ADHD on their learning and their life, and develop personalized strategies to maximize their potential.
Laurel’s professional experience includes serving as the Director of the Office of Specialized Services for Ramapo College of New Jersey. This program provides accommodations and specialized support for students with physical limitations and learning disabilities. She also served as a national advisor to Educational Testing Service (ETS), the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) and the George Washington University HEATH Resource Center. While in this capacity she participated in a study that examined model programs and best practices in the area of post secondary education and disabilities.
Laurel moved to Savannah in 1991, becoming Executive Director of the Royce Learning Center, which specializes in the education of children, adolescents, and adults with Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and other barriers to learning. In that capacity, she served as the principal of the day school, provided supervision for psycho-educational evaluation services, and supervised both the regional tutorial program and the adult literacy program.
Laurel attended Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) and received a Masters of Art degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Montclair State University. Laurel is credentialed as a Nationally Certified Educational Diagnostician (NCED). She is a founding member of the Institute of Coaching Professional Association (ICPA) of McLean Hospital at Harvard Medical School, is a member of the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA), Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD) and the Georgia Counseling Association (GCCA).
Most recently, Laurel completed professional training coursework from Landmark College in Strategies in Executive Functioing and Academic Supports for Students with LD, ADHD and ASD.
Helese S. Sandler is the Director of College Counseling for Savannah Educational Consultants and is a founding partner of the practice. Helese received her Bachelors of Art (Honors) in Social Work from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she developed clinical experience as a social worker with children and adolescents at Child Welfare Society, the Johannesburg Hospital and Transvaal Memorial Institute. Helese was the founder of Child Line-an emergency helpline for abused children.
Upon relocating to Savannah, Helese became the Coordinator of the One-to-One Tutoring Program at Royce Learning Center, where she worked for 10 years. Helese has over 40 years of experience in working with children and their families, focusing on educational and emotional needs. Helese is a Certified Educational Planner (CEP), and a commissioner for The American Institute of Certified Educational Planners. She is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), Chair of the College Committee, member of the National Association for College Admission Counselors (NACAC), the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), and the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC).
Ashley Badger, Ph.D., is a Licensed Psychologist in Georgia who specializes in neuropsychological assessments. Dr. Badger obtained a B.S. in Psychology from the College of Charleston, SC, a M.S. in School Psychology from Northeastern University in Boston, MA, and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Educational Psychology from Northeastern University. Dr. Badger has completed extensive training in neuropsychological, educational, and personality (projective) assessments with appointments at Harvard Medical School and University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center. She has worked in a variety of settings including schools, inpatient and outpatient hospitals, and private practice. Dr. Badger specializes in comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations of children, adolescents and young adults with developmental, educational/learning, social, emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric disorders. She is committed to obtaining the best performance from each individual, making the necessary testing accommodations along the way. Specific areas of interest include: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorders, Academic/Learning Disorders, Anxiety, and Depression/Mood Disorders. During her personal time, Dr. Badger enjoys spending time with friends and family, practicing yoga, and traveling.
Paige Case has a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Georgia, a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Michigan/Dearborn, and an Educational Specialist’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in Brain-Based Teaching.
Paige has served as a Transition Specialist for the Savannah Chatham County Public School System for the past 19 years. Before that, she was a Special Education teacher for 11 years, working with students with Intellectual Disabilities. Paige is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT). She was a presenter at two of the DCDT national conferences.
As a Transition Specialist, Paige has developed work-based learning experiences for her students through internships and community-based instruction. She has taught a work readiness class and provided independent living instruction at a summer camp. Paige has assisted students with career exploration, job development, and job placement. In addition, she has assisted students with college exploration and placement.
Emily has served as a Behavioral Interventionist for the Savannah Chatham County Public School System for the past four years. Before that, her teaching experience included working with students with Specific Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Emotional/Behavior Disorders, and Mild Intellectual Disabilities.
As a Behavioral Success Coach, Emily assists students and their families in identifying and implementing behavior strategies and interventions focused on teaching replacement behaviors, coping skills, and emotional regulation skills. Emily is a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Certified Trauma and Resilience Practioner, and Certified Mindset Trainer.
Janelle Hubble completed a Master’s in Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina and is a former academic librarian in the Ohio University and South Carolina systems. During her time in academia, she also taught for-credit college reading skills, academic computing skills, research, and first-year experience courses. Janelle’s professional focus at Savannah Educational Consultants is providing academic coaching and college counseling. She is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC), and the National Association for College Admission Counselors (NACAC).
Kellie Huff is a distinguished entrepreneur, speech pathologist, and expert in brain-based education, specializing in Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Auditory Processing, and Executive Functioning skills. With a versatile career spanning health, education, and business consulting, she has significantly impacted various fields.
Kellie founded Aurora Strategies, a specialized school that achieved outstanding academic progress for students facing learning challenges. She developed "ZoneForce" for Atanta area high school and college student-athletes needing to improve grades and/or sports performance. ZoneForce maximized academic potential and sports performance through application of neuroscience principles and technology.
Kelle's commitment to understanding each student's learning profile and applying intensive and holistic strategies results in rapid and significant progress. Her expertise has taken her internationally to train educators on promoting academic and life success for individuals on the autism spectrum. As a leader in her field, she has served as President of the Georgia Speech and Hearing Association and Vice President of the American Academy of Private Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology.
Kathryn Jarvis has been as an administrator and faculty member in private and public higher education for over 35 years, having served as the founding Dean and interim President of Beacon College; the Director of Academic Support Services at Auburn University; and most recently, after retiring from Auburn, as an academic coach at Mercer Medical School, Savannah. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses at Auburn University, Beacon College, Curry College and Lesley College and has worked as a speech clinician, researcher and consultant to. Dr. Jarvis has written and presented in her fields nationally and internationally, and her most recent publications focus on student development theory and its application to student veterans returning to college.
She received a Ph.D. from The Florida State University in Higher Education with a minor in Special Education, a M.A. from Tufts University in Education/Child Development and a B.A. from the University of Florida in Communication Disorders.
Celeste Martin Nathan is a distinguished educator with a Master's in the Art of Teaching, dual certifications in general and special education, and endorsements in English as a Second Language (ESL) and Reading. Over her extensive career, Celeste has held various positions, including Academic Director, Social Emotional Learning Specialist, teacher, Mentor Coordinator, Reading Specialist, and Personal Empowerment Coach.
In addition to her work as a teacher and administrator, Celeste is a published author, motivational speaker, and advocate for teacher education and retention. Her diverse experience enables her to effectively inspire and guide students, educators, and parents.
Committed to innovative teaching strategies and professional development, Celeste actively participates in the Georgia Council of Teachers of English. Her dedication to education is evident in her strong organizational skills and time management abilities, which have allowed her to balance multiple roles throughout her career. Celeste's enduring influence within the education community serves as a testament to her passion and commitment to teaching.
Kimberly Nieto holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in African and Afro American Studies with a concentration in Sociology and a Master of Arts Degree from Webster University in Mental Health Counseling. She has been a Learning Support Teacher at Savannah Christian Preparatory School for the past three years. Prior to SCPS, Kimberly served as Director of Educational Support Services at Fayetteville Christian School in Fayetteville, North Carolina. In addition to assisting diverse learners in small group and one on one settings, Kimberly also created initial Personal Education Plans for students ages K-12, reviewed student plans, and served as a liaison between students, parents, and teachers, as well as other stakeholders. Additionally, she has successfully maximized student success by introducing alternative curriculums to meet the needs of the students receiving support services. Kimberly’s experience also includes that of a middle school English and History teacher, middle school Guidance Counselor, high school Psychology teacher, and Multi-systemic Therapist for at-risk youth.
As an Academic Coach, Kimberly is eager to work with families to assist their students with developing the skills needed for self-advocacy and accountability and establish lifelong habits so that they may experience success in the classroom and beyond.
hpearlman@savannaheducationalconsultants.com
As a graduate from the State University of New York at New Paltz with a Behavioral Science degree, and a graduate from Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, with a Master of Science degree in Education, majoring in Reading and Special Education, Henrietta Pearlman has always been concerned with the educational welfare of her students. Her education certification areas are: Pre-School and Common Branch Subjects; Reading Specialist; Special Education – Pre-School – 21; Social Studies – 7-12.
After raising her own children, Henrietta joined the staff, as a Clinical Educator, at Adelphi University in the Program for College Students with Learning Differences. In this program she worked one to one with students strategizing on how they should handle their college workload to become successful students. She was also an instructor of a first semester writing and rhetoric course. She moved on to become the Director of the Learning Center at the same university, responsible for staffing over 90 peer learning tutors at a time and to be a guest lecturer, throughout the university, teaching a class about study strategies regarding each individual course's requirements.
Henrietta and her husband retired in Savannah where she has continued her love, which is to work as a tutor. At Savannah Educational Consultants she works with students who are preparing for their college entrance examinations, both ACT and SAT. She also works with students who have gaps or weaknesses in their learning styles or who require a more thorough understanding of their subjects, study skills and effective communication skills. She has the techniques to engage a student in their learning process. As a Life Coach, where the goal is to train a child to be a self-sufficient, confident, successful student who reaches the top or his or her potential, Henrietta uses the same strategies as she did with her college students.
Cherie has over 30 years of experience teaching children with learning disabilities and executive functioning issues, specifically in the areas of reading, language, and social skills, working in both teaching and administrative capacities. She is certified in Orton-Gillingham, a multi-sensory approach to teaching reading.
As an Executive Functioning Coach, Cherie works with students and families from elementary to college level to create the best learning plan to meet the ever-increasing demands of students’ busy schedules and challenging coursework. She makes it a priority to teach her clients how to adopt study skills and prioritization strategies they can use in the classroom and throughout the rest of their lives. Cherie looks forward to helping your child explore paths towards finding success for years to come.
Cherie currently serves as Principal at Chatham Academy, where she has been teaching for twenty-five years. At Chatham Academy, Cherie is the liaison between the administration and teaching staff; is responsible for several fundraisers; and has been responsible for prom planning, coordination and execution since she started the prom nine years ago.
Cherie graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Wheaton College with a degree in Russian Language and Literature and holds a Master’s Degree in Slavic Linguistics from Cornell University. She is certified in Orton-Gillingham (a multi-sensory approach to teaching reading) and has over 29 years of experience in teaching children with Learning Disabilities, specifically in the areas of reading, language and social skills. She started her teaching career at the Forman School in Litchfield, Connecticut, serving as Dean of Freshmen students and as a houseparent for twenty-four girls for four years. She also served as a volleyball, soccer, and cross-country coach during her tenure at Forman. Twice she organized and led two-week trips to the Soviet Union, conducting research on how their educational system dealt with learning disabilities.
Mary Delle Robinson is a seasoned college and career advisor with over 12 years of experience guiding high school students and their families through the complex college admissions process. Known for her low-stress, high-impact approach, Mary Delle has successfully developed and implemented tailored strategies that enable students to shine based on their own unique merits.
At Hilton Head Christian Academy, Mary Delle spearheaded a comprehensive college admissions advising program, ensuring her students were accepted into one of their top-choice schools, including prestigious universities and the United States service academies. Her expertise extends to academic and extracurricular course planning, career assessment insights, college major and career field exploration, college list, resume and essay development, and college application strategy and support. She has also helped students secure sizable scholarships annually.
Mary Delle holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of South Carolina and is actively pursuing certification through IECA. She is a member of SACAC and NACAC. She possesses a deep commitment to student mentorship and success.
Dr. Shirley ‘Mandy’ Saar was born and raised in Augusta, GA, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Augusta State University. She comes from a family of medical professionals who inspired her to go into neuroscience. Dr. Saar obtained her master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and began her work in neuroscience at the Baptist Hospital of East Tennessee in the geriatric assessment department, performing neuropsychological evaluations. She also worked on the acute psychiatric ward and with Autistic children at the local Autism Center, as well as with neurotypical children with mental health disorders at several local group homes. Dr. Saar transitioned to private practice and continued working with Autistic children and young adults both in therapy and assessment. She also specialized in the assessment of severe psychiatric disorders, continuing her work in neuropsychology and branching out into forensic areas as well. Dr. Saar also taught courses in neuropsychology and severe psychopathology at several local colleges over the years and helped college campuses develop support programs for students with disabilities. She then moved back to her home state of Georgia to care for her aging family and began working as a virtual professor for the University of Arizona while also continuing her clinical practice in assessment. Dr. Saar has spent the past ten years working with schools, vocational rehabilitation, and disability services to provide accurate and comprehensive assessments to children and young adults with a variety of mental health disorders. She has continued to specialize in Autism, neuropsychology, and forensics. Dr. Saar’s personal life experiences, such as having family members with Autism and Down Syndrome, allow her to bring a unique perspective to her work with clients and an understanding of both the blessings and difficulties of caring for individuals with various diagnoses.
Stacey Stinner is a certified school psychologist in Georgia. Ms. Stinner earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Towson University, her Master of Education in School Psychology, and her Educational Specialist in School Psychology from Georgia Southern University. Ms. Stinner enjoys working with students and helping them reach their full potential academically, behaviorally, emotionally, and socially. Ms. Stinner moved to Georgia in the fall of 2016 from Maryland and fell in love with the Savannah area. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, playing kickball, hanging out with friends and family, and cheering on the Ravens during football season!
Stephen Watson attended Presbyterian College, University of Georgia, Georgia State University and Pacific Western University earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. He has experience with a private practice, coaching executives, teaching motivational Seminars, and as an entrepreneur having owned five businesses.
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