Our contributors

Meet our contributors

  • Rachel Bozek

    is co-host of the “In It” podcast and the parent of two kids with ADHD. She has a background in writing and editing content for kids and parents. 

  • Gretchen Vierstra, MA, MPA

    Deputy Editor, Understood

    is the deputy editor at Understood and co-host of the “In It” podcast. She’s a former educator with experience teaching and designing programs in schools, organizations, and online learning spaces.

  • Christina Armas, MA

    English as a New Language (ENL) Teacher

    teaches English as a New Language (ENL) in Queens, New York.

  • Devin M. Kearns, PhD

    Associate Professor of Special Education, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Connecticut

    designs and researches assessments and interventions to help students with reading issues, including dyslexia.

  • Guinevere Eden, PhD

    Director, Center for the Study of Learning, Georgetown University Medical Center

    is a professor at Georgetown University and director of its Center for the Study of Learning.

  • Jim Rein, MA

    Former Dean, Vocational Independence Program, New York Institute of Technology

    has lectured on postsecondary options and summer programs for kids and young adults with learning and thinking differences.

  • Lakrisha Howard, MA

    Fourth-Grade Teacher, Newark Public Schools

    is a dedicated educator who has spent her career working with exceptional learners, teaching special education, and advocating for inclusion and resources.

  • Melody Musgrove, EdD

    Former Co-Director, Graduate Center for the Study of Early Learning, University of Mississippi

    served as director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) in the U.S. Department of Education.

  • Mark J. Griffin, PhD

    Education Consultant

    has been a professional in the field of learning disabilities for over 45 years. He was the founding headmaster of Eagle Hill School.

  • Kristin J. Carothers, PhD

    Clinician in Private Practice, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Morehouse University

    is an expert in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral interventions. She also provides co-parenting therapy for families experiencing high conflict.

  • Aviva Patz, MS

    Writer and Editor

    is an award-winning health writer and editor whose topics of expertise include health and wellness, psychology, and parenting.

  • Kristen L. Hodnett, MS

    Clinical Professor of Special Education, Hunter College

    is a special educator with 20 years of experience and a teacher educator at Hunter College, CUNY.

  • Kelli Johnson, MA

    Educational Speech-Language Pathologist

    is a speech-language pathologist and an Orton–Gillingham Certified reading tutor who supports students with communication challenges in a public school.

  • Margie Gillis, EdD

    President, Literacy How

    is the founder and president of Literacy How, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides professional development and coaching for teachers.

  • Myriam Alizo

    Associate Director, Center for Parent Information and Resources

    is the associate director for Center for Parent Information and Resources and a former participant in the YSEALI Professional Fellows Program.

  • Donald D. Deshler, PhD

    Emeritus Williamson Family Distinguished Professor of Special Education, University of Kansas

    is the Williamson Family Distinguished Professor of Special Education and the founder of the Center for Research on Learning at the University of Kansas.

  • Nelson Dorta, PhD

    Pediatric Neuropsychologist

    is a pediatric neuropsychologist, researcher, and editor for several journals. His expertise includes ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, and more.

  • Priscila Tamplain, PhD

    Associate Professor of Kinesiology

    is a professor specializing in the study of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and related conditions like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.

  • Lily Jones, MA

    Founder, Educator Forever

    is a teacher advocate, curriculum developer, and founder of EducatorForever.com.

  • Heidi Cope, MS

    Health and Science Writer

    is a health and science writer who focuses on health, wellness, and disability.

  • Melissa Thompson, MS

    Senior Program Analyst–STEM

    is a dedicated educator and administrator with over 20 years of experience in both formal and informal education settings.

  • Bob Cunningham, EdM

    Executive Director, Learning and Development, Understood

    has been part of Understood since its founding. He’s also been the chief administrator for several independent schools and a school leader in general and special education.

  • Roberto Olivardia, PhD

    Clinical Psychologist and Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

    is an expert in the treatment of ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder. He also focuses on issues facing students with learning disabilities.

  • Karen Wilson, PhD

    Clinical Neuropsychologist, Founder of West LA Neuropsychology, PC, and ChildNEXUS

    is a specialist in the assessment of neurodivergent children and teens. She is passionate about helping children who struggle with learning or social-emotional issues.

  • Kara Ball, PhD, MPhil, MS, NBCT

    Academic Officer, Author, and Adjunct Education Professor

    specializes in special education and STEM and is a State Teacher of the Year recipient. Her doctoral research examined how early layered STEM experiences shape identity, confidence, and persistence for women in STEM.

  • Shaquala Holmes, MEd

    Regional Literacy Specialist, Alabama Reading Initiative

    has dedicated her career to making a lasting impact on the lives of students in Alabama. In her current role, she works to enhance the literacy skills of third-grade students.

  • Charles A. MacArthur, PhD

    Professor Emeritus, School of Education, University of Delaware

    is a professor emeritus at the University of Delaware who conducts research on writing development, instruction, literacy, self-regulation, and more.

  • Claire Odom, MSW, LMSW

    Neuro-Affirming Psychotherapist

    is a psychotherapist and disability inclusion expert in New York. She serves children and families affected by neurodivergence across the state.

  • Elizabeth Harstad, MD, MPH

    Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, Boston Children’s Hospital; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

    is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician who sees patients with learning and attention issues. She also conducts research on ADHD and autism.

  • Kathleen Nadeau, PhD

    Founder and Director, The Chesapeake Center

    is the founder and director of The Chesapeake Center, an ADHD specialty clinic. She is the author of 15 books related to ADHD.

  • Shira Moskovitz, MA

    Technology Specialist, Special Education Teacher, New York City Public Schools

    is a special education teacher and technology specialist in the NYC Public Schools.

  • Brittney Newcomer, MS, NCSP

    Nationally Certified School Psychologist

    is an expert in neurodivergence and a nationally certified school psychologist. She advises organizations on serving all learners.

  • Daniel Ansari, PhD

    Professor, Department of Psychology, Western University

    is a professor at Western University with 20 years of experience researching how children develop numerical and mathematical skills.

  • James Emmett, MS

    Workplace Lead Strategist

    is the founder of James Emmett & Co., which provides disability inclusion support services to companies.

  • Jodi Gold, MD

    Board-Certified Psychiatrist

    is a board-certified psychiatrist, a clinical assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, and the author of “Screen Smart Parent.”

  • Virginia Gryta, MS

    Lecturer; Program Coordinator for Childhood Multiple Disabilities

    is a lecturer and the program coordinator for Childhood Multiple Disabilities at Hunter College.

  • Mallory Band, MEd

    Special Educator and Executive Function Specialist

    is a special educator and executive function specialist who works with children, teens, and young adults.

  • Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA

    Psychologist

    is a psychologist, presenter, author, and ADHD thought leader. He specializes in diagnosing and treating ADHD.

  • Afrika Afeni Mills, MEd

    Education Consultant; Founder and CEO of Continental Drift LLC

    is an author, education consultant, adjunct professor, and CEO of Continental Drift, LLC. She has been a teacher, instructional coach, teacher developer, and administrator.