Lori Vallejo is an accomplished educational leader with over 37 years of combined experience in early childhood education and special education. She holds a Master of Science in Education from Hofstra University and a School Building Leader (SBL) Certification from the College of Saint Rose. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education/Synaesthetic Education from Syracuse University. Lori currently serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Board for the UHCD Foundation, where she guides its mission to connect children with disabilities to vital resources and support worldwide.
With over 37 years in the field, Lori has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving educational outcomes for young children, particularly those with special needs. Her professional journey includes key leadership roles at various educational institutions, where she has consistently applied her expertise to foster inclusive and effective learning environments.
Since April 2013, Lori has served as the Principal at Birch Mill Basin Early Childhood Center in Brooklyn, NY. In this role, she oversees and supervises program staff, ensuring the curriculum and procedures align with New York State Pre-School learning standards. Lori collaborates with department heads to address cognitive, social/emotional, motor, and communication skills, providing comprehensive support to students and their families.
From July 2008 to the present, Lori has also been the Educational Director and Principal at Parsons Preschool in Jamaica, NY. Here, she has implemented new school curricula and procedures, supervised behavior modification programs, established performance standards for teachers and assistants, and managed all annual reviews and CPSE/CSE meetings. Her work has significantly contributed to the school's success in meeting the diverse needs of its students.
Lori's expertise extends to higher education, where she has been an Adjunct Professor at Touro College since January 2009. She has developed and taught courses in Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Behavior, and Literacy for undergraduate students, sharing her knowledge and experience with future educators.
Her earlier roles include serving as an ABA Lead Teacher/Supervisor at TheraCare, supervising home-based Applied Behavior Analysis programs, and working as a Special Educator at Queens Occupational Training Center, where she developed and implemented various educational programs for students with special needs.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Lori has been actively involved in community and international initiatives. She has worked as an Autism Consultant for the Pan American Health Organization in Lima, Peru, and various local organizations. Her contributions have been recognized with grants from the Board of Education, New York City, and Child Care Inc.
Lori Vallejo's dedication to education and her unwavering commitment to supporting children with special needs make her a distinguished leader in her field. Her work continues to inspire and positively impact the lives of students, families, and educators.
Ferdousi Rahman is an outstanding pediatric occupational therapist with over 23 years of combined experience in providing specialized care to children with developmental delays and disabilities. Holding a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Science, Ferdousi has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of her young patients.
Her professional journey includes significant roles within the New York State Early Intervention Program and the NYC Department of Education. Ferdousi has been instrumental in promoting the function and engagement of infants and toddlers with developmental delays, addressing critical areas such as motor skills, social interaction, sensory processing, play, and cognitive abilities. Her approach is centered around creating supportive environments for children, their parents, and caregivers to ensure holistic development and success.
In her tenure with the NYC Department of Education, Ferdousi worked with children in elementary and junior high schools, focusing on a comprehensive range of skills from academics to self-care. She has extensive experience addressing the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and sensory components of performance, helping children with various disabilities including autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.
Her fieldwork includes notable experiences at New York Weill Cornell Medical Center and the Adult Day Program in Bronx, NY, where she provided rehabilitation services for adults and seniors with a variety of conditions. This breadth of experience underscores her versatility and expertise in occupational therapy across different age groups and settings.
Licensed by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), Ferdousi continually enhances her skills through a wide array of certifications and continuing education courses, ensuring she remains at the forefront of her field.
Fluent in English, Bengali, Urdu, and Hindi, Ferdousi brings a multicultural perspective to her practice. Her personal interests in traveling, gardening, reading, and playing with children reflect her vibrant and nurturing personality.
Ferdousi Rahman is dedicated to making a lasting impact in the field of pediatric occupational therapy, driven by her passion for helping children achieve their fullest potential and supporting families in their journey towards improved health and well-being.
Tahmina Huq is a Special Education teacher with over 25 years of experience working with children with disabilities. She currently serves as an adjunct teacher at a high school for students with developmental disabilities in Singapore. Tahmina holds a Master of Education (Special Education) from NIE-NTU, Singapore, earned in April 2010.
Throughout her career, she has worked across various special schools in Singapore and achieved personal success in supporting her son, who overcame multiple disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy, ASD, intellectual disabilities, and epilepsy, to graduate independently from a special school at 13 and secure employment. Tahmina also collaborated as a consultant on the 2021 research project "Aiding Emotional Expression in Non-Verbal Autistic Individuals," conducted by Western Washington University, USA, and BUET, Bangladesh.
