Who we are and what we believe…

Amanda Friedman, MSEd is a special education teacher with over 10 years experience within the educational field. She has completed the Administrative Certification Program from the College of Saint Rose/CITE and is awaiting approval of her SDL and SBL license. She has worked with students ranging in age from 3 – 25 years old with an array of differences including Autism, Mental Retardation, Emotional Disturbances (PTSD, Schizophrenia, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, etc.). She has acted as the Vice President for the Hudson Valley Autism Society, sat on several Walk for Autism Committees, and is a parent advocate for families at CSE and school meetings. Amanda has been through certified trainings in ABA, TEACCH, BART, and multiple trainings in DIR/Floortime. 

 

Alison Berkley is a special education teacher with 4 years experience in the classroom and worked for 4 years providing alternate-to-home schooling to students ranging in age and ability, and working as a SEIT (Special Ed Interim Teacher). She has had multiple trainings in DIR/Floortime and ABA and possesses strong ability in implementing assessments, curriculum adaptation and development, and research and data collection.  Alison received her Master of Science in Teaching degree (Childhood Education) at Pace University where she has been awarded a Dean’s Scholarship. Alison graduated on the Deans Honors List for her BS in Psychology from NYU in 2006. In 2002 Alison traveled to Jordan on a medical mission to help provide 117 children with cleft palates/lips to receive reconstructive surgery via the Operation Smile Program. Her passion for progressive education utilizing the newest technologies and informed by the latest research is evident throughout the offerings of the Emerge & See Education Center.

Volunteers, Independent Contractors, & Employees

Dean Williams is a tremendous asset to Emerge & See supporting students and families in many ways. He has been working in the field of Special Education and recreation for over 10 years. Dean finds the work both exciting and challenging. Helping students gain skills and be independent is a thrill. He says “it is very motivating to see the potential of a child and work with the team to help them be all they can be.” Dean uses his familiarity with business and administration to support E & S  in matters of scheduling, student profiles, and staff development. He is also working towards his BA in Business Management.

Robert Taylor  runs Emerge and See’s PlaySport program currently held on Tuesdays and Fridays. He brings humor and creativity to E & S. He breaks down activities like obstacle courses, sports drills, and games in order to meet students where they are, with respect to progression and possibility! He has tremendous respect for students and always pushes them to the max for engagement, challenges, and laughs. Robert takes great pride in establishing strong relationships with students in order to build on their skills in a consistent way that offers them room for growth every day! He offers great perspective on students, understanding behavior and individualized supports. Robert has over 10 years in the field of special education and recreation for students of all ages.

 

History:

Emerge & See evolved from an after-school social group into a full-fledged and burgeoning business.  Alison and Amanda started as coworkers and grew into business partners due to their like-minded philosophies and multi-faceted approaches to education.  Realizing their dream, they grew out of the classroom and into the sensory gym setting.  They firmly hold the understanding that there is a dire need for a new vision of education and a new form of engagement with those on the Spectrum.  The services offered expanded to meet the needs spoken of by so many parents and professionals in the community.  A true embodiment of academic instruction as well as balanced and structured play therapy; Emerge & See continually meets students’ greatest capacity for learning without ceiling and nurtures strong developmental foundations. Inevitably, this duo cemented their own personal and professional belief that every child can learn and every idea is a bright idea!

 

 

Emerge & See believes strongly in:

• Honest relationships with clientele

• An Integrative approach to the developmental progress of each child

• Healthy Community Integration

Emerge & See Pledge of Staff

• To inspire students to joyfully emerge into a world of love of learning, relationships, and to truly see their own abilities and potentials.

• To follow NYS Standards to support academic learning in our students.

• To support our students in being successful members of school, home, and community.

• To work collaboratively and respectfully with one another acting always as role models for our students and families

• To be there for our students and families understanding the sensitivity surrounding their circumstances offering them every opportunity to feel a part of the education community and knowing their is always hope for a greater tomorrow!