Wendy Harsfield
Educational AdvocateEducational Advocate
Education
Simmons University
Master of Science in Education,
Moderate Special Needs
Boston University
Master’s Degree,
Art History and Museum Studies
Brandeis University
Bachelors Degree
Orton-Gillingham certified
Expertise in
Educational Observations
Coaching
Dyslexia
ADHD
Mental Heath
About Wendy
With over 20 years of experience working in the special education field, Wendy is a trained and certified Levy Education Advocacy team member. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University, a Master’s degree in Art History and Museum Studies from Boston University, and an M.S.Ed. in Moderate Special Needs from Simmons University.
Throughout her career, Wendy has worked as a 1:1 instructional assistant and inclusion teacher in several Massachusetts school districts. She has extensive experience working with students on the autism spectrum as well as students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences. She spent many years conducting educational evaluations and is skilled at identifying evidence-based strategies that support dyslexia, ADHD, and other related disorders.
Wendy also works as an Orton-Gillingham tutor. She has helped countless students “crack the code” of language so they can learn to be proficient readers. She holds a professional teaching license in Massachusetts and an associate-level certification from the Orton-Gillingham Academy.
Wendy conducts independent educational observations to help support the work of our advocates. Her specialized skills allow her to evaluate educational settings by analyzing teaching methods, student safety, and compliance with standards. She reviews documentation, observes classroom environments, and provides objective, evidence-based reports on student outcomes, school policies, and teacher performance to improve instruction or address litigation.
Her Advocacy Work
Wendy is also the mother of 3 teenagers, the oldest of whom suffers from anxiety, and the youngest of whom has dyslexia and suffered a stroke in utero. As she has advocated for her children, she has also spent countless hours counseling other families navigating the special education system. Wendy has extensive experience working with both public and private schools. She often assists families in choosing a private school for their child. She deeply understands how to advocate effectively as a teacher and a mother.
Wendy’s advocacy work has helped students and families in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and is expanding to provide support to families virtually throughout the United States.