Wendy Harsfield

Advocate | Observation Specialist | Orton-Gillingham Dyslexia Specialist
A woman with blonde hair smiling, wearing a beige jacket and a white top, standing in front of a white bookshelf with decorative objects.

Advocate | Observation Specialist | Orton-Gillingham Dyslexia Specialist


Serving Families In

  • Connecticut

  • Rhode Island

  • Massachusetts

  • New Hampshire

  • ...& Expanding Nationwide

Expertise in

  • Special Education

  • Dyslexia & Literacy

  • Orton-Gillingham

  • ADHD

  • Autism

  • Educational Observations

  • Learning Differences

  • Private School Support

  • Educational Evaluations

  • Student Safety & School-Based Programming

Credentials & Certifications

  • M.S.Ed., Moderate Special Needs — Simmons University

  • M.A., Art History & Museum Studies — Boston University

  • B.A. — Brandeis University

  • Orton-Gillingham Academy Associate-Level Certified

  • Massachusetts Professional Teaching License

  • The Levy Way™ Educational Advocacy Certification

  • 20+ Years of Experience in Special Education

  • Former Inclusion Teacher & 1:1 Instructional Assistant

  • Educational Observation & Evaluation Specialist

Why Families Choose Wendy

  • 20+ years of experience in special education, literacy, educational evaluation, and classroom-based support

  • Orton-Gillingham specialist with deep expertise supporting students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and other learning differences

  • Conducts independent educational observations to see what's actually happening in the classroom, not just what's on paper

  • Evaluates instruction, engagement, supports, safety, and implementation to give families a clear picture of the student's day-to-day experience

  • Combines objective, evidence-based analysis with an unwavering focus on the student and family

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.

Looking to read more of our team’s background and work?