Stephanie Mitchell has been working in college placement and transition planning over 15 years. Her specialty is in aiding students with learning differences in finding appropriate secondary and post-secondary options through a comprehensive and individualized process. Her focus is to identify and address each student’s individual strengths, needs and preferences while supporting families in selecting appropriate post-secondary academic settings. Through aligning strengths, interests and needs with environment, building awareness, and formulating an in-depth understanding of their learning profile, she aids students in finding continued success after high school in a setting that fits their needs. In addition to school placement and post-secondary planning, Stephanie also utilizes informal assessments to help families seeking an in-depth understanding of their student's level of independence in academic, social, independent living, community involvement, and understanding of self in order to further support transition planning.

Stephanie holds a Bachelor’s in Art History from St. Olaf College and a Master’s in Italian Renaissance Art History from Syracuse University. After early experiences in general education, and working in other industries, she decided to return to her calling in education. She worked for 15 years as a decoding and 1-1 remediation teacher at a private school for students with learning differences and was a proud member of the Leadership Team that started the school’s Connecticut campus. In addition to teaching, she served as the Director of College Placement and Transition Planning at the school for over 10 years. During her tenure, she successfully placed students in colleges, as well as comprehensive support, transition, and gap year programs. Equally important to her professional experience, Stephanie is the proud mother of two boys who have learning, hearing and attention deficits. She is passionate about applying her knowledge and personal experience to help parents and students who are embarking on their journey through the post-secondary transition process.

Professional Affiliations include:

• Professional Member with LD/ND Designation, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

• National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

• Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

• Former Board Member, Special Education Equity for Kids (SEEK) of Connecticut

• Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)

• Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

• Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)