Marie Lewis, PhD, BCEA
Marie Lewis is the Clinical Director and on the Board at NSEAI.
She is a Neuro-Developmental Disability Case Manager (NDDCM), Education Consultant & Behavior Specialist Consultant (BSC). As a clinical consultant she is trained in neurology, psychology and behavioral health. She is a founding member of NSEAI and has been on the faculty of the National Special Education Advocacy Institute, since 2008. She received her RN from Presbyterian, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, has a Masters's degree from the University of Santa Monica in (Applied/ Spiritual) Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Rochville University in 2008. Her Field Study was a “Meta-Analysis of Intensive Behavioral Interventions for Children with Autism.” She has testified before the US Department of Education, and in State and Federal Courts related to a FAPE.
Marie's experience includes being:
- A Registered Nurse on the Neurosurgical Unit and Head Nurse on the Piersol Rehabilitation Center at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital
- A Utilization Review/ Total Quality Improvement Specialist and Hospital Administrator at Presbyterian, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center.
- An instructor to over 3000 parents, clinicians, and professional education advocates nationally
- A conference speaker nationally for disability groups, school districts, parent support groups and at multiple CME, CLE and teacher CE programs related to Education Advocacy Best Practices, Autism, Transitional Planning, and Inclusion.
- A Cinical Disability Case Manager and Behavior Specialist to families for over 20 years with extensive ABA and VB experience.
- An Adjunct Professor in Criminal Justice, at Kaplan University, teaching Psychology, Juvenile Delinquency, and Career Development, including criminal and social justice issues related to those with disabilities
- A consultant to special education law programs in multiple states and been an Inclusion Specialist and Behavioral Consultant to several special-needs private schools and public schools
- An advisory board and board member to national and regional disability-related organizations including:
o Board of the National Center for Autism Resources and Education, NCARE
o The Board of the ARC of Chester County
o The Legislative Committee of the ARC of Chester County
o The ARC of PA Adult Committee
o The Board of Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy
o The Transition Council of Philadelphia (founding member)
o PA Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology (CADDRE), at the University of Pennsylvania - An Advisory Board Member
o The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), Development Committee
o Grant Writer and Administrator for, The Arc of the United States and Walmart Foundation School-To-Community Transition Grant for the ARC of Philadelphia's Creating Environments For Ongoing Success Program.
• She has been honored with:
• A Pennsylvania Senate Citation for her pro-bono work in advocating for children in our community and her tireless work in training education advocates.
• Obama's President’s Volunteer Service Award
• A U.S. House of Representatives Citation for her education advocacy work and training of advocates nationally. “The success of this Commonwealth, the strength of our communities and the overall vitality of American society depend, in a great measure, upon the tenacity of individuals such as Dr. Lewis who use their considerable talents, energies, and resources to serve and assist others. She truly exemplifies the best qualities of the human experience, and her spirit of perseverance and compassion have greatly impacted the lives of others.”
• The ARC of Chester County Volunteer of the Year Award.
Marie Lewis has journeyed the special education maze personally as a parent and advocate with two sons with the diagnosis of autism and an array of other diagnoses. Her daughter was medically challenged and is gifted. As the mother of three children with special education needs, she has learned how to improve communication between parents and school districts and facilitate the development of individualized instruction. She assists parents in getting functional outcome-focused IEPs not just "legally sufficient" ones. Marie believes that the true waste of taxpayer dollars is not in providing appropriate special education, but in failing to do so.
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