Michael Farrelly shares why NJASEPS membership makes such a difference for specialized schools.

He highlights the power of having a collective voice — one that advocates for programs serving students with disabilities not only in New Jersey, but across the country. Michael explains that the critical work these schools do is not always fully understood, especially the profound impact it has on families.

Through advocacy, public awareness, and legislative engagement, NJASEPS helps ensure these schools are recognized as essential partners to public school districts statewide and beyond.

A powerful reminder that when schools stand together, their voices are stronger — and their students are better supported.

Dr. Candace Galvez reflects on the power of collaboration within NJASEPS

She shares how working alongside colleagues across schools fosters not only professional growth, but lasting friendships. From administrators to school nurses, teachers, and principals — professionals at every stage of their careers come together to support one another.

Dr. Galvez highlights how NJASEPS plays a vital role in nurturing these connections and supporting educators throughout their journeys in the field of special education.

A meaningful look at how collaboration, community, and shared purpose strengthen both professionals and the students they serve.

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John Mulholland shares a major advocacy victory on behalf of New Jersey’s specialized schools and the more than 10,000 public school students they serve.

When the New Jersey Department of Education proposed sweeping changes to the fiscal code — including a cap on behavior modification spending that would have amounted to just 11 cents per student per day — NJASEPS launched a full-scale advocacy campaign. The proposed changes not only threatened critical services but could have violated federal law under IDEA and potentially forced some schools to close in an already under-resourced system.

Through coordinated outreach to legislators, the governor’s office, the DD Council, and State Board members — along with strong grassroots engagement from member schools — the coalition successfully pushed back, ultimately leading the state to abandon the proposal.

Beyond this fiscal victory, John discusses ongoing efforts to:

a. Ensure licensure policies include specialized schools
b. Advocate for students placed on at-home instruction with little to no actual teaching support
c. Address transportation challenges that directly impact access to education
d. Combat critical staffing shortages through strategic partnerships and vendor collaboration

At the heart of this work is a simple but powerful belief: These students deserve more.

Watch to learn how advocacy, collaboration, and persistence are protecting access to a free and appropriate public education for New Jersey’s most vulnerable learners.

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Diane Somers shares how collaboration has transformed specialized schools across New Jersey.

She describes a major shift from schools operating as “individual little islands” to working together as true partners. Professional development is now coordinated and cooperative, with schools learning and growing as a unified group rather than separately.

Diane highlights how this collective approach has strengthened their impact — elevating their visibility across the state and reinforcing their legislative advocacy efforts. While each school continues to serve its own community, together they are stronger, more connected, and more influential.

Her message is clear: they’re no longer standing alone — they’re moving forward as one unified group.

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Parent Lena Suarez-Angelino shares how NJASEPS has supported and empowered her as an advocate for her son, Zachary.

Lena reflects on being invited to speak at a local meeting about the importance of continued funding for NJASEPS and specialized schools like the one her son attends. Through these opportunities, she has been able to raise awareness and ensure that families’ voices are heard in critical conversations about education and support for students with disabilities.

Most importantly, Lena shares how valued and included she has felt throughout the process — knowing her voice is welcomed, respected, and truly matters.

This is an inspiring story about the power of parent advocacy and community support.

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Parent Lena Suarez-Angelino shares why Lakeview School in Edison, New Jersey has been such a special place for her son, Zachary.

Referred to Lakeview during early intervention, Lena says the school immediately stood out — and after touring other options, it simply “felt like home.” In fact, their family often jokes that if they ever moved, they’d want to put the school on wheels and take it with them.

At Lakeview, Zachary receives comprehensive support all in one place, including physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), speech therapy, and specialized education services. Lena speaks warmly about the school’s attention to detail, the daily smiling photos they receive, and the joy Zachary brings home each day.

Above all, she shares the deep trust and gratitude their family feels — knowing their son is supported, cared for, and truly thriving.

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Dr. Rachel Tait shares why she strongly supports membership in NJASEPS.
She encourages schools and leaders to ask themselves a simple question: Why wouldn’t you join? Membership provides access to a powerful network of professionals who can serve as trusted resources, collaborators, and advocates.

Dr. Tait highlights how NJASEPS keeps members informed with timely updates from the Department of Education, stays on the cutting edge of policy developments, and actively lobbies on behalf of schools serving students with disabilities.

For schools looking to strengthen support for their students, staff, and families, she emphasizes that NJASEPS offers not just information — but a community and an advocate in your corner.

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Brian Detlefsen thinks the association is heading in a great direction. As outgoing president, the emphasis has been on changing the perception of the public, that we are partners with our public schools, and that we're there to help the students both succeed in our schools, but also to transition them back to the public schools whenever possible. So the Association is moving in the direction of strengthening that partnership with the public schools and really working in a more collaborative manner.

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It's no exaggeration to talk about special education community, that at the end of the day nobody understands what it takes to educate and support a child with special needs better than these individuals. Whether we're talking about parents or self advocates, teachers, therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, BCBAs, teachers, principals, administrators, getting them all in the room together.

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