As our Board Secretary, Elaine has been a transformative leader in special education as the President of Education-Relief, Inc. since 2004
As a neurodivergent individual and a single mother to a 15-year-old daughter with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for executive functioning deficits, ADHD, depression and social anxiety have deeply informed her understanding of the challenges faced by families of children with unique needs.

Elaine joined the board of Laila’s Gift because of her alignment with its mission to create a supportive and inclusive community. She was particularly drawn to Laila’s Gift’s vision of a world where children with special needs are celebrated and embraced by their communities, and its commitment to inclusiveness, compassion, and family support.

With over two decades of experience as an independent contractor in special education, Elaine brings a wealth of expertise to Laila’s Gift. Her roles have spanned early intervention provider, educator for children with diverse abilities, advocate, parent trainer, teacher consultant, evaluator, and neurodiversity networking professional. These experiences have equipped her with a comprehensive skill set that she applies to her work with the organization.

Elaine is a passionate advocate for preventing bullying and is dedicated to educating young individuals about creating a safe and supportive academic environment. She is dedicated to implementing a mandatory bullying curriculum in schools worldwide, which complements Laila’s Gift’s initiatives to create inclusive environments where all children feel celebrated and appreciated. Outside of her professional roles, Elaine enjoys connecting with other advocates and educators to share insights and strategies for supporting children with unique needs. She is eager to engage with those who share her passion for education reform.