NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL
SERVICES OF
WESTCHESTER
Educational Advocacy & Student Support Services
At Neuropsychological Services of Westchester, our Educational Advocacy & Student Support Services are designed to help families navigate the complexities of the special education system. We specialize in fostering productive, collaborative relationships between parents, school districts, and multidisciplinary educational teams to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive.
Expert Interdisciplinary Leadership
Our advocacy services are led by the husband-and-wife team of Jay Dunkle, Ph.D. and Kristin Dunkle, CCC-SLP. With over 60 years of combined professional experience, they provide a unique dual perspective that bridges clinical expertise and public school operations.
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Kristin H. Dunkle, M.S., CCC/SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist: With more than 30 years of experience working directly within the public school system, Mrs. Dunkle provides invaluable “insider” insight into school-based services, communication disorders, and the functional realities of implementing educational programming within a district framework.
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Jay Dunkle, Ph.D., Clinical Neuropsychologist: Dr. Dunkle has spent over three decades in private practice, specializing in comprehensive neuropsychological assessments. His expertise includes diagnosing and developing interventions for learning differences, ADHD, executive functioning deficits, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), traumatic brain injury, and complex emotional or behavioral challenges.
A Collaborative, Solution-Focused Approach
We believe that the most effective advocacy is rooted in partnership rather than confrontation. Our goal is to facilitate thoughtful, constructive dialogue between families and school personnel. By maintaining positive working relationships with educators, we help ensure that the focus remains where it belongs: on the student’s progress and well-being.
Our team empowers families to:
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Understand Clinical Profiles: Translate complex neuropsychological and speech-language evaluations into actionable educational goals.
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Navigate the IEP & 504 Process: Provide expert guidance through the Identification, Evaluation, and Placement process, including Individualized Education Program (IEP) development and Section 504 Plan accommodations.
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Improve Communication: Act as a bridge between parents and school districts to clarify recommendations and foster collaborative problem-solving.
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Optimize Accommodations: Ensure that classroom modifications and specialized instruction are evidence-based and tailored to the student’s unique learning and developmental needs.
Comprehensive Advocacy Services
Our services are tailored to the specific needs of each family and may include:
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Review and Interpretation: Detailed analysis of prior evaluations, school records, and progress reports.
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Parent Consultation: Strategic educational planning and preparation for upcoming school meetings.
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Meeting Attendance: Professional representation and advocacy at CSE (Committee on Special Education), CPSE, and 504 meetings.
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Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Coordinating with private tutors, therapists, and pediatric providers to ensure consistency across home and school environments.
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Ongoing Consultation: Continued support for concerns regarding social communication, behavioral health, and academic underachievement.
Specialized Support for Diverse Learners
We provide experienced guidance for children and adolescents presenting with:
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Specific Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia)
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ADHD and Executive Functioning Weaknesses
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Autism Spectrum Disorders and Social Communication Difficulties
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Language Disorders and Speech Impairments
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Anxiety and Emotional Challenges impacting school performance
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Complex Neurodevelopmental and Twice-Exceptional (2e) Profiles
Fees for Services
Fees for Educational Advocacy & Student Support Services vary based on the complexity of the case and the scope of involvement. Services are billed based on consultation time, records review, interdisciplinary collaboration, and meeting attendance.
Please contact Neuropsychological Services of Westchester to discuss your child’s specific needs and our current fee structure.