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PLACE was founded by educators and parents who understand that navigating evaluations isn’t just technical—it’s deeply personal.
Why This Work Matters
Why This Work Matters
When my son was about two and a half, we began to notice he was developing a little differently. At first, we told ourselves he was just a late bloomer. He loved his iPad, lined up toys carefully, and preferred taking things apart rather than playing the way other children did. It wasn’t until he started preschool that concerns became harder to ignore—he struggled to stay seated, cried often, and seemed overwhelmed. When we agreed to a school evaluation, we trusted the team would see our child the way we did. Instead, his autism diagnosis was delivered abruptly and with low expectations, leaving us confused, heartbroken, and afraid of what the future might hold.
Over time, with the right supports and adults who truly listened, my son began to thrive. When his sensory needs were understood and his strengths recognized, his confidence and independence grew. He transitioned into general education, found success, and showed everyone what we had always known—he was capable and bright. That journey reshaped me as both a parent and an educator. It is why PLACE exists: to ensure families feel heard, children are seen for who they truly are, and every evaluation leads to understanding, hope, and a clear path forward.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
If you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or searching for answers about your child’s learning and development, PLACE is here to help. Let’s take the next step together—one rooted in understanding, compassion, and belief in your child’s potential.
From Educator to Advocate
From Educator to Advocate
As a teacher—and not a new mom—I believed I was well prepared for the birth of my second child. With years of classroom experience and professional training, I felt confident in my understanding of child development. As my daughter grew, we delighted in her quirks and explained many of her behaviors as typical toddler phases. It wasn’t until preschool, and later kindergarten, that concerns became harder to ignore. Her challenges with routines, sensory experiences, and social expectations intensified, and we agreed to a school evaluation trusting her strengths would be clearly recognized. The results left us stunned into silence, and I felt numb as the conversation continued without me fully present. Despite her history of sensory needs and early intervention, the conclusions felt misaligned with who our daughter truly was—and advocating for deeper understanding felt daunting.
Ultimately, we sought a professional with expertise in how autism presents in girls, and everything began to make sense. We learned about anxiety, masking, and the profound impact accurate identification has on shaping effective supports and meaningful opportunities. That experience reshaped me—not only as a parent, but as an educator. It strengthened my commitment to ensuring every child is understood as an individual with unique strengths and needs. PLACE was born from this journey. I carry these lessons into every evaluation and conversation, guiding families with clarity, compassion, and respect—so parents feel supported, and children are met with expectations that honor their true potential.
Your child deserves more than a label—they deserve understanding.
At PLACE, we approach every evaluation with care, clarity, and compassion. If you’re seeking answers that honor your child’s strengths, we’re ready to walk alongside you.
Mission Statement:
Mission Statement:
Our mission at Pathway Learning & Assessment Consulting for Education (PLACE) is to foster growth and empower families, children, schools, and community based organizations through compassionate, thorough assessments and innovative learning strategies. We guide every client to their unique place of educational excellence, providing clear next steps, actionable guidance, and connections to trusted resources.
Our mission at Pathway Learning & Assessment Consulting for Education (PLACE) is to foster growth and empower families, children, schools, and community based organizations through compassionate, thorough assessments and innovative learning strategies. We guide every client to their unique place of educational excellence, providing clear next steps, actionable guidance, and connections to trusted resources.
Vision Statement:
Vision Statement:
Our vision is to deliver trusted assessments and actionable recommendations that empower every student to succeed.
Our vision is to deliver trusted assessments and actionable recommendations that empower every student to succeed.
What Makes PLACE Different
What Makes PLACE Different
Educational Expertise at the Core
Our evaluations are grounded in an educational framework, not just a clinical one. We understand how learning, language, behavior, and academics intersect in real school environments.Speech-Language Pathologist as a Key Team Member
Language is central to many eligibility categories, including Autism. Having an SLP as part of our team allows us to accurately assess communication, social language, and educational impact—areas often overlooked or misunderstood.Faster Timelines, No Long Waitlists
School systems can take up to 65 days to complete evaluations, and many private practices have long waitlists—especially for autism assessments. PLACE completes evaluations more efficiently, helping families move forward sooner.Thorough, Comprehensive Evaluations
Schools are often understaffed and limited to minimum required testing. We go deeper—gathering critical data that informs targeted interventions and supports so your child can reach their fullest potential.Use of Nationally Normed Assessments
We are trained and experienced in the same gold-standard tools used in clinical settings, some of which include:WISC-V (Cognitive Assessment)
WIAT-4 (Academic Achievement)
ADOS-2 (Autism Assessment)
We Know the School System—and How to Work With It
As educators, we understand that collaboration—not conflict—with schools leads to faster, more effective support. We help families partner with schools in ways that benefit their child.Actionable Next Steps—Not Just a Report
Many practices stop after delivering results. PLACE provides clear guidance on what to do next, whether that means working with medical providers, community organizations, or navigating school-based supports like IEPs.Guidance Across Multiple Systems - Families typically seek evaluations to
Validate a concern and move forward
Obtain a medical diagnosis for additional services
Support school success and access special education services
We help families navigate these paths with clarity and confidence.
Non-Biased, Transparent Perspective
Having served on school teams, we understand the limitations families often face. At PLACE, our sole focus is your child’s long-term success across all environments.Deep Educational Insight Beyond Clinical Models
We bring expertise in linguistics, cultural competency, and instructional practices—connecting assessment results to real, practical supports in the classroom and beyond.Personal, Relationship-Based Approach
This is not a rushed, one-visit evaluation. We spend multiple sessions with your child to build trust, observe authentic functioning, and develop a complete picture of their strengths and needs.Proactive, Compassionate Philosophy
We believe knowledge empowers families. Accurate, thoughtful evaluations help children receive the right support early—before challenges grow.Community-Focused Mission
By supporting your child, we strengthen families, schools, and the broader community. This evaluation is just the first step in a lifelong journey—and we are honored to be part of it.
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