Consulting Team
Michelle R. Davis, M. Ed.
Director & Educational Consultant
An experienced, passionate advocate for children and an inspirational leader, Ms. Davis serves as Director of ABCs for Life Success and Special Needs Advocacy Institute. She is skilled in child-centered evaluation, program analysis and development, navigating the special education process, and developing effective individual student plans which prepare students for success in school, and in life. At James Madison and Johns Hopkins Universities, she was awarded with honors and earned recognition for excellence in study, and currently is an adjunct professor at George Washington University. Her Special Needs Advocacy Resource Book forms the curriculum for the Training Institute of the same name taken by hundreds of parents and educators in the Washington DC area. She co-hosted the internet radio show "Teach Your Children Well: Hot Topics in Education." Her most recent book, School Success for Kids with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders includes strategies for working with kids with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and Mood Disorders.
Eric A. Levine, Ed. D.
Educational Consultant
Dr. Levine is an experienced special educator, staff trainer, university professor, school administrator and program developer with over twenty years experience working with children with disabilities. He earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership at The George Washington University and has worked in both public and private special education programs throughout his career. He specializes in developing programs and services for children with multiple disabilities in a variety of settings. He is known for being innovative in his approach to identifying services that meet the needs of children in a way that permits children to best utilize their strengths and abilities. Dr. Levine is a strong advocate for children and their families and believes in a collaborative approach to solving problems that permits children to be successful in school. He co-authored School Success for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, which includes strategies for working with kids with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and Mood Disorders.
Amy B. Mounce, MA, M. Ed.
Educational Consultant
Ms. Mounce, an experienced special educator, university instructor and educator trainer, offers expertise in both theory and practice. As a teacher in public and private institutions, she has worked collaboratively with families and educators, using quantitative and qualitative inputs, to create educational programs that effectively meet the needs of individual students. Her expertise in administering and analyzing educational assessments produces academic solutions to best utilize students' strength and overcome deficits. Ms. Mounce has earned a Master's degree in Learning Disabilities from Teachers College, Columbia University, a Master's degree in Educational Administration from University of South Carolina and a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from American University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Special Education.
Revanette Gilmore, M. Ed.
Educational Consultant
Revanette Gilmore is an experienced Special Educator, school administrator and program developer with close to 25 years of experience. Ms. Gilmore has a Master's Degree in Rehabilitative Counseling and an undergraduate degree in Special Education with a minor in Psychology. She has worked in non-public schools as a Special Educator, Diagnostic Prescriptive Teacher, Asst. Principal, Principal and Education Director. Ms. Gilmore is devoted to maximizing the potential in all children and has spent endless hours working with staff, children and families to achieve this goal. She believes a multidisciplinary team approach is the key to ensuring that children receive an optimal learning experience in their school environment.
Paul Livelli, Ph. D.
Educational and Behavioral Consultant
Twenty-one years ago, Dr. Livelli began his career in special education as a one-to-one aide for a student with autism in Virginia. Later, he became the vocational coordinator for students with developmental disabilities at this first school. He has been a special education teacher for students with autism, emotional disturbance, and juvenile offenders in both public and private programs. Dr. Livelli worked for eight years at Sheppard Pratt Health System supervising nine special education schools for students with autism throughout the State of Maryland. Currently, he is working as an educational consultant for families and school systems in Maryland and Virginia. Dr. Livelli also serves as a research associate for the University of Maryland in College Park where he teaches courses on autism, classroom management, social communication and supervises graduate students in their practicum placements. He has presented at many conferences both nationally and internationally on educating students with disabilities whom exhibit significant behavioral difficulties.
Kelly Andrews, M. Ed.
Educational Consultant
Kelly Andrews is well into her fourteenth year working with children and families as an educational consultant and counselor, and is certified in both learning disabilities and emotional behavioral disabilities. She earned a master's degree in education and human development from The George Washington University, where she specialized in teaching best practices to students with emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities, and is currently completing a second master's degree in counseling at George Mason University. Her career began at her grandmother's art school, where she was trained at a young age to meet the needs of learners individually, creatively and compassionately. She went on to serve as a special education teacher and advocate for students with disabilities for several years. As a Response to Intervention Specialist, Ms. Andrews worked collaboratively with parents, education professionals, and school staff to make important decisions regarding educational programming for students with special needs. Her work within the school system combined with her passion to ensure student success makes her a valuable member of our consulting team.
Gretchen Holtzinger Levine
Transition Coordinator
Ms. Levine assists students to plan and obtain services for transition from high school to post secondary life, both as a transition teacher and through her work with ABCs for Life Success. She has presented at local, state and national conferences on a variety of topics related to inclusion, self-direction, and customized employment for individuals with disabilities. As a Supervisor and Director of The Arc of Frederick County's Local Services Program, Gretchen was able to implement many new initiatives to enhance community support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Gretchen also worked with The Way Station, in Frederick, a psychiatric rehabilitation program, to provide technical assistance for day and community employment staff working to assist individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness. Gretchen focused on individual outcomes through customized employment planning, and the use of local, state and federal funding streams for staffing of these services. Ms. Levine earned a bachelor's degree in Special Education from Hood College and is currently completing her Master's degree with the School of Education and Human Development at The George Washington University.
Nina Spiezio Hagan, MAT
Director of Client Services
Ms. Hagan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from The American University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Maryland. Ms. Hagan has over 15 years of experience working in special education as a teacher, learning specialist, and executive functioning and academic coach. She is dedicated to providing a voice for special needs children so they have access and opportunity to a quality education and positive life experiences. At ABCs for Life Success Ms. Hagan serves as a central point of liaison with internal and external constituencies in the resolution of a variety of day-to-day matters. She manages, updates, and maintains client files and records, assumes responsibility for decisions, consequences and results that have an impact on clients, costs and quality of service. Ms. Hagan supports the mission and organizational goals of ABCs for Life Success, LLC by providing extraordinary service to families and educators, and employs the daily management and customer service quality of work in the area of special education.
Kelly Diamond, MBA
Marketing Specialist
Ms. Diamond has designed and implemented marketing programs in a variety of fields, including magazine publishing, higher education, and bicycle rentals and tours. As a university instructor, student advisor, and school volunteer, she has developed an appreciation for the power of learning, as well as the need for specialized services and instruction. Ms. Diamond manages the marketing programs at ABCs for Life Success, LLC and coordinates public relations and communications. She earned a Masters in Business Administration from Portland State University.