Kelly Verdina Douai
Kelly has been an educator for over 16 years and is certified in NY, NJ, and CT. Her career started as an elementary school teacher with experience in 1st, 4th, and 5th grade. Later, Kelly taught students with special needs in a special act school district, grades 6-12. There, Kelly worked with many students who were placed at the residential treatment center by NYS. Kelly started to advocate for her students and decided to go back to school to pursue a professional diploma in educational leadership which would give her the opportunity to bring about change for students and their families. Kelly's love of law began in the educational leadership program and later progressed as a parent.
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Kelly also worked as a coordinator of instructional technology in a large school district with diverse cultures, socio-economic, and student needs. Kelly provided technology support and professional training to all educators and administrators, but took this time to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of special education students and their teachers. Kelly collaborated with special education teachers and their students using assistive technologies and modifying the technology and STREAM curriculum so all students were actively involved and thriving.
As a parent, Kelly navigated special education laws and regulations to fight for her children’s educational needs. As she navigated educational law, her desire to acquire more knowledge about educational law deepened as she began to help friends and family navigate an often overwhelming and intense special education process. Kelly is currently enrolled in a school law program that allows her to research, connect with others, and stay up to date on ever-changing educational laws. Kelly’s goal is to work with families and school districts to ensure equity and inclusion for all students.