Staff & Board of Directors

Student Advocacy is the only agency in our area that provides educational advocacy services based on the combined expertise of attorneys and educators. The staff consists of an Executive Director, an Assistant Director, a Legal Director, Educational Advocates, a Policy Advocate, Development Associate and Administrative Assistants.

As one of the advocates explains: “I meet with families, gather as much information as I can, observe children learning, talk with school personnel, attend meetings and hearings, negotiate with school attorneys, and often help families and school authorities to come to an agreement. If necessary, I refer children for educational or psychological testing – whatever it takes to make sure that they receive the education they’re entitled to. My bottom line: no matter how young the child or how difficult the problem, I want to see that child on track to eventually graduate from high school.”

Student Advocacy’s Board of Directors provides the leadership and support to ensure that the agency continues to provide high quality services in accordance with community needs. The Board of Directors oversees the Executive Director, approves the annual budget, monitors the agency’s finances, and spearheads the agency’s ongoing strategic planning process. The members of the Board also actively raise funds on the agency’s behalf.

Board of Directors

Janice Feldman President

Adrianne Bonifacio Vice President

Linda Karan Vice President

Tatiana Leltchouk Treasurer

Carole Chaimowitz Secretary

Board Members

David Alpert
Suzanne Berliss*
Jane Cecil
Denise Chin
Elaine Gantz
Eric Hemel
Carolyn Kay
Jeanne Kennedy
Barbara Kessler
Avra Mark
Iris Morse
Andrea Potash*
Dr. Sanford Proner
Barbara Rosenzweig
Joanne Ruckel
Cora Rust
Emily Gold Waldman
Lindsey Willis

*Emeritus
•Deceased

Staff

Lisa Syron Executive Director

Martha Jordan Assistant Director

Carole Boccumini, Esq. Legal Director

Karen Blumenthal Policy Advocate

Sara Carr, Esq. Educational Advocate

Maryan Johnson, Esq. Educational Advocate

Jean Lucasey, Esq. Educational Advocate

Edith Rosenbaum, Esq. Educational Advocate

Maria Suchy-Kozak Educational Advocate

Heather Reiners Development Associate

Lois Solomon-Neal Administrative Assistant