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Are you seeking professional guidance with college planning?
If you are a student with a diagnosis of a Learning Disability and/or related disorder, or a parent, WELCOME!
Hi, I'm April
YOU ARE MY PASSION AND PURPOSE!
My name is April Miller, and I am a Hybrid Professional with over 20 years of experience in education. I began my career as a Speech-Language Pathologist and then pivoted into becoming an Independent Educational Consultant, (IEC), in order to guide Neurodivergent students and their families through the college planning and application process. I have come full circle in my career; when I was in graduate school 25 years ago, I pioneered a Mentoring Program for undergraduate students with Learning Disabilities to be paired with upperclass peers with the same LD for support in transitioning to college. This program still exists today!
I specialize in working with students diagnosed with: ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Language Processing Disorder, Auditority Processing Disorder and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities, among others. Please read more about my background and work experience and also check out my offerings. Reach out if you would like to explore working together. I hope to hear from you soon!
MORE ABOUT MY BACKGROUND...
My educational background includes a Master's Degree in Communication Disorders earned from Ithaca College, and a Certificate in College Counseling awarded from UCLA with Distinction. I am a Nationally Certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), with direct clinical pediatric experience working with diverse clients from birth to 18 years old. As a Clinical Faculty member at both the University of Washington in Seattle and Towson University in Baltimore, I have facilitated the clinical competencies of undergraduate and graduate students in the management of diagnostic and treatment remediation for pediatric clients. As a Clinical Instructor at Maalot Baltimore, I taught undergraduate courses in both Speech and Language Development and in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Childhood Language Disorders.
I am the owner and Lead IEC in my consulting practice, and I am also a Co-Founder of, "LDND Foundation: The AUTHORITY on LDND Higher Education." My passion and purpose is to empower students to find your own voice, use it to self-advocate and actualize your dreams!
What is an IEC?
Independent Educational Consultant
An Independent Educational Consultant, aka (IEC), provides students and families with a broad range of strategic resources for the College Planning process. An IEC is not tied to any specific High School or College and has first-hand knowledge of Higher Educational opportunities. An IEC has the time and availability to individualize service delivery according to the needs of each student and family.
Advantages of Working with an IEC...
Paying for a 4-6 year College Education is the biggest investment you will ever make in your offspring! Partnering with a seasoned IEC who knows all of the current trends in Higher Education, can lead you through a well organized and efficient college planning process. Covid-19 and the impacts of the pandemic have significantly altered the College Admissions Landscape. We can help you navigate the journey in order to avoid pitfalls and make the wisest investment in your student's higher education.
Team Affiliate: Jennifer Georgia, Ph.D
ACT / SAT Prep Tutor & Essay Coach
Jennifer grew up in Montgomery County, attending Holton-Arms School, where she was captain of the “It’s Academic!” team, and scored 800 on the Verbal portion of the SAT (one of 27 students to do so out of a million tested that year). She graduated magna cum laude from Princeton, and then got her Ph.D. in English from Harvard, where she also worked as a Teaching Fellow in writing, 18th century literature, feminist literary theory, and the history and structure of language. After earning her doctorate, she turned down a professorship to go live in England, where she became a speechwriter, producing talks on everything from women and world peace to endangered oceans that have been delivered at the White House, before Congress, at the UN, and at universities and conferences around the world. Jennifer is not quite as serious as she sounds, however. In addition to speeches, she is writing a series of mystery novels. She has kids of her own with very different learning styles, one at Princeton, the other an independent video game designer. She likes memes, Marvel movies, cool science, theater, and digital art.
Team Affiliate: Kevin Roberts
Essay Coach
Kevin Roberts brings a writing expertise that has been honed over a 17 year career working with students with language-based learning differences at the Landmark School on Boston’s North Shore. He is a writing instructor there for students and facilitates writing instruction for their Outreach program, educating other professionals on Landmark specific writing practices. In addition to teaching Language Arts, centered in reading comprehension and writing specific skills, Kevin was a houseparent- where he lived with hundreds of teenage boys throughout the years, honing his dodgeball skills, and knowledge of all things Marvel Universe. He boasts a solid record of enforcing bed-making as well. In 2021, Kevin traded his residential duties for college counseling, and now brings his encouraging guidance to students in that realm. Independently, he consults with various families for writing support, private tutoring, and college counseling. In all these areas, he keeps the words of Landmark’s founder, Charles Drake, in mind: “Don’t do for the student what they can do for themselves”. Kevin is also a husband and proud father of four. He’s an avid runner and mountain biker, and when you can’t contact him, he’s likely in the woods with his dog, Ace.
Professional Affiliations
The Largest Professional Organization for IECs
Only 7% of those who inquire about membership are ultimately accepted. Membership is akin to licensure in our unregulated profession!
SACAC
A chartered affiliate of NACAC (the National Association for College Admission Counseling)
The mission is to promote professional growth, access, advocacy, and outreach to help all students realize their post-secondary education goals.
American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)
Certificate of Clinical Competence: Nationally recognized Professional Credential
Certification requires that an applicant has evidence for the completion of the following: 1. A Masters Degree Program accredited by the CAA, 2. A Passing Score on the National Praxis Examination, and 3. A 9-month Clinical Fellowship. A professional SLP who has earned a CCC must complete 30 hours of CEUs during every 3 year maintenance interval to remain certified.
Florida State Licensure Organizations
Florida Department of Health
Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology
Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiol
Membership requires that an SLP or Aud. have the following: 1. Active ASHA Certification, 2. Be in good standing with ASHA, 3. Complete 30 Hours of CEUs every 3 years.