Jennifer Buri da Cunha

Jen holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and French from Ripon College and a master’s degree in Special Education from New York University. She spent a number of years teaching in public and private schools in New York City, where she worked as the lead teacher for culturally and linguistically diverse students with disabilities

Most of her career has been spent serving on the senior leadership team at Ramapo for Children in Rhinebeck, NY, where she served as the Program/Admissions Director of the Staff Assistant Experience, a transition-to-independence program designed to help young adults with complex needs to strengthen life skills and move on to college, employment, and independent living. Jen continues to serve as supervisor and lead instructor of Ramapo's campus-based college courses, Fieldwork in Special Education and Promoting Positive Behavior. Jen is an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultant’s Association (IECA).

Kimberly appenauer

Kim is the part-time Office Manager for Taconic Educational Placement and Taconic Occupational Therapy. Her experience working with children and teens of varying backgrounds with and without challenges enables her to bring compassion and patience to her role.Her calm and friendly manner helps to ease angst and smooth the waters for families. Kim’s quiet efficiency is appreciated by referring professionals and service providers alike.

Our Team

Linda r. lavin

Linda is the founder and owner of Taconic Educational Placement. A parent herself, she found herself raising a son who collected various diagnoses, a virtual alphabet soup, throughout his childhood and young adult years. During his youth she sought the “best fit” environments to support his growth and education many times over as his needs shifted and as the intricacies of the clinical picture emerged. Complexity of situations and diagnoses is familiar and nonplussing for Linda.

Through her work in the field of occupational therapy, primarily in educational settings, it became a natural extension for her to share her knowledge and provide guidance and support to other parents both as a part of her professional role and as an independent advocate and adviser for families.

In 2008 she pursued training through the Independent Educational Consultant’s Association (IECA), the profession's lead organization, fulfilling requirements to become a full Professional Member in 2013. She continues to frequently visit and collaborate with schools and therapeutic programs across the United States.

Linda has been a frequent presenter in the field of occupational therapy as well as a speaker to disability groups. She volunteers her time, experience, and dedication to the support of families seeking self-directed support services through the NYS OPWDD.

Memberships

Independent Educational Consultant’s Association
National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs
Asperger's Autism Network
Parent To Parent Volunteer
American Occupational Therapy Association
New York State Occupational Therapy Association