Winik Educational Consulting

“Sylvia Winik did a great job assisting me in finding the right school placement for my daughter. Adopted as an older child from the foster care system, my daughter has a history of abuse, neglect and trauma, which made finding the right school essential as well as challenging. . . .

When my daughter matched with a highly rated charter school in [Washington], D.C.’s school lottery, Sylvia helped me ask questions to ensure that the school could provide the resources my daughter needed. Sylvia also spent time learning about the school and talking with school personnel, making sure my daughter’s experience there would be as positive as possible. Only when Sylvia was satisfied that this school would be a good fit did she give her stamp of approval.

I recently met with Sylvia again to ask for help with finding the right high school for my daughter when the time comes. Sylvia was able to point me in the right direction . . . and has offered to help me visit schools and meet with school staff to ensure we have the right fit of school.

School can be a challenge for kids like my daughter. Sylvia’s guidance has helped us to tackle these challenges..
I am pleased to recommend Sylvia without reservation for educational consultation.”

“During the eighth grade I struggled academically, on the verge of failing multiple classes. I was not completing my work and was missing multiple deadlines. My teachers were convinced that my failure to perform to my ability was simply because I was unmotivated and didn’t care. My parents didn’t know what to make of my difficulties.

This is when Mrs. Winik, the school’s learning specialist, stepped into the picture. She was dedicated to helping me despite my lack of cooperation. She really cares about the students she works with, and she goes above and beyond to help them. She successfully identified the root of my academic difficulties when no one else could. They did not stem from learning disabilities but rather from my very real emotional issues. She advocated for me and convinced my teachers to give me some slack when they were reluctant to.

Based on Mrs. Winik’s solving of my puzzle, I started seeing a therapist and in time, with Mrs. Winik’s continued help, I was able to turn my academic performance around. I recently graduated from the University of Maryland with my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. I attribute no small share of my success to Mrs. Winik’s thinking outside the box and continuing to support me when most had long given up on me.”

“Sylvia Winik’s education and professional experience at places like the Lab School uniquely qualify her to work with families struggling to find the right academic fit and supports for their children.

Sylvia supports the Barker Adoption Foundation’s families whose kids struggle in school as a result of trauma, learning differences, or other barriers to academic success. Sylvia is extremely committed to the work she does and always goes above and beyond.

As a result of her hard work, several of our Barker kids have had significantly improved educational outcomes. . . . Sylvia was even able to advocate for a one-[on]-one paraprofessional for a child in a Montgomery County classroom. The accommodation, which in our experience is very rarely provided in Montgomery County, was granted! ”