Advancing the Future of Special Education
At New Story, we believe every student has the potential to learn, grow, and thrive. Meeting that potential requires more than individualized education and therapeutic support. It requires a commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, innovation, and measurable outcomes.
Our Educational Advisory Board brings together nationally recognized leaders in special education policy, research, educational innovation, technology, institutional leadership, and outcomes evaluation. Together, these experts provide strategic insight and perspective as New Story continues to strengthen the programs, services, and partnerships that support students with complex educational, behavioral, and mental health needs.
Bringing National Expertise to Student-Centered Solutions
The challenges facing students, families, and school districts are evolving. New Story is committed to evolving with them.
The Educational Advisory Board provides an independent, national perspective on the issues shaping special education and therapeutic services today. Board members bring decades of experience across education policy, research and evaluation, systems leadership, technology and innovation, and institutional strategy.
Their collective expertise helps inform New Story’s continued focus on:
- Quality and student outcomes through evidence-based programming and meaningful measurement
- Educational innovation that responds to the changing needs of students and school systems
- Individualized support that recognizes each student’s unique strengths, needs, and potential
- District partnerships that expand access to specialized expertise and strengthen local capacity
- Integrated services that bring academic, behavioral, and therapeutic expertise together
- Continuous learning and improvement to strengthen outcomes for students and the communities we serve
Through this collaboration, the Board helps New Story consider what is possible, challenge conventional approaches, and translate research and emerging ideas into meaningful action.
Meet the Educational Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board brings together distinguished/nationally recognized leaders who have helped shape education at the national, institutional, and systems levels. With deep expertise spanning special education policy and research, educational innovation and technology, evaluation and outcomes, and organizational leadership, each member brings a unique perspective informed by decades of experience.
Together, they provide thoughtful guidance, challenge our thinking, and help us stay connected to emerging research, best practices, and the evolving needs of schools and communities. Their collective insight strengthens our work and supports our shared commitment to expanding opportunities and improving outcomes for students with learning challenges and complex educational needs.
Karen Cator
Educational Innovation & Technology
Karen Cator, former CEO of Digital Promise and former Director of the Office of Educational Technology at the U.S. Department of Education, widely recognized for advancing educational innovation, technology-enabled learning, and research-to-practice models.
James Clements
Institutional Leadership & Higher Education
James Clements, former President of Clemson University and former President of West Virginia University, known for his leadership in institutional strategy, governance, and educational advancement.
Todd Grindal
Special Education Research & Evidence-Based Practice
Todd Grindal, President of SRI International and former Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, whose work focuses on special education research, evidence-based practice, and improving outcomes for students with disabilities.
Jill Lammert
Evaluation, Outcomes & Technical Assistance
Jill Lammert, Associate Vice President and Center Leader at Westat, with more than two decades of experience leading national evaluation, technical assistance, and outcomes measurement initiatives supporting students with disabilities.
Valerie C. Williams
Special Education Policy & Systems Transformation
Valerie C. Williams, former Director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education, where she led the implementation and oversight of IDEA and advanced inclusive education policy nationwide. She is now Co-Founder and Principal Consultant of Apokrisis Consultants, Inc., a strategic consulting firm that partners with state and local education agencies, as well as advocacy and nonprofit organizations, to strengthen special education systems through strategy, policy analysis, and implementation alignment.
