Our Team

Debbie Disney, MSW, LCSW-C

Founder

Debbie Disney LCSW-C’s decades of experience in public and private schools systems, and as a psychotherapist in private practice started the wheels turning. Recognizing the need for a program that was specifically designed to bring self-awareness, psychoeducation, practical and proven strategies and techniques to adults, teens and children who struggle with Attention Deficit and/or executive functions, Debbie sought team members who understood her vision. Collaborating with seasoned educators, learning specialists, school administrators, and innovators in technology, the foundation for SAJE was formed.

Debbie has an extensive background in experiential education working with children, teens, and adults creating and running a Leadership Training program for a summer day camp. Through Debbie’s years of thoughtful program development, many children have become successful leaders with confidence and self-esteem.

Combining her years of experiential programming in educational settings with her clinical social work background, Debbie has created a program that will support individuals in all areas of their lives.

Licensed Certified Social Worker- Clinical (LCSW-C)

Master of Social Work – University of Maryland
 
MA – Towson University

Lauren Disney, BS

Director of Admissions

Lauren is passionate about supporting children, adolescents and adults who struggle socially, emotionally, or academically. As SAJE’s Director of Admissions, Lauren’s degree in psychology and training in the field of the neurodivergent learner provides the insight to the challenges our SAJE Scholars face. Lauren is the first point of contact for SAJE inquiries. During the initial phone conversation, Lauren’s wealth of knowledge about neurodiversity, learning challenges, brain development, attention deficit disorder and executive functions often brings a sense of relief and hope to the individual who has faced a lifetime of challenges. As the Director of Admissions, Lauren is eager to answer questions, assist in the application and enrollment process, and coordinate series sessions between Scholars and their Learning Specialists.

Lauren is an ADHD/Executive Function Teacher Trainer. She is a graduate and licensed provider of the training workshop Managing ADHD, EF and Behavior in the Classroom, a professional development series created by Cindy Goldrich, Ed.M., ADHD-CCSP, PTS Coaching LLC.

Lauren graduated from Virginia Tech in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has also earned her EMT -B and EMT-A certifications. Lauren is a proud military wife, married to an awesome young man (who is the “J” in SAJE; their son is the “N” in SAJEN, our summer series.)

Learning Specialists

Kelli McClelland, MA

Kelli describes herself as a creative problem solver. Kelli found that she thrives in positions where she can support individuals to learn skills that bring confidence and competence in all areas of their lives. Kelli’s close to twenty (20) years of experience in education, counseling and program development gives her a depth and wealth of knowledge in areas of social, emotional, mental and academic learning that has proven to be most beneficial to those under her guidance.

Kelli transitioned early in her career from providing direct and indirect services in mental health agencies to education and program development. As an educator, Kelli taught students from elementary to postsecondary schools. Kelli recognized the impact she could have on students when she was able to develop curriculum and lessons specific to each student’s learning style and learning challenges. Incorporating creative, out-of-the-box activities along with her engaging personality proved to be rewarding for the students and colleagues working with her. Kelli not only advocated for her students’ needs, but she also taught her students and their family members how to advocate for their own needs.

Shifting from education to program management, Kelli was recruited as the Program Manager to design a support program for the non-profit organization Truck Safety Coalition. Through perseverance, Kelli facilitated meetings for family members to share their stories with Congress members. She established a peer support network, established and maintained an outreach forum for family members to access resources, and she redesigned the organization’s website and social media programming.
After five years in the position, Kelli realized she missed the relationships she developed with students and the impact she was able to have on students’ confidence, learning and life skills. Kelli is excited to come full circle as she joins SAJE as a Learning Specialist. The collaborative nature of SAJE, rooted in meaningful exchange between the Scholar and Learning Specialist, is a natural return into the realm of teaching and guiding individuals who learn differently.

Master of Arts in Applied Sociology –
University Of Maryland Baltimore County

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology –
Metropolitan State College of Denver

Pronouns – She/Her

Daouda Zalle

Daouda’s bio is coming soon…

Chrystle Rivers

Chrystle’s bio is coming soon…

Scott McGowan

Scott’s bio is coming soon…

Maura Kennedy

Maura’s bio is coming soon…

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