Sara Duke, M.M.Sc. Educational Consultant

About Me

My Philosophy

I have been working with children and families as an educational consultant for over 40 years. I am familiar with the majority of the public and private schools in the Atlanta area as well as with special programs and boarding schools across the United States. While my main focus has been around academic needs , I always address these within the context of looking at the whole child and the whole family. I believe that there is not one "right" approach to optimizing educational experiences. Ongoing communication with all involved with a child's schooling guarantees that we find and implement the best experience possible.

Background

I received my BA in History from Indiana University and a Masters in Medical Science from Emory University's Allied Health Program with specialties in Learning Disabilities and Communicative Disorders in 1979. I have worked for forty years both in schools and in private practice. My primary areas of focus have involved Psycho-Educational Assessments and school placements for all levels. Working with school personnel, pediatricians, and physicians, I develop specific educational plans for each child. Typically I become the "point" person as students and parents go through the educational process.

About Me

I have lived in Atlanta since 1970 where my husband and I raised our three children. We now have nine grandchildren so that my interest in education and all things kid-focused is both personal and professional. While I'm engaged in a number of community organizations, a perfect day involves being engrossed in a good book, taking a really long walk and "visiting" my family on Zoom.

Services

General Educational Consultations

Educational Guidance for Home Buyers

Sometimes parents have had prior psycho-educational assessments and seek further guidance in interpreting or implementing them in current or different settings. Sometimes students and parents want to discuss college options, Sometimes parents just want an experienced professional at an IEP meeting. Sometimes there are just general questions parents might have. I meet with both parents and students to discuss any academic issues of concern.

Educational Guidance for Home Buyers

Buying a home, and concerned about schools? Leveraging my 40 years of experience, my clients benefit from my familiarity with the majority of the public and private schools in Metro Atlanta. I provide guidance for families seeking optimal matches for their children's general and special educational needs. Beyond what your Realtor will offer, I identify specific programs and schools to insure that you are buying a home in an area that supports the educational needs of your family.

Psycho-Educational Assessments

Virtual Consultations During the Pandemic

At times parents consider it necessary to gain more understanding into how their child learns and, often, why he/she is experiencing difficulty. I gather information from both teachers and parents and undertake a complete evaluation of intellectual, academic, and processing skills. This is followed by feedback meetings with parents and students, and then meetings with the school to develop plans. I provide a thorough written report and continue contact with families and schools as needs change.

Virtual Consultations During the Pandemic

Needless to say, in-person consultations and assessments are not easily arranged during the pandemic. Therefore, all consultations can be conducted via Zoom or the HIPAA compliant secure platform, Doxy.Me. Virtual consultations will continue to be available after the limitations on person-to-person meeting have been lifted.