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About Concetta Russo, Ed. D.


Concetta Russo is a leading national authority on childhood developmental and learning disabilities, including Dyslexia, Autism and Attention Deficit Disorder. With over 30 years experience in diagnosing and treating children, Dr. Russo continues to work individually with clients in her Long Island practice while instructing educators on how to recognize and treat these conditions. Her evaluations are often presented to local schools boards to ensure these children receive additional attention and testing time in the classroom.

Education

Ed.D in Administration, Leadership and Technology Dowling College (2000). Dissertation “A Quasi-Experimental Study of the Effects of Fast For Word and Recipe for Reading on Central Auditory Processing and Phonological Processing Deficits Among Learning Disabled and Language Disabled Reading Students in Grades One Through Six”

Advanced Certificate in Autism 2011 Mass/Lowell University
TESOL Certified 2008 Oxford Seminars
Bachelor of Arts
Dual Certification in General Education
and Special Education		 1978 St. Joseph College
Master of Science in Special Ed. 1981 C. W. Post College
P.D. in Administration
SAS and SDA		 1982 C. W. Post College
Certification in Reading 1998 State Education Dept.
Testimonials - Read More

  • 2018-Present - Director of Reading for the Journey Prep School for children with dyslexia and reading disorders.

  • 2014-Present - President of the International Dyslexia Association Long Island Branch-Leading the organization in providing teacher training, parent workshops , dyslexia awareness and fundraising for the “Right to Read” Scholarship.

  • 1979 to Present - Crossroads for Educational Services, Inc. in Huntington (Private Practice) – Thirty-five years of teaching students with Dyslexia to read on all educational levels. Training teachers within districts in Recipe for Reading and Reading Recipe Programs for children with dyslexia. Providing evaluations to determine dyslexia or reading disorders in children and adults.

  • 2013 to 2014 - Assistant Director of Special Education Central Islip-(1) Supervised the Preschool Department and CPSE Chairperson; (2) Section 504 Chairperson K-12(3) Supervisor of the district psychologists; (4) Supervisor of Social Workers; (5) Professional Development in Specialized Reading programs.

  • 2012 to 2013 - Assistant Professor in the Graduate Special Education Department for The College of New Rochelle- (1) Implemented and taught Courses on all campuses in all levels of Special Education (Early Childhood and Childhood);(2)Writing a Dual Master for Special Education and TESOL(2013); Writing a Dual Master in Special Education and Secondary Education (2013); Organizing and implementing a conference on Autism (2013)

  • 2010 to 2012 - Clinical Professor Graduate Special Education Department St. John’s University.(1) Developed Special Education Advanced Certificate- Childhood (15 credits); (2) Developed Special Education Advanced Certificate - Adolescent (15 credits);(3) Developed Special education Masters- Adolescence (36 credits); (4) Developed Certificate in Autism Studies (15 Credits); Developed Change of Career Masters in Special Education/ General Education- Adolescent; (6) Organized and implemented one conference: “Autism: Perspectives and Practice” (3/11); (7) taught and developed four online courses in Special Education Graduate Level.

  • 2009 to 2012 - Assistant Professor and Founding Program Director for the Graduate Special Education Department for Seton Hall University in New Jersey- (1) Implemented courses online and live in all levels of Special Education (2)Developed and Implemented a 21 Credit Special Education Endorsement in Special Education (3) Developed and Implemented a 36 credit Special Education Masters with a concentration in Autism (4) Developed and Implemented a Certificate in Autism Studies (5) Developed an on-line certificate for Transition Specialist (15 credits) and (6) Organized and implemented two conferences for the University: “Response to Intervention: What Schools Need to Know”(2009) and “Autism: Perspectives and Practice for the 21 st Century” (2009).(7) Taught Graduate Special Education courses online and live.

    2010 to 2011 - Consultant/Staff Development for Irvington Public School District- Developing and Implementing a Model for Response to Intervention (RTI) for students in Elementary education.

    2009-2010 - Staff Development for Girls Academy Charter School-East Village, NY- Trained and observed teachers in Orton–Gillingham Methodology Program called Recipe for Reading and Bridging the Gap.

    2007 to 2009 - Consultant/Staff Development for Jersey City Public School District- Developing and Implementing a Model for Response to Intervention (RTI) for students in Elementary and Secondary education.

    2006 to 2011 - Consultant/Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator for School for Language and Communicate on Development Middle/High School. My responsibilities were: (1) Wrote N.Y Standard based curriculum in English, Math, Social Studies, Science, PE, Art , Music , Consumer and Family Studies,Technology 6-12 and all academics courses for Vocational Education (4) Provided guidance and instruction in the establishing of an Alternative Middle/High School ( 6-12) in Queens in September of 2006;(3) Obtained SED approval as a registered High School ;(4) Consulted and provided Staff Development in curriculum differentiation.

    2005 to 2010 - Consultant for Scientific Learning Corp-My responsibilities Included (1) staff development and presentations to School districts concerning the implementation of Response to Intervention and the Neuroscience of Reading Development.

    2006 to 2007 - Consultant for “Reading First” grant for the South Country School District. My responsibilities included: (1) Staff development in alternative the Reading First Grant.

    2006 to 2007 - Consultant/ Alternative Reading Coordinator for the Amityville School District . My responsibilities included: (1) Staff development in the Reading First Grant (Orton Gillingham) K-12.

    2006 to 2007 - Consultant/ Reading First Coordinator for the Wyandanch School District (P/T). My responsibilities included: (1) Staff Development in alternative reading strategies (Orton Gillingham) K-12 (2) Coordinate all activities associated with the Reading First Grant (3) Wrote the Reading First Grant for 2006-2009 (3) Staff Development in all areas of Special Education including and not limited to Learning Disabilities; Autism; Processing Disorders; Special Education Law and Reading.

    2005 to 2006 - Consultant as an Alternative Literacy Coach for the Middletown City School District. My responsibilities included: Provide Staff Development for the Special Education, ESL and Bilingual, AIS and the Compensatory Education teachers in Reading; Evaluations; Special Education Law; strategies for all types of disorders in Special Education and Curriculum Development in Special Education and ESL/Bilingual classes (K-12).

    2004 to 2011- Consultant as an Alternative Literacy Coach and Trainer for the School for Language and Communication Development K-8. My responsibilities included: (1) Staff Development for the special education staff in reading, writingand technology programs for children with reading disorders.

    1986 to 2004 – Director of Special Education (3-21 years) for the MassapequaPublic Schools. My responsibilities included: (1) total management of the Special Education Program (1100 students); (2) Supervision of 64 professional staff members; 100 non-professional staff members and 2 supervisors; (3) Coordinator of the Speech Department; (4) Budget development; (5) Chairperson of the DCSE and CPSE Committees; (7) Implemented Inclusion classes K-12; (8) Guidance and scheduling responsibilities K-12; (9) Staff Development for administration and general educationstaff on all current Special Education topics.

    1982 to 1986 – Department Head of Special Education, Plainedge School District. My responsibilities included : (1) Assistant to the Pupil Personnel Director (2) Coordinator and supervisor of the Special Education Department and; Speech Department; (4) Staff development; (5) Lead Psycho-Educational Assessor; (6) Curriculum coordinator; (7) Member of the District CSE.1979 to 1982 – Resource Room Teacher Brentwood School District

    1979 to 2009 – Learning and Diagnostic Center in Huntington and Roslyn (Private Practice) – Thirty years of teaching the learning disabled to read on the elementary, secondary and college levels.


  • 2010 to 2012 – President Elect of the International Dyslexia Association, Long Island Branch. Executive Director for Learning Disabilities Association for Nassau / Suffolk Counties (LDA/NS) – Conferences; Fundraising; Grant Writing; Staff Development; Workshops on Parent Advocacy.

    1997 to 2007 – Adjunct Professor – Dowling College – Graduate Level – Special Education Department / PD/Leadership / Technology Department

    1999 to 2002 – Adjunct Professor – New York Institute of Technology – Graduate Level – Education Department; Leadership / Technology Department

    1999 to 2002 – Adjunct Professor – St. Joseph College – Undergraduate Level – Education Department; Reading / Special Education

    1999 to 2002 – Adjunct Professor – Adelphi University – Graduate Level – Communication Disorders Department

    1981 to 1988 – Adjunct Professor – College of New Rochelle, Georgian Court College, C. W. Post University and College of Old Westbury

    1981 to 1988 – Adjunct Professor – C. W. Post – Education Department

    1980 to Present – Staff Development in Autism, Reading, Math and Response to Intervention (RTI) for the following agencies and school districts: The N.Y. Board of Education; New York Branch of the International Dyslexia Association; Suffolk Branch of the International Dyslexia Association; N.Y. Reading Reform; Capital District Council on Dyslexia; N.J. Learning Consultants; Plainedge ; Patchogue-Medford, Bergenfield; Detroit Public Schools; Lancaster IU ; Lakewood; Lawrence; Rockville Center; Island Park; Floral Park; Jericho; South Huntington; Seaford; Deer Park; Wyandanch; South Country; Middletown; Brentwood; Amityville; Wantagh; Kings Park; Jersey City; South Bergen Jointure; Hofstra University; Irvington,NJ

    1996 to 2002 – Executive Director for Learning Disabilities Association for Nassau / Suffolk Counties (LDA/NS) – Conferences; Fundraising; Grant Writing; Staff Development; Workshops on Parent Advocacy


  • Skeele, R.W. & Russo, C. (October 28, 2009). Students with learning difficulties: Web 2.0 resources for Response to Intervention (RTI). AACE World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, & Higher Education, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

    Skeele, R.W. & Russo, C. (October, 2010). The Internet, Online Safety, and Youth with Asperger’s Syndrome.One Voice Conference and Forum, New York

    Skeele, R.W. & Russo, C. (October, 2010). Emerging and Evolving Technologies: Support and Independence for Students with Asperger’s.

    Skeele,R.W. & Russo,C. (May, 2012). Turning a Learning Disability into a Learning Difference. Transitioning the LD Student from High School to College. EdMedia,2012:World Conference on Educational Media & Technology, Denver. Colorado.

    Skeele, R.W. & Russo, C. (May 2012).Coherent Compliance in Transition Planning Role of InformationLiteracy and Emerging Technologies to Sustain and Complete a Postsecondary Degree. 12th Annual Second City International Conference on Disability Studies in Education:”Contemplating Disability Studies in Education Throughout Life: In School & Beyond:, Hunter College, N.Y.

    Russo,C. (2009). 30 Hour Online Course on Response to Intervention.
    Knowledge  Delivery Systems

    Russo, C. (2009). RTI Guide: Making It Work” Elementary Edition. 
    National Professional Resources, Inc.

    Russo, C. (2006). Blueprint for Reading-Kindergarden.  Educators Publishing Service

    Russo, C. (2006).  White Paper : Recipe for Reading. Educators Publishing Service.

    Russo, C. (2003). Bridging the Gap: an Orton-Gillingham Reading Manual 4-12. RusCons Publishing Co.

    Russo, C. (1982). Recipe for Reading Workbooks. Educators Publishing Service, Inc

    Russo, C. (1980).  Recipe for Math.  Senior Editor ,  Book Lab Co.


  • Conference Presentations:

    Russo, C. (2013) Autism and Reading Comprehension. College of New Rochelle
    Russo, C. (October 2011) Autism and Reading Comprehension. Hofstra University
    Russo, C. (March 2010) The 5 WH Questions for Response to Intervention: Who, What, Where When and Why? NYBIDA March 2010
    Russo, C,& Howroyd, C. (January 2010)Addressing Behavior in Autism: An Innovative Approach. 12th International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disabilities and Other Developmental Disabilities- Research to Practice 2010
    Russo, C. & Skeele, R. (2009). Students with Learning Difficulties: Web 2.0 Resources for
    Response to Intervention (RTI) E-Learn 2009-World Conference on E- Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education
    Russo, C. (2009). The Emerging Redefinition of FAPE: Preparing Students with Disabilities for Success. Urban Collaborative Conference 
    Russo, C. (2009). Recipe for Reading.  NYBIDA Conference.
    Russo, C. (2008). Response to Intervention and Reading. WV RA Conference.
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. Michigan CEC Conference.
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. CSA Educational Conference.
    Russo, C. (2006). Auditory Processing Disorder: Its Impact on Language & Literacy. LISHA Fall Conference.  
    Russo, C. (2006). Phonemic Awareness Kits.  Reading Reform Conference.
    Russo, C. (2006). Recipe for Reading. NYBIDA.
    Russo, C. (2005). The Reading Brain.  NY Speech, Hearing and Language Assoc.
    Russo, C. (2005). The Reading Brain. NYBIDA
    Russo, C. (2004). The Reading Brain. Brain Expo, NYC
    Russo, C. (2003). Recipe for Reading. Reading Reform Association
    Russo, C. (2003). Bridging the Gap- Making the Connection. Suffolk Dyslexia Association
    Russo, C. (2003). Recipe for Math. Suffolk Dyslexia Association
    Russo, C. (2003). Innovative & Collaborative Models of Preparing & Supporting Students with Autism in Inclusive Settings. Spectrum Disorders Conference
    Russo, C. (2003). Differentiation and Technology in the Mixed Ability Classroom. Sts. Cyril and Methodius
    Russo, C. (2003). Differentiation and the Librarian. Catholic School Librarians.
    Russo, C. (2002). Recipe For Math. Suffolk Dyslexia Association.
    Russo, C. (2001). Recipe For Math. Suffolk Dyslexia Association.
    Russo, C. (2000). Recipe for Math. Suffolk Dyslexia Association
    Russo, C. (2000). Recipe for Math.  NY Dyslexia Society Conference
    Russo, C. (1999). Recipe for Math.  NY Dyslexia Society Conference
    Russo, C. (1998). Recipe for Reading. LDA/NS Conference
    Russo, C. (1998). Idea Reauthorization – Know What Your Rights Are. NYBIDA
    Russo, C. (1997). Recipe for Reading. LDA/NS Conference
    Russo, C. (1997). Parent Buddies; Advocacy for Children. NYBIDA
    Russo, C. (1995). Recipe for Reading.  NYBIDA Conference
    Russo, C. (1993). Recipe for Reading. NYBIDA Conference
    Russo, C. (1991). Recipe for Math. NYBIDA Conference
    Russo, C. (1987). Recipe for Math.  NYBIDA Conference
    Russo, C. (1986). Making the Connection.  NYBIDA Conference
    Russo, C. (1985). Recipe for Reading. NYBIDA Conference
    Russo, C. (1983).  Panel :Special Education Committee. NYBIDA

    Presentations to School Districts:

    Russo, C. (2008) . Response to Intervention. West Virginia Educational Round Table           
    Russo, C.( 2008 ). Response to Intervention. African American Superintendents, Detroit,Michigan.
    Russo, C. (2008).  Response to Intervention. Lodi School District, NJ
    Russo, C. (2008). Response to Intervention. Morgantown School District, W.V.
    Russo, C. (2008).  Neuroscience and Reading.  BOE of Jersey City School District, NJ
    Russo, C. ( 2008). Response to Intervention. Abbott School Districts in New Jersey
    Russo, C. (2008 ). RTI and ELL. Westbury School District LI
    Russo, C. (2008).  The Reading Brain. Special Education Directors, Detroit, Michigan. 
    Russo, C. (2008). Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar-Lancaster/Lebanon IU Penn.
    Russo, C.  (2008). Response to Intervention. South Bergen Jointure Commission NJ.
    Russo, C. (2008). Response to Intervention.  Brain Seminar-Bucks County IU Penn.
    Russo, C. (2008). Response to Intervention. Jersey City Administration.
    Russo, C. (2008). Response to Intervention. Newport News School District WV.
    Russo, C.(2008). Reading Brain. Brain Seminar, Long Island Administrators, LI .
    Russo, C. (2008). Response to Intervention. Central Islip School District, LI .
    Russo, C. (2008). Response to Intervention. New Jersey SD.
    Russo, C. (2008) .Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar, Voorhees, NJ.
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. Private Schools, Jersey City NJ.
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. Charter Schools, New York City.
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. Detroit Special Ed. Adm., Detroit Michigan.
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. Jersey City Administrators.
    Russo, C. (2007). Neuroscience  and Reading. Buckeye School District, Ohio.
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar-Scranton Pa.
    Russo, C. (2007).Response to Intervention. Jersey City Administrators.
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar-Norfolk Virginia.
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. Wilson School District. Pa.
    Russo, C. (2007). Neuroscience and Reading. Brain Seminar Teaneck NJ.
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. Jersey City Administrators.
    Russo, C (2007). Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar Worcester, Maryland.
    Russo, C.(2007).  Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar Bernard’s Township , NJ.
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar Middle Cty.School District LI.
    Russo, C.(2007). Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar Teaneck NJ.
    Russo, C.(2007). The Reading Brain. LISEA Conference, LI.
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar Voorhees NJ.
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar Harrisburg, Pa
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar Kingston NY
    Russo, C. (2007) .Neuroscience and Reading. Brain Seminar Flint, Michigan
    Russo, C. (2007).  Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar New Rochelle, NY.
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. NJ Special Ed. Directors, NJ.
    Russo, C. (20 07).Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar Richmond Virginia.
    Russo, C. (2007). Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar New Brunswick Schools NJ.
    Russo, C. (2007) .Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar Avon Grove Pa.
    Russo, C. (2007) .Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar LI Administrators.
    Russo, C. (2007). Neuroscience and Reading. Brain Seminar Worcester Pa.
    Russo, C. (2007). Auditory Processing and Reading. Brain Seminar Washington DC.
    Russo, C. ( 2006).Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar, N. Plainfield SD,NJ.
    Russo, C. (2006). Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar, Jersey City, NJ.
    Russo, C. (2006). Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar, Spotsylvania VA.
    Russo, C. (2006). Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar-Rockaway TWP.SD, NJ.
    Russo, C. (2006). Reading and Neuroscience. Brain Seminar-William Penn SD, Pa.
    Russo, C. (2006). Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar, Tenafly, NJ.
    Russo, C. (2006). Reading and Neuroscience. Brain Seminar-Saratoga Springs, NY.
    Russo, C. ( 2006).Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar, Special Ed. Directors ,NJ.
    Russo, C. (2006). Response to Intervention.Brain Seminar, West Virginia.
    Russo, C. (2006). Response to Intervention.LI Regional Adult Network, LI.
    Russo, C. (2006). Response to Intervention. Brain Seminar Frederick Co. WV .


  • Russo, C (Text in Progress 2014). RTI Guide: Making It Work-Secondary Edition- National Professional Resources, Inc.

    Russo,C, McDonald, M & Buttalia,D. (Reading Program in Progress 2014) C.L.E.A.R.:Comprehensive Language Extension for Autism: An Approach to Reading National Professional Resources, Inc.



Evaluations

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Consultation and
Professional Development

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Orton-Gillingham based reading programs that develop the underpinnings of reading, spelling, fluency, comprehension and auditory memory for students within a K-12 environment.

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one-to-one instruction that focuses on developing Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency and vocabulary skills which lead to better comprehension skills.

Scholarship Reading Program

The DyslexiaCrossroadsProgram, Inc. has been established to offer free Reading tutorial services for children whose families qualify as low income status from volunteer tutors.