Hi, my name is Aafia Syed.

I hold dual Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Development and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education, and I have spent nearly 10 years in the field because I believe every child deserves the chance to be understood, supported, and celebrated. My work as a special educator has taken me into classrooms and family homes in New York City, Washington DC, and, most recently, Maryland. Along the way, I’ve partnered with families during some of their most challenging and hopeful moments — from the first conversations after a diagnosis to celebrating small but powerful milestones together.

After many years in the classroom, I am shifting my focus to the families of special needs children. By empowering and supporting them, I hope to make an even bigger and lasting difference in the lives of children. In fact, it was the families I’ve supported who encouraged me to break out on my own in the first place — their trust and belief in me continue to inspire this next chapter of my work.

Cultural responsiveness is central to my practice, and I strive to honor each family’s background and values. My goal is never to be “right,” but to help create long-term, lasting changes in mindset and to increase the tools families can access in life’s most challenging moments. There are infinite ways to do right by your child, and together, and working side by side, we can find what works best for you and your family.

I currently live in Germantown, Maryland with my wonderful and supportive husband, my rambunctious toddler, and my cat, a sweet Russian Blue. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature, musical theatre, and reading.