With 31 years of experience working with children with learning differences, Amy Cushner, M.Ed., is a distinguished educator specializing in Montessori Applied to Children at Risk (MACAR).
She is an internationally recognized speaker, presenting at prestigious conferences such as the American Montessori Society (AMS) Annual Conference, the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Conference, and CHADD.
She has also led Montessori training programs in Canada, China, and across the U.S., equipping educators worldwide with the tools to support students with diverse learning needs.
Amy dedicated her career to The Shelton School, the world’s largest school for students with learning differences, where she retired in service as Associate Head of School.
A passionate mentor, she has trained countless educators through Montessori training cohorts, reading specialist preparation courses, and Sequential English Education (SEE) training, ensuring that research-based instructional methods reach students on a broad scale.
Beyond her work in education, Amy is a board member of North Texas CHADD, advocating for children with ADHD and learning differences. She is also a published author, having co-authored the chapter on Oral Language in Montessori Strategies for Children with Learning Differences and contributed numerous articles to community publications, addressing the intersection of parenting and child development.
Amy is committed to sharing her expertise with parents, educators, and advocates, bridging the gap between research, instructional practice, and real-world student success.
Amy is a seasoned expert with 31 years of experience in learning differences, bringing unparalleled depth of knowledge to her work as a presenter, advocate, and trainer.
A veteran speaker, Amy has delivered impactful presentations at top conferences, including the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), the American Montessori Society, CHADD, Texas NAEYC, and multiple Regional Education Centers (10, 13, 15, 18).
Her dynamic and engaging style, combined with her extensive experience, makes her a sought-after voice in the field, empowering educators, parents, and professionals with practical strategies and deep insights into learning differences.
Graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University, BSIS with Early Childhood, Special Education emphasis
Joined Shelton School: A school dedicated to children with learning differences
Began hands-on work supporting students with dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, and oral language disorders as a classroom teacher at the Elementary Level.
Earned certifications in the remediation and treatment of learning differences: The Association Method, Sequential English Education, Montessori Applied to Children At Risk (MACAR), Beginning and Advanced Levels
Achieved Montessori Certification at the Elementary 1 Level
Took on leadership roles at Shelton, developing training programs for staff and families
Became Asst. Head of Early Childhood-5th grades
Advocated for early implementation of structured literacy and student support systems
Active presenter at National Conferences
Consultant and presenter at schools both nationally and internationally, providing teacher training and parent support courses
Became a Certified Academic Language Therapist in Sequential English Education
Qualified Instructor in MACAR beginning and advanced levels
Earned M.Ed. in Organization Leadership and Administration from Dallas Baptist University
Became Adjunct Professor, DBU
(August 2015 – Present)
Adjunct Professor: EDUC 5011; Reading Specialist Preparation Course
Led major Shelton initiatives including:
Mentored new teachers and specialists entering the field of learning differences
First of three trips to China to train Montessori Teachers in MACAR -Beijing and Shanghai
Awarded IMSLEC Innovator of the Year
Became Head of Upper Elementary, 3rd-5th grades
Became Associate Head of School, EC-6th grades; with dual administrative position of Head of Upper Elementary
Co-author of Montessori Strategies for Children with Learning Differences, Oral Language
Continues to Publish articles on language development, intervention strategies, parenting, and school-based support models
Expanded influence beyond K–12 education into corporate training and consulting on neurodiversity in the workplace
Neurodiversity in the Workplace - CAVA, Dilexa, Atos, Juniper Networks
Established AC Education Services, a nonprofit dedicated to:
Publishing new insights on the intersection of education, workplace readiness, and neurodiversity
Speaking and consulting to promote strength-based approaches for all brains
