Same Side of the Table

Elizabeth (Beth) Yancy Bostic has two children with special needs, one of whom is medically complex. Before becoming a Federation trained special education advocate and trainer, she was a Project Manager for training and consulting firm where she gained extensive knowledge and expertise in facilitating diverse teams. Over the past 15 years, she has brought these skills into her work in special education consulting and special healthcare needs advocacy. She is well respected by parents, school administrators and disability stakeholders across the state. She is the Past President Advisor of SPaN, as well as a member of the IMPACT: Ability Steering Committee, COPAA (Council for Parent Attorneys and Advocates) and P.I.C.K. (Parents of Infants and Children with Kernicterus). She was previously a member of the ArcMass board and the Reading Special Education Parent Advisory Council.

Susan Haberman has over 25 years experience in teaching, human services and administration. She is dual certified as a Regular and Special Educator, and has a Master’s Degree in education. Susan has worked with children and adults with multiple diagnoses, including Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum, ADHD, Mental Health Disorders, Developmental Delays, and other health impairments. Additional credentials include Wilson Reading Certification, Project Read Training, and she is qualified to administer the Woodcock Johnson III Cognitive and Achievement Batteries, as well as a variety of other formal and informal assessments. Susan received her advocacy training from the Federation of Children with Special Needs.

Timothy Luff, Asst. Superintendent of Student Services, Natick Public Schools: Tim is currently in his 7th year as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services/Special Education Director for the Natick Public Schools.  Tim is originally from Natick where he spent more than 12 years of his summer time as an active member of the Camp Arrowhead Community, a Natick summer camp for children and adults with disabilities. Tim holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Special Education and Psychology from the University of Maine at Farmington and a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Maine.  Tim has been a special education teacher for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12, and a Special Education Administrator in both Maine and Massachusetts.  Just prior to coming home to Natick, Tim was honored with the Special Education Administrator of the Year award in 2012 from the State of Maine.  Tim coined the term "complempathy" when he entered Natick, meaning to ensure are compliancy, but also practicing empathy with parents and other members of the team.  

Laurie Mason, Director Of Special Education, Brockton Public Schools: Laurie is overseeing PreK-22.  She has been an educator in the Brockton Public Schools for thirty years, working as a Special Education Teacher, Inclusion Specialist, TEAM Chair, Reading Specialist- (READ First Initiative), Special Education Department Head, Assistant Director to Special Education and currently the Director.  She prides herself on the work she has accomplished in the special education department.  Her strengths are communication, building relationships, problem solving and the ability to “think outside the box”.   She is an advocate for students and works well with parents.  She has an open door policy.