BARBARA MELNICK - FOUNDER

I have a Bachelor's Degree from SUNY Buffalo State College, and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Kentucky. I am certified in Maine as a Special Education teacher as well as, a Special Education Consultant. I am a Special Education Director with close to 50 years of experience in the field. I feel fortunate that I had an ability to start the Aucocisco School in 1994 because I noticed Maine lacked a school specifically aimed at students who learn differently.

Diagnostic educational testing is a special interest of mine, which I treat like detective work. I enjoy digging deeply to identify student strengths, needs and then drawing from the best science available to choose methodologies that are most likely to be successful for each student. I work with people of all ages and abilities, and I value neurodiversity with all of its’ variety and promise.

I enjoy working with many subject areas, but I have a special interests in matching students with techniques that work for them in math, reading instruction, studying strategies, building test taking skills, and training teachers. I am an advocate for children and parents. I work hard at focusing on each student as an individual, plus their families. Finding the key to each person’s learning, seeing his/her pride and the joy that comes when they succeed is what has made special education my life’s work! It has truly been a gift.