Nan Lester, M.S.
The Mission of my private practice is to provide counseling, education, advocacy and mediation services to adults, children and families affected by Asperger Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism and related disabilities. I am committed to serving my clients with the highest level of professionalism, innovation and compassion. It will always be my goal to adhere to a standard of excellence in creativity, knowledge and insight regarding the care and treatment of this unique and gifted population that is the focus of my work in practice, and in the autism community as a whole.
Education:
University of Oregon graduate with honors:
Master of Science in Psychology, Public Policy and Education
Bachelor of Education in Family and Human Services
Graduate Teaching Fellow in Special Education and Family and Human Services
Private Practice Services:
Individual and family counseling specializing in, but not limited to, clients affected by Asperger Syndrome, High-functioning Autism (herein referred to as AS and HFA) and related disorders--e.g., Anxiety, Depression, Panic, Bi-polar, Obsessive-Compulsive, Tourettes, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, behavioral conduct issues, and social communication disorders.
Counseling specific to family, vocational, educational, and interpersonal relationships.
Initial assessment for medical diagnosis and educational eligibility regarding Asperger Syndrome and High-functioning autism. Final diagnosis as appropriate is then established through report preparation and consultation with medical providers, educators and mental health professionals.
Social skills, verbal expression, psycho/social/emotional development, educational and vocational intervention techniques.
Facilitation of Community Support Groups for 1) Adolescents and Adults affected by AS and HFA (Exploring Asperger Syndrome), and 2) Families and caregivers (Understanding Asperger Syndrome). See Social opportunities page for details.
Advocacy and mediation services regarding educational IEPs (Individual Education Plans), vocation/employment, legal and policy driven conflict.
Educational and clinical in-service training programs for professionals, para-professionals, care givers and institutional providers that serve individuals and families affected by AS and HFA.
Educational, Psychological and Human Service Consulting Services.
Temple Grandin, Nan Lester and Ted
Asperger Advocacy Coalition (AAC)
Since 1999: Founder and director of non-profit coalition serving the support, education, and advocacy needs of individuals and families affected by Asperger Syndrome (AS) and the professionals who serve them. Development and implementation of a four-year plan to:
- Enhance public awareness and build professional capacity.
- Develop community resource infrastructure.
- Promote educational reform specific to Asperger Syndrome, High-functioning autism, and related disorders.
Program Outcome:
- Monthly meetings with 4J school district administrators to develop policies and curriculum related to AS contributing to establishment of the Pathfinder Program in 2004, recognized by field experts as a national middle and secondary program model for students with AS, HFA, and related disorders.
- Coordination of annual conferences featuring national speakers, including: Temple Grandin, Ph.D and Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D, (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004).
- Monthly meetings featuring regional educational speakers. (2001-2004)
- Monthly parent support group.
- Clinical and educational referral source.
- In-service training program.
- IEP support and advocacy.
- Establishment of a Lane County Chapter of the Autism Society of America (2005) to serve as an umbrella organization for regional professional and grassroots organizations representing populations affected by autism, including: the University of Oregon, 4J and Springfield School Districts, Direction Service, ARC of Oregon, EC Cares, Bridgeway House, and Kindtree Productions/Autism Rocks.
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