Her Story
About Francine
Francine Lasken is an accomplished education professional, consultant, advocate, and founder with a distinguished career spanning teaching, school administration, special education, and public policy. Francine is the owner of Child Centered Services, where she provides educational consulting, tutoring, testing, advocacy, and psychoeducational support for students and families. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Harvard University, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from Columbia University, specializing in Special Education and Educational Administration. Throughout her career, Francine has held multiple teaching certifications, administrative licenses, and specialized credentials that have supported her work with diverse learners.
Francine has been a pioneer in special education advocacy and educational reform. She served as Assistant Director of the Office of Governmental Relations at the American Association of School Administrators through a national fellowship, where she collaborated with Congress on early special education legislation, policy initiatives, and copyright revision efforts. She founded Commonwealth Academy, the first private high school in Northern Virginia dedicated to serving college-bound students with learning disabilities, attention deficits, and different learning styles. Her leadership and contributions to education earned her recognition, including a plaque honoring her role in establishing the school and recognition in Who’s Who in American Education. She has also served on numerous boards and committees focused on learning disabilities, education, community planning, and professional organizations.
Francine continues to make an impact through consulting, writing, advocacy, and community service. Her professional philosophy is grounded in integrity, compassion, and the belief that educational decisions should always prioritize the needs and success of children. In addition to her work supporting students and families, she uses her extensive experience to advocate for elder-care issues, provide pro bono assistance to families with limited resources, and contribute to educational discussions through writing and online advocacy. Francine’s lifelong dedication to special education, public service, and helping others has established her as a respected leader in educational advocacy and lifelong learning.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Francine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being a lifelong listener and learner, valuing the insights and experiences of the people around me. My mother always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and believe in my abilities, while my mentor Albert Shanker taught me an important lesson: always prioritize the needs and well-being of children above all else. These values have guided my career, shaped my leadership approach, and inspired my commitment to making a meaningful impact in education.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was to recognize the value of patience and confidence. I learned that when you know your worth and understand the strengths you bring to the table, you do not always need to prove yourself through words. Sometimes, the greatest impact comes from listening, observing, and allowing your actions and results to speak for themselves.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to always lead with ethics, compassion, and a genuine commitment to the people you serve. Success is not only measured by professional achievements but also by the positive impact you make on the lives of children and the colleagues you work with. Stay true to your values, care deeply about others, and let integrity guide your decisions throughout your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is attracting and retaining dedicated, qualified people who are passionate about making a difference. Education requires individuals who are committed, compassionate, and willing to invest in the growth and success of children. At the same time, this challenge presents an opportunity to inspire a new generation of professionals to enter the field and continue creating meaningful change.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are ethics, honesty, and always doing what is right. I believe in treating people with integrity and never compromising my principles. This commitment is reflected in my volunteer work providing pro bono support for doctors serving individuals with limited incomes, as I believe everyone deserves access to care and support. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy expanding my knowledge through reading scientific materials about the brain and the evolution of mankind, exploring novels by Agatha Christie, and researching genealogy to better understand history and connections across generations.
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