Her Story
About Stephanie
Stephanie Altman has dedicated her entire professional career to serving children with disabilities and the families who support them. With more than 25 years of experience spanning early intervention, special education, educational assessment, and leadership, she has built a career centered on ensuring that every child receives the services and support they need to thrive. Today, as Psychoeducational Services Coordinator at Allied Instructional Services, Stephanie has found what she describes as her true professional calling. She specializes in the special education evaluation process, leading efforts to assess students who are suspected of having disabilities or require re-evaluation to determine continued eligibility for services and placing service providers in school systems to fulfill shortage needs. Her extensive knowledge of special education law, combined with her collaborative leadership style, enables her to support both school systems and educational professionals while maintaining an unwavering focus on positive outcomes for children. Throughout her career, Stephanie has continually expanded her impact beyond direct student services. After beginning in early intervention and spending nearly two decades as both a special education teacher and educational diagnostician with Chesterfield County Public Schools, she later served as Project Associate and Lead Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant at University of Virginia before joining Allied Instructional Services. In her current leadership role, she partners with school systems to address critical shortages of specialized professionals, matching school psychologists, educational diagnosticians, and school social workers with districts whose needs align with their expertise and desired work-life balance. One of her proudest accomplishments was successfully proposing the addition of school social workers to her department's services, significantly expanding the organization's ability to support schools and students. She also championed the implementation of remote service opportunities for psychologists and diagnosticians (prior to the addition of school social workers), creating innovative pathways for providers to reach underserved rural communities while helping professionals develop new skills and build sustainable careers. Stephanie's leadership is driven by a deep belief that supporting education professionals is essential to supporting students. She is particularly passionate about addressing the nationwide shortage of school psychologists and school social workers by creating placements that benefit both schools and providers through in-person, hybrid, and remote opportunities. As a mother of four, she understands firsthand the importance of balancing a meaningful career with family life, and she takes pride in helping many professionals, particularly working mothers, find positions that allow them to excel in both. She is equally proud to work for a women-owned organization that values innovation, collaboration, and family-first principles, fostering an environment where new ideas are encouraged and meaningful change is embraced. Whether conducting evaluations, mentoring professionals, or building partnerships with school districts, Stephanie remains committed to creating opportunities that strengthen educational systems, empower providers, and improve the lives of children with disabilities and their families.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stephanie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I believe much of my success is rooted in a combination of early life experiences and the unwavering support of my loved ones, including my mom. Experiencing adversity during childhood helped develop my resilience and determination, while my mother's encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities and strive for more.
As a first-generation college graduate, I was motivated by a desire to create opportunities that had not previously existed in my family. I wanted to build a different future for my children and ensure they would not face some of the challenges I experienced growing up. That commitment became a driving force behind my passion for serving children and families.
I also attribute a great deal of my success to the support of my husband. Throughout every stage of my personal and professional journey, he has been a constant source of encouragement. Whether I am pursuing a new business idea, taking on an ambitious project, or bringing home yet another foster animal, he has always been there to support me wholeheartedly. Having a partner who believes in me, even when my ideas seem a little unconventional, has given me the confidence to take risks, embrace opportunities, and continue growing.
My mother was a stay-at-home parent, and throughout my career, I often struggled with feelings of guilt about not being able to do the same. Those experiences have shaped my perspective and fueled my commitment to helping other women find a healthy balance between professional success and personal fulfillment.
Service has always been deeply important to me. I believe that when young people are considering their future, they should seek opportunities to serve others (whether that be career or volunteer opportunities) and make a meaningful impact. At the same time, it is equally important to establish boundaries and maintain balance to avoid burnout. The most sustainable and rewarding careers are often those that allow us to support others while also caring for ourselves.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to benefit from the guidance, encouragement, and support of several influential women and an exceptional support system. One of the individuals who had a profound impact on my professional journey by significant influencing my decision to join AIS and generously sharing her knowledge and expertise as I transitioned into my role. Although she has ventured into business for herself, her guidance helped establish a strong basis for my success.
Another important mentor was a woman who supported me early in my career as an Educational Diagnostician. She fostered my passion for cognitive and achievement evaluation and deepened my understanding of special education law. Her mentorship was instrumental in developing the knowledge and skills that have shaped my career. Without her guidance, I would not have the strong understanding of the field that I rely on today.
Beyond my professional influences, I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my family. My husband has been my greatest champion, encouraging me through every career change, new venture, and ambitious idea. His steadfast belief in me has given me the confidence to pursue opportunities, embrace challenges, and continue growing both personally and professionally.
I am also deeply thankful for my children and my mom. Following the passing of my father, my mother came to live with our family, and having her close has been an invaluable blessing. The love, support, and encouragement I receive from my family has enriched my life in countless ways.
When I reflect on my journey, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The professionals who invested in my growth, the family members who have supported me unconditionally, and the opportunities I have been given have all contributed to a life and career that I consider truly fortunate.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women considering a career in education, particularly student support services, is simple: pursue it wholeheartedly. Education is an incredibly rewarding profession that offers countless opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. It is also possible to build a career that aligns with your personal values and priorities, including achieving a healthy work-life balance.
That balance may not happen immediately, and your first position may not be exactly what you envisioned. However, I encourage young professionals to remain persistent, continue developing your skills, and seek opportunities that support both your professional goals and personal well-being. Do not settle for circumstances that do not meet your needs or aspirations. You deserve a career that allows you to thrive both professionally and personally.
Be intentional about defining what success looks like for you. Determine what matters most in your life, whether that is family, service, professional growth, leadership, or a combination of those things, and pursue those goals with confidence. Create opportunities for yourself rather than waiting for them to appear.
I would also encourage women not to shy away from recognition or leadership opportunities. Accepting recognition is not about seeking attention; it is about acknowledging the impact of your work and celebrating the contributions women make every day in our professions, families, and communities. When we allow ourselves to be seen and heard, we not only honor our own accomplishments but also inspire the next generation to pursue their goals with confidence and determination.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the most significant challenges facing our field today is the nationwide shortage of school psychologists and school social workers. While several factors contribute to this shortage, burnout remains a pressing concern. Increasing caseloads, growing student needs, and expanding responsibilities have created demands that are often difficult to sustain over the long term.
A key part of my role is working to address this challenge by connecting providers with opportunities that align with both their professional goals and personal needs. I strive to understand what school psychologists and school social workers are looking for in their careers and match them with school districts that can benefit from their expertise. By helping to create placements that support flexibility—whether in-person, hybrid, or remote—we can foster greater job satisfaction and help professionals build sustainable, long-term careers in education. In turn, a great benefit to the school system.
When I transitioned into my role, remote service delivery had not yet been implemented in my department. By advocating for and supporting this model, I was able to help providers and school system staff develop new skills, increase their confidence, and discover innovative ways to serve students. These services have been especially valuable in rural and underserved communities, where shortages of qualified professionals are often even more pronounced.
At its core, the challenge is about retention. We are losing talented professionals from education, many of whom are women balancing demanding careers with personal and family responsibilities. I am passionate about finding solutions that allow these professionals to remain in the field, continue making a difference for students, and thrive in their careers. By creating flexible, supportive opportunities, we can strengthen our workforce, better serve schools, and ensure that students continue to have access to the services they need.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are service, family, and balance. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a desire to serve children with disabilities and their families. Helping others navigate challenges, access resources, and achieve success has always been at the heart of the work I do.
Equally important to me is the belief that meaningful service should be sustainable. I am passionate about helping others, but I also recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I believe we are most effective in serving others when we also prioritize our own well-being and the people who matter most to us.
Family is the foundation of everything I do. One of my greatest goals is to demonstrate to my children that it is possible to have both a fulfilling career and a strong family life. I want my daughters to see that women can pursue leadership roles, achieve professional success, and still prioritize the people they love. I also want my sons to grow up understanding and valuing that same balance and to recognize the many contributions women make both at home and in their professions.
Outside of my professional responsibilities, I enjoy fostering kittens through our local animal shelter, Prince George Animal Services. It is a small but meaningful way to give back to my community and something I am fortunate to share with my youngest daughter and son. Caring for vulnerable animals, especially bottle-fed kittens, has become a rewarding family activity that reflects our shared commitment to compassion and service.
I am grateful to work for AIS, an organization that recognizes the importance of family and supports a healthy work-life balance. Being part of a women-owned and operated company that values both professional excellence and personal well-being has reinforced my belief that success does not require sacrificing the things that matter most. For me, true success means making a positive impact on others while also being present for my family and living a life that reflects my values.
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