We’re thrilled to introduce Lisa Consolo, the new School Building Leader for our West Hempstead and Hempstead campuses. Lisa’s connection to special education began early, inspired by her mother’s work as a special educator and deepened through years of volunteering with the Special Olympics. Over the course of her career, she has led programs for children, adolescents, and adults with special needs, served in key leadership roles in public education, and developed innovative programs within the Gersh community.
With a philosophy rooted in the belief that “All children can learn—just not on the same day or in the same way,” Lisa brings both experience and heart to her work. Her focus is on creating school environments where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
We sat down with Lisa to learn more about her journey, her vision for the year ahead, and what inspires her most in the work she does every day.
1. What inspired you to work in the field of education, specializing in autism?
My mother was a special education teacher. I would join her at school when the school calendars didn’t align to be a “teacher’s helper”. Throughout my teen years and college I was actively involved with the Special Olympics. There was never any doubt that I would work with differently abled individuals. Through my experience I became intrigued by the lens with which individuals with autism view and experience the world. A family member had a child who was diagnosed with a spectrum disorder as a toddler and I became an integral part of the care team–advocating at CSE meetings and providing family support. I continue to be involved in his life as he has transitioned to adult services. These collective experiences pulled me into the field and I’ve never looked back.
2. Can you tell us a little about your background and experience before joining Gersh?
After graduating with my undergraduate degree, I began working for a not for profit residential school providing support to children with a variety of diagnoses. Shortly thereafter I pursued and was offered a managerial position in another not-for-profit agency (Family Residences and Essential Enterprises) that provides services to adults with a variety of diagnoses. In my 17 year tenure with this agency, I held a variety of positions including Director of Residential Services and Director of Day Services. I initially joined the Gersh “family” in 2005 in a leadership role. In June of 2007, in an effort to achieve greater work – life balance, I left Gersh Academy and began my 17 year tenure with the Babylon School District. In my time at Babylon I held the position of Lead Special Education Teacher, Director of Special Education (7-12) and finally District Director of Special Education.
3. What drew you to Gersh Autism Academy?
One of my favorite quotes is from George Evans. It reads, “All children can learn just not on the same day or in the same way.” This quote represents a core value to me and the Gersh philosophy aligns with value.
4. What does your role at Gersh look like day to day?
As a building leader, no two days are alike. There is no doubt, however, that the best part of every day is greeting the students, visiting classes and watching them learn and grow each and every day.
5. What do you hope to bring to your school/community/team/students in the coming year?
Over the next 12 months I hope to enrich our program with new staff-led initiatives that will benefit all of our learners. I hope to meet and get to know all of the families of the students from the West Hempstead and Hempstead campuses. Most of all I hope to bring positive energy and an uplifting spirit to our schools.
6. What’s one thing you’ve learned from your students or staff that’s stuck with you?
Through the years I have watched students grow and learn despite the “odds”. These students have taught me resilience. They have taught me to never give up and to never say “never”.
7. Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?
I am a proud mother of two grown men who I love to spend time with. Additionally, I’m an avid dog lover and enjoy taking my dogs for hikes and playing with them in the back yard. When possible I love to travel the world and experience other cultures.
8. What would you say to a family considering Gersh Autism Academy for their child?
Gersh Autism Academy is the only school that truly puts the child’s needs first and pursues all avenues to allow them to develop to be the best version of themselves. Gersh Autism is a special place.