Lisa is someone who “gets it.” It’s hard to imagine what our lives would be like today without Lisa’s truly amazing guidance, support and wealth of knowledge. Lisa met and accepted our child where and as she was – without judgment. Lisa’s approach and sincere connection permitted not only a successful transition back to our home district, but launched and nurtured long term positive changes in our child. She stuck with us and our child through difficult times and forged a true genuine connection that still persists. My child is now enjoying success in high school and is looking to the future with courage, positivity and options – much of this due to Lisa’s enduring support, consistent and positive interventions.
Mark, Father
I had the privilege of working closely with Lisa for three years while my son, Ethan, was in middle school, and I can confidently say that Lisa consistently prioritized my son’s needs, demonstrating a remarkable dedication to his education, growth and well-being.
One aspect of Lisa’s approach that truly stood out to me was her unwavering commitment to support me. She understood that effective support for my son required addressing not just his needs, but also providing guidance and understanding to me as a parent. Lisa took the time to listen attentively to my concerns and offered invaluable professional advice that bridged the gap between school and home. Lisa’s expertise and insight were crucial in navigating the complexities of my son’s education, ensuring that he received the tailored support he needed to thrive. Her compassionate yet professional demeanor instilled confidence in me as a parent, and I am deeply grateful for the positive impact she had on my son’s academic and personal development. Even during my son’s five years in high school, Lisa continued to offer her guidance and support whenever I reached out with concerns and challenges, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to our family’s well-being.
In sum, I cannot speak highly enough of Lisa’s dedication, expertise, and genuine care. She is a true asset to the field of special education, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to any family seeking exceptional support especially of navigating through the school systems, particularly for children requiring IEP’s .
Lisa, Mother
I have had the opportunity to work with Lisa over the past years to support me and our family in our journey caring for my daughter, who has severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, with many secondary diagnoses related to her primary brain injury. Lisa has been an unfaltering source of support, wisdom and love for our daughter, our family and for me. She has supported us through surgeries, procedures, hospital visits, trained us and our nanny on how to use our daughter’s G tube. She has advised us on schooling options. I can’t say enough about Lisa’s knowledge, skill and most importantly, her care, concern, dedication and love. She has truly been our guardian angel.
Amy, Mother
Lisa Link is an expert in the field of special education. I say this as a school board member: Lisa was a leader in our District among administrators and colleagues, ensuring that students have the resources to learn and succeed. I also say this as a parent whose two sons have flourished and achieved because of Lisa’s belief in them and her interventions as their teacher.
Anne, School Board Member
How does one say….”Hire and engage this person! Her knowledge is priceless, her heart is gold, her time will be the most valuable time and filled with the most valuable information that you hear that day.” I had the pleasure of working with Lisa for 18 years as an educator. Lisa challenged me to think progressively and outside of the box to find new, innovative, and effective ways to work with my students. She provides continual support and ideas to staff and families. Lisa’s huge heart, matched with her incredible knowledge and lifetime of experience working with students, families and educators creates results.
Patrick, Health, Physical Education, Adapted Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Director
Lucky Family are we. Lisa Link has been supporting our family on and off for over 10 years, as a teacher, a consultant and a dear friend. She has supported our entire family during some of the most difficult times. We are parents of eight with three of our family dealing with intellectual disabilities and mental health diagnoses. Lisa has been our supportive “rock or feather” as needed throughout our family’s evolving changes as each reaches adulthood. Her support to us as parents and to our children has been a constant and we are forever grateful.
Mergee, Mother
Lisa has helped me in my transition as a special education teacher in a new school district. Lisa is always available and can offer a multitude of support based on what I need. Lisa has helped me with students with challenging behaviors, writing IEPs, and overall teacher support.
Sarah, Middle School Special Education Teacher
Lisa is an incredibly intelligent and kind hearted human that I have had the privilege of working with for five years. Her knowledge is only surpassed by her ability to advocate and care for the students and staff that she works with. Her knowledge and experience make her a scholar in the field. If you are searching for a consultant, look no further!
Heather, Teacher
My experience working with Lisa is that she is an excellent communicator who inspires others to succeed! Lisa exhibits a work ethic of consummate professionalism. She leads teams of Educators with excellence and intelligence. By doing so, Lisa creates an environment where those in her area of responsibility are empowered and thrive.
LaNell, Library Media Specialist
Lisa has been a great coach and support to my classroom. She offered great advice, tools, insight and resources that I have used and implemented in my daily lessons. What has helped me greatly was her ability to help me manage a team of paraprofessionals that had different views and personalities to bring them together and work as a team.
Mike, Special Educator, Autism Focus
I am a mom to a beautiful, 12 year old daughter. I am also an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher. While I am familiar with the IEP process, navigating and understanding the middle school curriculum and the alignment of the DLM Essential Elements is new territory for me. Lisa’s knowledge and expertise in the area of programming for students with intellectual disabilities has helped both myself, and my daughter’s school team
Gina, Mother
I worked closely with Lisa supporting students with special needs. The students’ needs were always her priority. She is extremely capable, effective, professional and compassionate.
Kathryn, Special Educator and Reading Specialist
Lisa is an extraordinarily knowledgeable and collaborative special educational consultant. She combines her passion for advocating for students with special needs with a unique disposition and skill set that allows her to effectively find solutions to challenges that families, educators, or administrators may be experiencing. The lens with which she approaches her work is truly assets-based and serves to boost the effectiveness of educational teams. Overall, her extensive educational expertise and valuable personal perspective enhance the outcomes for students who require differentiated services in our schools. We have certainly appreciated learning and growing alongside Lisa as we engage in the work together.
Michael, Executive Director of Student Services
Lisa Link developed a relationship with my daughter when she started at the WFB Middle School as her Special Education Lead. Lisa gained my daughter’s trust and knew when she could push her to meet her potential, Lisa could get her to do things that she refused to do for anyone else. Lisa spent many school hours and weekly summer sessions with my daughter to reach her potential. The work Lisa did with my daughter enabled her to not only continue on to WFBHS and get her certificate of graduation but it established the foundation for her “can do attitude” and a bloom of confidence that allowed her to come out of her shell and excel not only at academics but also social/emotional skills. Lisa is highly organized, kind but tough, empathetic and she will never give up on your kids!
Lynn, Mother
It has been my distinct honor to enlist the support of Lisa Link in the support of the students, families and staff of our school community. Lisa has provided a high level of development for all of our new special education teachers for the past two years and the experience for our new staff has been remarkable. In addition, Lisa has provided a significant level of support, collaboration, and consultation regarding systems along with problem solving around individual student needs. Having someone with Lisa’s experience, approach, and communication skills has been a huge benefit to our entire school community.
Tim, Director of Special Education and Pupil Services
In my twenty plus years as a school-based OT, Lisa is one of the finest special educators I have ever encountered. She drew from her years of experience and natural ability to connect with others to create an environment where all students could learn and thrive. She organized schedules and spaces so each therapist, aide, teacher and student knew where to be and what they were teaching or learning. Lisa supported regular education classroom teachers in providing adaptations and accommodations within their classrooms so students with IEP’s were welcomed and encouraged to work to their potential.
Michelle, Occupational Therapist
Lisa has been amazing to work with! Being a brand new special education teacher to the field, Lisa has been very helpful in navigating the ins and outs of this profession. She is so knowledgeable about every step of the way: the special education referral process, writing, taking data on, and implementing an IEP, communicating with parents, general education teachers, and paras, providing classroom support and SDI to students on my caseload, and more. Any educator would be lucky to work with and learn from her!
Emma, Special Educator
Lisa Link is the most knowledgeable, experienced, honest, professional educator I have had the privilege to work with in my 28 year teaching career. She was assigned to be my mentor after I made a career change to a new district, teaching special education. She was thorough and detailed as she provided coaching in writing IEPs and helping me meet the needs of all of my students. Her kindness and patience made the transition to a new district go smoothly and she helped me build confidence and skills so that I could succeed in my new role. You will have no regrets in hiring Lisa, other than not hiring her sooner!
Marna, Special Educator
Lisa Link has been an unbelievable resource and mentor to me during my first year in a new district, as well as my first year ever teaching elementary school. She eased my nerves tremendously with the transition and has been beyond helpful with supporting one of my struggling students. Lisa has extensive knowledge of evidence-based practices that have been proven to work in the classroom, but more importantly she takes the time to get to know the students and her mentees so she can best make recommendations and provide resources. Lisa doesn’t just recommend one specific thing and say do it, however. She provides a variety of options and enough information so that her mentees can ultimately make the best decisions for their students. I wouldn’t have survived the first semester without Lisa Link!
Kyle, Special Education Teacher
I have known Lisa for over 20 years, first as a special education teacher, and now as a consultant. Lisa provided consultation services at my school and was a great support to me and to the entire team including special education and regular education teachers, and paraprofessional staff. She has a calm, thoughtful presence and asks probing questions to get the team to think outside the box. She was able to connect with team members and parents in a non-threatening, affirming way and brought the team together in our shared purpose to do what’s best for kids. Lisa provided important insights about students’ strengths and areas of need that guided our service delivery and helped us to reframe our expectations and work with our students. I highly recommend Lisa as an excellent consultant.
Peggy, School Psychologist
I am incredibly grateful for my professional and personal relationship with Lisa Link. Our longstanding connection has been instrumental in beginning my teaching career, particularly in benefiting my students with IEPs in the general education setting. Lisa’s expertise and unwavering support have not only played a crucial role in enhancing my ability to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment, but also in navigating difficult student behaviors. Her unique ability to support the supporters is truly commendable. Lisa’s tailored approach and insightful guidance continue to make a positive impact. I wholeheartedly recommend LAL Educational Consulting Services, LLC… LALECS to fellow educators seeking exceptional support in the realm of special education.
Kailey, Middle School Math/Science Teacher
As a 6th grade English Language Arts teacher, I had the pleasure of working closely with Lisa. Even before the school year started, Lisa met with me to make sure I clearly understood each student I would work with, their strengths, their needs, and strategies to help them be their best student and best self. Immediately, I was impressed with Lisa’s knowledge of each student before they ever officially attended middle school. I could tell how much effort she had already put into being their “person” and advocate, and the school year hadn’t even begun. As the year progressed, Lisa was always there to brainstorm, to mentor, and to problem-solve. Every day, I felt supported and empowered by Lisa’s expertise and her trust in me as a teacher. To this day, I feel blessed as a person and teacher because I got to work with Lisa.
Amber, General Education Teacher
As the New Teacher Induction Coordinator for Whitefish Bay Schools I have had the opportunity to connect with Lisa in a consulting role. Lisa supports newly hired educators in the field of Special Education in the role of Mentor, working with staff from K3 to High School. Lisa attained a Certificate in Mentoring through the New Teacher Project, and she utilizes her mentor training in this role. In addition, Lisa has designed professional learning seminars, Community of Practice Sessions, around IEPs and steps educators can take when responding to challenging situations. Her experience and approach to supporting teachers in the day to day work of practice in the field of Special Education is invaluable!
Susan, MTSS Coach, Math Coach and New Teacher Induction Coordinator
While working with Lisa Link, I experienced her compassion for struggling students along with the adults who support them. Throughout our time working together, Lisa made it clear she knew how challenging the teaching profession can be as we care for students academically and emotionally. After one particularly challenging day, Lisa found me the day after, wrapped me in a hug and told me how sorry she was that I had to live through that situation. The simple act of validating my feelings showed me an amount of support that I had not received up until then. To this day, thinking about her empathy reminds me that I, and all professionals within education, are also deserving of the grace and care we strive to provide for students.
Kamei, Third Grade Teacher
As a rotating teacher working with multiple grade levels, as well as a crisis responder and recess supervisor, I interact with many students throughout my day. When engaging with learners who do not respond to common group engagement strategies, or learners who may struggle to follow the class plan, Lisa Link assisted our team in better engaging these students. Through conversations, meetings, and student observation, Lisa helped us to better formulate action plans for all of our learners. Thank you!
Kevin, Social Emotional Learning Coach
I had the privilege to work under the direction and guidance of Lisa Link for 10 years. As a paraprofessional at Whitefish Bay Middle School, I also had the opportunity to witness many outstanding educators teach. Lisa, however, is beyond excellent. Her commitment to and care for her students is second to none. She has great wisdom from her years of teaching and has an innate ability to assess a situation and come up with an effective response. Her interactions with students were always kind and compassionate, where she always went the extra mile to meet the student’s needs. I can’t say enough about the respect I have for Lisa.
Deb, Retired Paraprofessional and Substitute Paraprofessional
Lisa Link was hired to consult and coach our special education team with planning and implementing IEP supports for several challenging and complex students. She listened to us as educators, and provided evidence based strategies that were modeled with the students. She encouraged us as educators to continue to advocate for our student’s needs and give ourselves grace as we faced these challenges. She bridged communication between our team and administration and allowed for open and honest dialogue. Lisa Link is a true leader that empowers others with her wealth of knowledge, compassion, empathy, and passion.
Janine, Speech and Language Pathologist & Katherine, Special Education Teacher
It was a pleasure working with Ms. Link. She came with lots of experience and great ideas to help support a student of mine with learning differences. She facilitated meetings so all the team members received the same information to better help the needs of the student. She was a great team member who always collaborated and listened to everyone’s ideas. I feel she’s a great asset for students and educators.
Christine, Kindergarten Teacher
Our school district has been fortunate enough to partner with Lisa over the past few years. She has been an invaluable asset to our staff, particularly the support that she has provided our new special education teacher. Pulling on her wealth of experience and knowledge, Lisa’s mentorship has allowed these teachers to flourish. Lisa’s depth of understanding of students with disabilities and the strategies that allow them to be successful have been a gift to our school community.
Mike, Principal
Lisa is a voice for all of us. She shows me that advocating for students with disabilities is supporting all learners. Lisa is my mentor, dedicated to knowledge, including educational legislation, student background, personal experience and advice. Lisa models what works! While working with Lisa, my work and confidence soar. I feel supported, and learn what I need to know in today’s teaching world.
Susan, Social Studies Teacher
Lisa Link is truly an amazing special education professional. In my 34 years as a teacher, counselor, and administrator, Lisa is by far the best! She possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience from her many years of working with a variety of students with special needs. One of many of Lisa’s strengths lies in coaching new special education professionals. She helps to strengthen the toolkit of these professionals which leads to a successful learning environment for the most fragile learners. Working with Lisa will help you build the capacity, confidence, and skills of your teachers. Lisa is a tremendous resource that we are grateful to have in the Whitefish Bay School District!
Matt, Associate Principal
Lisa’s expertise has been a liferaft for our new special education teachers. I am confident that her mentorship has helped us retain staff in a difficult labor market.” Patrick, Health/ Physical Education/ Adapted Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Director How does one say….”Hire and engage this person! Her knowledge is priceless, her heart is gold, her time will be the most valuable time and filled with the most valuable information that you hear that day.” I had the pleasure of working with Lisa for 18 years as an educator. Lisa challenged me to think progressively and outside of the box to find new, innovative, and effective ways to work with my students. She provides continual support and ideas to staff and families. Lisa’s huge heart, matched with her incredible knowledge and lifetime of experience working with students, families and educators creates results.
Mike O, Principal
I had the privilege of working with Lisa when she was consulting at the school I work at. Lisa is a wealth of knowledge, but more importantly knows how to effectively communicate strategies and information with staff, students and caregivers. She has a gentle approach with students and an extremely supportive demeanor with staff and families. I would highly recommend Lisa as a consultant if you need any support with students. We loved having Lisa at our school!
Ryan, Elementary Associate Principal
Lisa spends the time to truly identify the strengths and concerns of everyone and then integrates those student and team needs with her strategies seamlessly. She helps the team find unique, differentiated, flexible plans while keeping the focus on being supportive and positive. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience that makes her services so very valuable.
Kelly, Physical Therapist
I had the privilege of working with Lisa Link for three years. Lisa Link is the consummate professional who keeps the students’ best interests at the center of all she does. Lisa understands the increasing complexities that confront special education teachers and she is committed to supporting their professional growth so they can best meet the individual needs of those they serve.
Amy, High School Principal
I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Lisa for 26 years. Her exceptional knowledge and expertise have been invaluable. Continuously supporting me in my role as a special education teacher, Lisa has offered crucial assistance for my learners. I wholeheartedly recommend Lisa without reservation.
Laura, Elementary Special Education Teacher
Lisa is the most knowledgeable, insightful, kind, and supportive professional I have known in the education field. She has the ability to recognize and analyze a host of behavior patterns and learning differences of a wide variety of students while at the same time supporting the teaching strategies and styles of the educators to bring about the greatest success. She has been my “go-to” for many years whenever I have a question about a student and she always has the answer! She truly has my highest recommendation!
Linda, Speech Language Pathologist, M.S., CCC-SLP
Lisa’s vast knowledge, background, and experience combined with high expectations for all, and topped with love and compassion are the ingredients that help me provide successful support for my students in order for them to learn and grow, and enjoy being part of a community. Lisa is masterful at guiding and providing just the right amount of support that builds on my knowledge and professional practice- individualized! After meeting with Lisa, the next step is natural and logical. Lisa elevated me to super supporter of my students!
Rose, Teacher
Lisa possesses an abundance of knowledge and experience in working with the special needs population. She demonstrates an approach that individualizes each child’s abilities and needs. She commands a level of mutual respect that demands excellence working to achieve the best that students can achieve. She sets high expectations to elicit quality in the students’ work production. Lisa’s mentoring skills are above board, she exhibits a manner that capitalizes on a person’s education and experience. She is direct and assertive but also respectful in making suggestions for improvement. The composition of a strong and appropriate Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) using the core elements is one of Lisa’s greatest strengths. Her experience and abilities in this area cannot be rivaled. Lisa demonstrates value in a multidisciplinary approach to student services. She is knowledgeable and shows a sincere interest in what other disciplines provide for students. Lisa works with diligence to coordinate services in the interest of student success. My personal experience includes entering into the educational environment with almost 30 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist. Although I was an OT and not a teacher, Lisa personally took me under her wing to guide me in this new practice area. Coming from a medical model, I was inexperienced in writing educational goals, IEP’s and the general flow of the educational system. Lisa was monumental in successfully guiding me on now my 6th year working in the schools. She has helped me to cultivate a love for the educational process and I couldn’t imagine myself working anywhere else. I continue to solicit her advice as she is always willing to assist me in finding the best solutions for any challenges I encounter.
Denise, Occupational Therapist
I am delighted to share my heartfelt recommendation for Lisa Link and LAL Educational Consulting Services, LLC. Having had the privilege of working alongside her in the public schools, I can attest to her exceptional skills in engaging and teaching children with diverse abilities, ranging from orthopedic concerns to mental health diagnoses. Lisa possesses a rare blend of compassion, expertise, and an innate ability to create a supportive learning environment. Her dedication to fostering the growth of children, irrespective of their challenges, is truly commendable. I have witnessed firsthand her unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their unique needs, has the opportunity to acquire knowledge and develop essential skills. One of Lisa’s standout qualities is her ability to set clear yet challenging expectations for her students. This approach not only encourages personal and academic growth but also instills a sense of accomplishment in the children she works with. It is inspiring to see how students respond positively to her guidance, showcasing not only academic progress but also personal development. Lisa also possesses remarkable strength in guiding colleagues and families to effectively collaborate and support children, showcasing a unique ability to inspire and empower those around them in the pursuit of inclusive and compassionate care. In her consulting role, Lisa brings the same passion, dedication, and expertise that made her an invaluable asset in our educational environment. Her commitment to inclusivity and empowering children with diverse needs is truly unparalleled. I wholeheartedly recommend Lisa for anyone seeking a consultant with a genuine passion for making a positive impact on the lives of children and families.
Kim, Physical Therapist, DSc, PCS
I had the pleasure of working with Lisa Link with LALECS last year, when my son’s school was struggling to get his needs met with his current IEP. Lisa is an outstanding educational advocate, and she worked diligently to assure that my child had both services and accommodations he needed at school to thrive. At our initial meeting, Lisa asked questions and took notes on our case, and then followed up and scheduled a school visit to observe my son in his educational environment. She was always available if I had questions that would arise in the process. Lisa works confidently and collaboratively with educators, all while focusing on what is best for the child. Lisa’s background as educator allows her to really understand what is working, or what may need to be changed. She can bring reasonable suggestions to the IEP meeting and share them with the team. She has the remarkable ability to keep the meeting on track and steer the focus where it needs to be. She can handle any conflict that may arise with a calmness that brings everyone back to the common goal of doing what is best for the student. She also has a thorough knowledge of student and parent rights. Lisa can build positive relationships with educators, always takes a collaborative and supportive approach, and strives for the successful outcome of the student. I could not be happier with how my son is now doing in school, based on Lisa’s advocacy. I would highly recommend Lisa to anyone who is thinking about hiring an advocate for their child.
Tamra, Mother
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to provide a testimonial for Lisa and her new venture, LAL Educational Consulting Services, LLC. I had the privilege of working closely with Lisa from 2015 to 2020, and her guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping my professional journey. Lisa’s expertise and dedication to supporting educators in meeting the needs of diverse learners are unparalleled. Under her mentorship, I was able to significantly improve my instructional practices to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, were receiving the support they needed to thrive academically and personally. Even as I transitioned into an administrative role, Lisa remained a trusted resource and advisor. I regularly consult with her to gain insights and strategies that enable me to make meaningful and lasting changes within our educational community, particularly for students with disabilities. Lisa’s passion for “supporting the supporters” is evident in every interaction and recommendation she provides. Her commitment to inclusivity drives her work, and I am continually inspired by her dedication to making a difference in the lives of students and educators alike. I have no doubt that Lisa’s consulting firm will be a tremendous asset to schools and educational organizations seeking to create positive and inclusive learning environments. I wholeheartedly recommend LAL Educational Consulting Services, LLC to anyone looking to enhance their practices and make a real difference in the lives of students.
Jeremy, Principal
I am delighted to share my experience with Lisa Link of LAL Educational Consulting Services, LLC, an extraordinary special education consultant whose expertise has significantly impacted the Glendale-River Hills School District. Working with Lisa Link has been nothing short of transformative for the teams she has served. Lisa brings a unique blend of knowledge, experience, compassion, and innovation to the field of special education. Lisa has supported the Glendale-River Hills School District through coaching educational teams. Lisa was able to grow instructional practices and educational programming that allows teams to foster a positive, proactive, and inclusive learning environment. She effectively collaborates with educators, parents, and students, creating a unified approach to learning and behavior needs. Lisa has a remarkable ability to communicate complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner. Lisa has provided ongoing support and guidance to staff, ensuring that the strategies implemented yield sustainable results. She has empowered educators through tailored recommendations that align with the unique culture and challenges of our educational community. Her work has grown the capacity of our educational teams in a way that will have a lasting impact on the lives of students and within our school community.
Kelli, Director of Special Education and Student Services