About the Director

About five years ago, certified Special Education teacher, Lesli Bernanke, left the public school sector. After several years witnessing the struggles that both children and families were going through, she decided to start her own company; Under the Umbrella. this became the missing link in which families were able to find assistance in the areas of advocacy and awareness, homeschool design and implementation, teacher and staff training, one-to-one academic therapy and referrals to support specialists. Lesli’s specialty is designing and implementing appropriate strategies and modifications for non-typical learners to bridge the gap within social, academic, and sensory development.

Prior to starting the pilot program, Lesli worked in several areas, including the public and private school sectors. Lesli has been a special educator for over ten years and is currently in private practice. Lesli works with children diagnosed with various learning disABILITIES and neurological deficits.

Lesli Bernanke is the Founder and Director of Under the Umbrella. Under the Umbrella began as a pilot program the summer of 2007, specifically designed for children diagnosed on the Autism spectrum. Lesli has always envisioned a place in which children are able to receive the appropriate services and both children and their families are successful in all areas of development. Lesli’s dream and mission is to engage all young learners in the areas of academic, social, and emotional growth by providing a natural, yet structured environment that welcomes and accommodates each child's unique personality Lesli continues to educate herself, and others, by reaching out to the community and networking with other professionals who can offer innovative interventions and knowledge.

Lesli continues to bring awareness to the community by speaking at various seminars and conferences. The majority of her speaking engagements include speaking to parents and professionals regarding Special Education Services, Educational Strategies, Developing Goals and Objectives that are appropriate per individual child, and providing resources so that families are able to make informed decisions regarding their children’s needs.

Lesli has been married for eight years and has two boys ages 6 and 2.5. She continues to educate herself regarding Early Interventions and their Effectiveness on the Core Symptoms of Autism.

Leslie Bernanke's resume is available for review..