LIZ GOLDMAN-SIDER, ESQ, E-RYT, CLC, CYPFC
Lead Coach
Liz is a graduate of the World Coach Institute (WCI), an internationally recognized provider of professional coaching programs. After completing an in-depth initial training program, Liz was awarded certification and the professional designation of Certified Life Coach (CLC). Looking to specialize in working with children and families, Liz returned to WCI for additional coursework, where she was awarded specialized certification and the professional designation of Certified Youth, Parent & Family Coach (CYPFC).
As a former Assistant District Attorney and the mother of two daughters, Liz understands the challenges of balancing life, work and family. In pursuit of balance and focus, she became a Registered Yoga Teacher with additional yoga certifications in teaching children, teens and students with exceptional needs. While working with children, Liz listened to them tell countless stories of how anxiety provoking the pace of life is for them in today’s culture. While working with adults, she was overwhelmed by how many parents were searching for a respite from their home life and the challenges of raising “modern” children.
In her own words...
"Universally, families are struggling. The impact of today’s academic pressures, social media exposure, perfectionism, bullying and over-scheduling is troubling. In response to the looming impact from the fallout of the 'new normal,' I pursued the opportunity to be part of the solution. I chose to be instrumental in correcting the dangerous path that some of our children follow. Hoping to use my past careers, personal experiences and passion for working with the 'next generation,' I became a Certified Life Coach specializing in working with children, adolescents, teens and their families. It was the best decision I ever made. I LOVE my work, and, as far as I can tell, my clients are thrilled with their results. They make amazing strides and we enjoy the entire process as a team."
EVE DWORKIN-McGUIRE, MEd, MSEd, EISI
Early Childhood Special Educator & Interventionist
After 16 years as a Special Educator and Early Interventionist for the public school system, Eve is taking her expertise in supporting and educating atypical learners and their families into the private sector. After two years of work toward a degree in Family and Community Services, Eve was selected to intern at the Delaware Autism Program. Bearing witness to the impact proper support, training and interventions can have on a child’s success, Eve was compelled to embark on a new path toward educating and training the ASD and atypical learning community, and their families.
Eve earned her MEd, and MSEd while working at Small Steps, an Early Intervention center in Nyack, New York. Over the next 13 years, Eve taught students in grades K through 3, with a focus on students who have exceptional needs. During her tenure with the Department of Education, Eve was part of the amazing team that launched the groundbreaking “ASD Nest Program”; an educational model where students who have ASD are integrated into general education settings. Eve’s professional roles have included EI special instructor, classroom teacher, cluster teacher, mentor, PTA liaison, behavior specialist, IEP team leader, and Nest Cabinet VP. Outside of the school setting, Eve visits clients’ homes and observes the unique rhythm each family has. With this insight, Eve is able to collaborate with families to create personalized plans for success. As a parent advocate and panel member for the Committee on Special Education (for both preschool and grade school), Eve has unique insight into both sides of the process. She has an exceptional track record of success in obtaining IFSPs and IEPs for her students; even in the most tenuous of circumstances. Eve is the mother of two boys, Oliver and Arthur; who has ASD. The AAFC crew always tells Eve how lucky Arthur (and of course Ollie:) is to have her as a mother…and we REALLY mean it!
In her own words...
“Now that my son Arthur has been diagnosed with ASD, I am more aware than ever how important the partnership between each family and their specialists is. This relationship is the foundation for success for atypical learners. You can read every book, take every class and attend every conference; but nothing prepares you for the daily challenges of parenting a child with ASD. Before I became a mother, I only knew how to address these challenges as a professional. Mothering Arthur has provided me a mirror, rather than a window, into the world of parenting a child with unique needs. I watch other parents at the playground and am constantly reminded that my child, and my life, are not what I planned for. But, each day I also observe my amazing son overcoming the things that I have been told he wouldn’t, and I feel like the luckiest mother not only at the playground, but in the entire world.”
ROBERTA GOLDMAN, MA, MS, PD
Gramarian & Writing Consultant
Roberta joined the Adventure Ahead team after a long and distinguished career with the NYC Board of Education. The majority of her 40-year tenure was spent as a principal at a number of NYC high schools and toward the end of her career, Roberta was handpicked to establish and run one of NYC’s first charter schools. After retiring, she stayed on with the Board as a consultant, mentoring newly appointed principals throughout the city for several years.
Roberta is the quintessential grammarian. With a BA and MA in Literature, another MA in Education, being just shy of a PhD, and the ability to speak several languages, her love of the written and spoken word is evident. Her dedication to, and concern for, her students stands out the minute you meet her. It is this unique combination that makes her a very sought after professional when it comes to helping our clients navigate the written portions of the college application process.
Roberta provides a thoughtful and skilled ‘second set of eyes’ to make certain that essays and additional information questions on applications are met with a positive response. She provides constructive criticism, suggests edits and provides ideas to those who are struggling with inspiration.