Laura Stelitano

Laura is a lifelong learner who is energized by new ideas and people. Her work is motivated by a desire to transform the school system to be equitable and inclusive so that all students can thrive. After working as a middle school special education teacher in Washington, DC, Laura worked to bring evidence-based practices and support to teachers across the country while working at a national technical assistance center. Working with school systems across the country sparked her desire to understand how people learn and how school systems change. Laura explored these questions while earning her Ph.D. in Learning Sciences and Policy. After graduating, she worked as a researcher for the RAND Corporation and the Center for Learner Equity. In these roles, she has led educational research and evaluations focused on teacher learning, school design, inclusive education, and school choice and education policy issues. 

Laura lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband and two kids. She has a BA in Anthropology from St. Vincent College, an M.Ed. in Special Education from George Mason University, and a Ph.D. in Learning Sciences and Policy from the University of Pittsburgh. She loves long walks, good food, black coffee, mysteries, and laughing.

Why this Work is Important to Me

Empowering young people who are neurodiverse is critical for a more equitable and vibrant society