Elisa Chrem
Over the past 20 years as the Clinical Director at Imagine Academy, a special education school, I have learned many valuable lessons about what truly makes a program successful. More importantly, I have learned what families need and deserve when they entrust a school with their child’s education, development, and well-being.
One of the most important lessons I have learned is the value of continuous professional growth. While I believe Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provides an excellent framework for teaching and skill development, I also know that truly exceptional programs extend far beyond any single methodology. I believe staff must be equipped not only to teach academic and functional skills, but also to build meaningful relationships, support emotional development, navigate challenging behaviors thoughtfully, and communicate effectively with families.
For this reason, our team has made ongoing professional development a cornerstone of our program. Over the past eight years, we have engaged in advanced training and mentorship with leading experts in child development, psychology, and education. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that our entire staff is equipped with the most current, research-informed practices and allows us to provide the highest level of support for our students and families. Most recently, our team participated in intensive training focused on supporting children through moments of crisis and emotional dysregulation, strengthening our ability to respond with compassion, understanding, and individualized care. These experiences continue to shape a school culture where every professional is learning, growing, and working together to help each child reach their fullest potential.
Another important consideration I discuss with families is the benefit of keeping children within their local community whenever possible. In my experience, long commutes can add unnecessary stress to both students and their families, often impacting energy, engagement, and overall quality of life. I have found that community-based programs offer something invaluable: a deep understanding of the families they serve.
As a member of the Sephardic community, I am proud that Imagine Academy is part of that community as well. I understand the values, traditions, and priorities that are important to the families I serve. This shared understanding allows me to build stronger partnerships with parents and create a more connected and supportive educational experience. I have seen firsthand how comforting it can be for families to know that their child’s school understands their culture, speaks their language, and is invested in the long-term success of the community.
I also take tremendous pride in the professionals who make up our clinical team. I have worked hard to recruit, train, and mentor therapists who have achieved advanced levels of expertise and who have played significant roles in supervising and supporting professionals throughout our community. Their knowledge and experience contribute to a level of service that is both comprehensive and highly individualized.
Another lesson I have learned is the importance of having a clearly defined mission. I believe that a successful program must understand exactly who it serves and be intentional in creating an environment that meets those students’ needs. At Imagine Academy, I carefully consider each child’s profile to ensure that the program is the right fit and that I can provide the support, structure, and opportunities necessary for meaningful growth. My focus has never been on filling seats; it has always been on delivering exceptional outcomes for the students entrusted to my care.
My experience has also taught me that the highest-quality special education programs are multidisciplinary in nature. I believe effective support requires a deep understanding of education, communication, behavior, social-emotional development, and mental health. When I bring together professionals from multiple disciplines and encourage true collaboration, I am able to view each child through a comprehensive lens and provide the greatest opportunity for success.
Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. I am honored that so many families place their trust in me and in Imagine Academy. I remain committed to providing the highest level of professional expertise, compassionate care, and individualized support for every child who walks through our doors.
Choose experience. Choose expertise. Choose a school that is deeply invested in your child’s success. For more information, a tour, or simply a conversation about your child’s needs, please contact me at echrem@imagineacademy.com.
Elisa Chrem is a licensed School Building Leader with master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Speech-Language Pathology, as well as certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities. She also holds an Expert Training Certificate in DIR® (Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based Therapy) and has advanced training in PROMPT and DTTC. Throughout her career, Elisa has remained committed to expanding her knowledge and expertise in order to provide the highest level of support to children, families, and professionals in the field of special education.
