Ashley D. Holbert Swestyn, M.S. ED
Welcome! I’m Ashley Swestyn—special education consultant, advocate, and proud parent. With over 13 years in the field and firsthand experience raising children with Autism, ADHD, and PTSD, I understand the journey you're on. I created Specially Designed Education Consulting, LLC to support families like yours in navigating IEPs, 504 plans, and inclusive educational pathways. Whether you're looking for guidance, advocacy, or someone who truly understands—I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
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Client Ratings
Outstanding
Technical Guidance
100%
Excellent Service
Flawless
Customer Support
Personal Experience
My commitment to special education is rooted in both personal experience and professional dedication. Inspired by my grandfather, whom despite being unable to read or write, built successful businesses that continue today, I’ve always believed in the limitless potential of individuals with disabilities. That belief became deeply personal as I navigated my own journey as a mother to children with Autism, ADHD, and PTSD, gaining invaluable perspective into the unique challenges families face.
With over 13 years of classroom experience, primarily in self-contained settings supporting students with intellectual disabilities, I developed a strong foundation in specialized instruction and inclusive practices. Transitioning from the classroom to advocacy allowed me to broaden my impact supporting families through the complexities of the special education process, attending IEP and 504 meetings, and facilitating meaningful collaboration between families and school teams.
Academically, I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education from Waynesburg University and a Master of Science in Special Education from Drexel University, where I focused on Autism Spectrum Disorders and special education law. I was honored to be the first recipient of Drexel’s Michel Miller Award for Excellence in Special Education.
Today, as the founder of Specially Designed Education Consulting, I continue to champion inclusive access and equitable opportunities for all learners. I also serve on the board of 3DA, a nonprofit advocating for legal access to assistive technology, and recently accepted a leadership position as Director of Special Education at a private school, where I’m working to design and implement a comprehensive, inclusive program.
Work Experience
Master of Science in Special Education
Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA – Spring 2016
Graduated with a 4.0 GPA | Focus: Autism Spectrum Disorders and Collaborative Laws & Processes of Special Education
Conducted graduate research on paired prompting vs. verbal prompting strategies for elementary students with autism.
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary & Special Education
Waynesburg University, Waynesburg, PA – Spring 2011
Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.75 GPA
Special Education Consultant – Present
Providing advocacy, program design, and family support services through Specially Designed Education Consulting.Director of Special Education, Private School – Present
Leading development of an inclusive program, supervising staff, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.High School Special Education Teacher (Self‑Contained Classroom) – 2020 – 2023
Taught English, Reading, and History to students with intellectual disabilities; developed individualized curricula and behavior plans.Middle School Special Education Teacher (Self‑Contained Classroom) – 2016 – 2020
Implemented evidence‑based instruction and functional behavior strategies for students with diverse learning needs.Intervention Representative – 2016
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate academic and behavioral interventions.Educational Advocate – 2014 – 2016
Assisted families with IEP/504 processes, dispute resolution, and implementation of student‑centered supports.Substitute Teacher (Emotional Behavior, Autism Support, Learning Support) – 2011 – 2014
Provided classroom coverage across multiple special education settings, maintaining instructional continuity.Student Teacher – 2010 – 2011
Completed placements in Elementary, Elementary Special Education, and Secondary Special Education classrooms, building foundational teaching skills.
Ashley is certified to teach in four states and holds multiple endorsements that support her work with a wide range of learning and behavioral needs:
Florida
Exceptional Student Education (K–12)
Elementary Education (K–6)
Autism Endorsement
Reading Endorsement
ESOL Endorsement
Pennsylvania
Elementary Education (K–6)
Special Education (K–12)
Autism Endorsement
South Carolina
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Special Education: Multi-Categorical
ESOL
Read to Succeed Endorsement
West Virginia (Prior Certifications)
Autism (PK–Adult)
Elementary Education (K–6)
Multi-Categorical Special Education (K–Adult)
Preschool Special Needs
Dean’s List
Waynesburg University — Recognized for academic excellence throughout undergraduate studies.Michel Miller Award of Excellence in Special Education
Drexel University School of Education, June 2016 — First-ever recipient of this award, honoring outstanding dedication and contribution to the field of special education.Drexel Dragon of the Month
January 2017 — Featured by Drexel University for exceptional commitment to advocacy and academic leadership.
Kappa Delta Pi
International Honor Society in EducationCouncil for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Active member since 2016; regularly reviews proposals for the CEC National ConferenceCouncil of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
Member since 2022, supporting legal advocacy and family rights in special educationBoard Member, 3DA
Serving on the board of 3DA, a nonprofit organization advocating for access to assistive technology and disability rightsGroup Professional Development Workshops
Leads training sessions on a wide range of special education topics, with a focus on practical implementation within school environments.Collaborative Practice Training
Facilitates workshops that promote effective team collaboration to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
