Nancy S. Songer, M.S.
The late Nan Songer was a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received an undergraduate degree in music education and in 1998 earned a graduate degree in early childhood special education. She taught in the Solvay School District in Solvay, New York, for 5 years and was a home visitor for many years as part of the FIRST LOOK project, a project dedicated to serving young children with behavioral and social emotional challenges and their families.
Ms. Songer had five children, two of whom received special education services during both their preschool and school-age years. She served on several disabilities-related community boards and was appointed as the chairperson of the New York State Interagency Coordinating Council by Governor Mario Cuomo, where she served from 1990–1992. As an adjunct faculty member, she taught graduate courses related to guiding children with challenging behaviors.
Ms. Songer's areas of expertise were children with challenging behaviors, working collaboratively with families, understanding the importance of observation during assessment, and using sensory strategies in early childhood settings.