Lori Graham brings 'children first' philosophy as White Plains' new secondary director of special education

With more than two decades of experience in special education and a lifelong passion for helping children reach their fullest potential, Lori Graham has joined the White Plains City School District as its new Secondary Director of Special Education.

Ms. Graham brings more than 20 years of experience serving students with disabilities in a variety of roles, beginning her career as a speech-language pathologist before advancing into educational leadership.

Most recently, she served as Supervisor of Special Education for the South Orangetown Central School District in Rockland County, where she oversaw all aspects of special education programming, including staff supervision, parent communication, professional development, budgeting, grants and partnerships with outside agencies.

Ms. Graham earned both her Bachelor of Science in Hearing and Speech Science and her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, with New York State teaching certification, from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

She later earned her School Building Leader Advanced Certification from the State University of New York at New Paltz, along with New York State School District Leader and School Building Leader professional certifications.

"I've always had a passion for special education," Ms. Graham said. "I knew early on that I wanted to help children, and the more experience I gained, the more I realized I wanted to be in a position where I could make an even greater impact."

Coming from a family of educators, Ms. Graham said her commitment to special education was inspired in part by her mother, who also worked in the field. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating opportunities that help students with disabilities succeed both in school and beyond graduation.

Ms. Graham began her career in 2002 as a speech-language pathologist at the East Ramapo Central School District, where she worked with students in grades K-12, providing speech-language therapy and conducting evaluations.

She joined the South Orangetown Central School District in 2009 as a speech-language pathologist, coordinating the middle school's Response to Intervention (RTI) program, serving as an RTI cohort leader and received advanced training to provide reading intervention support.

Her leadership responsibilities continued to grow as she became chairperson of a Committee on Special Education and Committee on Preschool Special Education before being promoted to Supervisor of Special Education in 2022.

"My philosophy is children first," Ms. Graham said. "Every child can learn and grow. Every student is an individual, and it's our responsibility as educators to figure out what works best for each child so they can reach their maximum potential."

Among the accomplishments she is most proud of are helping school districts expand specialized programming for students with significant learning needs and strengthening transition planning that prepares students for life after high school.

She has worked closely with families to connect students with services and supports that extend beyond the classroom, helping ensure they are equipped for college, careers, vocational programs or other post-secondary opportunities.

"Success looks different for every student," Ms. Graham said. "Our job is to help each one achieve the goals that are meaningful to them and their families."

She was recognized by the Rockland County School Boards Association in 2024, participated in the Collegial Circle of Aspiring and Advancing Women, earned a Harvard Business School Certificate in School Management and Leadership, and took part in the Columbia University New York Education Policy Fellowship Program.

She said one of her first priorities will be building strong relationships with students, families, teachers and administrators while continuing to enhance transition planning for students with Individualized Education Programs.

"White Plains already has an excellent continuum of programs for students," Ms. Graham said. "I'm looking forward to refining what's working well, finding opportunities to make those programs even stronger and ensuring that every student has access to the support they need."

Above all, she said she wants students, families and staff to know they have a collaborative partner.

"I'm passionate about helping kids," Ms. Graham said. "Whether it's a small gain or a big gain, every success matters. I'm here to support students, families and staff in any way I can, and I'm excited to be part of the White Plains community."