Meet the team
Unveiling the Heart and Minds Behind Our Mission
In the tapestry of life, every thread weaves a unique story, and every story shapes the world we inhabit. Welcome to our virtual haven, where compassionate souls unite under the banner of special education advocacy. As you step into our realm, you are not just meeting a team; you are meeting a collective heartbeat, a symphony of voices, and a tapestry of unwavering dedication.
Sophia Cousins
Lead Advocate/Case Strategist/Founder & CEO
Sophia, a dynamic and determined woman, found her true purpose through her journey as a mother and advocate. Her life took an unexpected turn when her special needs son entered the world, igniting a fire within her to drive change in the realm of education. With unyielding dedication, she transformed herself into a beacon of hope for countless families navigating the complexities of special education.
In the heart of New York City, Sophia's relentless pursuit of justice led her to become a trailblazing Special Education advocate. Armed with a wealth of personal experience and an unwavering commitment, she fearlessly took on the bureaucratic behemoth of the NYC Department of Education. Her groundbreaking efforts reached unprecedented heights when she secured a landmark victory in the US Federal Court Eastern District of New York, setting a precedent that would reverberate across the nation.
With over two decades of hands-on experience, Sophia has honed her expertise in the intricate landscape of special education. Through countless battles, negotiations, and collaborations, she has tirelessly fought for the rights and well-being of students with disabilities within the public school system. Sophia’s name has become synonymous with empowerment, her passion for change radiating through her every action.
Sophia’s impact extends far beyond legal victories. Her legacy lives in the lives she’s touched, the families she’s empowered, and the futures she’s shaped. A fierce advocate, a compassionate ally, and a tireless champion, Sophia remains dedicated to her mission of transforming public education into an inclusive haven for all. Through her unbreakable spirit, she continues to inspire change, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of education and the hearts of those she’s touched.
Baggio Cousins-Smith
Research Assistant and Community Liaison
Meet the inspiration behind the Aisles of Learning motif
Baggio Cousins-Smith, son of CEO and Lead Advocate Sophia Cousins, embodies the spirit of resilience and dedication that drives Aisles of Learning. As the Research Assistant and Community Liaison, Baggio is the “hands on deck” behind numerous education initiatives, delving into the social and emotional gaps that students experience within the school system. His journey as an advocate is both personal and professional, bringing a unique synergy to the team, especially as he navigates his own experiences with a disability.
With a penchant for people and a natural inquisitiveness, Baggio thrives in formulating strategies that break barriers in education and corporate spaces alike. His focus includes speaking at conferences and seminars, championing Special Education, and addressing corporate responsibility through DEI initiatives that promote inclusivity for employees with disabilities. His union of research, empathy, and hands-on community work is a cornerstone of the Aisles of Learning mission.
Baggio’s ability to foster collaboration, his mindfulness in learning and implementing innovative solutions, and his passion for fortifying communities makes him an essential part of the Aisles of Learning team. What Baggio brings strengthens the company’s resolve to dismantle barriers, inspiring a journey toward a more inclusive and empowered future for students and professionals alike.
Anastasia Mighty- B.A, Certified PMP
Director Of Project Management
Anastasia Mighty is the newest addition to the Aisles Of Learning Special Education Advocacy firm, bringing with her an impressive portfolio of management skills and experiences accumulated over a decade. Her expertise spans across various sectors, highlighting her versatility and capability to navigate complex challenges with ease. She brings six years of project management expertise and holds a PMP certification, consistently delivering projects and programs with precision and efficiency. As a mother of three, she finds joy in creating programs and workshops that benefit both students and parents, drawing on her passion for working with children. Anastasia is eager to be part of Aisles of Learning, a pioneering company dedicated to providing solutions, support, advocacy, and consulting for families with special needs children. She is wholeheartedly committed to positively impacting the lives of these families through her professional skills and personal dedication. Anastasia's role at Aisles Of Learning is multifaceted and pivotal to the firm's mission. As the overseer of the Community Outreach Programs, she is tasked with the critical responsibility of ensuring these initiatives reach all stakeholders effectively and efficiently. Working closely with the CEO, Anastasia is instrumental in the seamless execution of these programs, embodying the firm's commitment to excellence and impact.
Anastasia’s capabilities extend beyond management; she is a visionary in project planning and development. Her role at Aisles Of Learning includes the implementation of Restorative Practices and Techniques, a testament to her innovative approach to education and advocacy. By integrating restorative practices into the initiative’s curriculum and activities, Anastasia is setting new standards for how educational programs can foster inclusive and supportive environments. Her efforts to design interactive exercises aimed at minimizing bullying are revolutionary, demonstrating her deep understanding of the challenges faced by the special education community.
Moreover, Anastasia’s keen eye for monitoring the effectiveness of guided and demonstrative techniques used in the program underscores her commitment to continuous improvement and excellence. Her ability to assess and refine educational strategies ensures that Aisles Of Learning’s programs are not only impactful but also sustainable.
Aisles Of Learning is thrilled to have Anastasia Mighty on our team. Her unparalleled management skills, coupled with her innovative approach to project planning and development, make her an invaluable asset to the firm. Anastasia’s dedication to implementing restorative practices and her meticulous oversight of the Community Outreach Programs are pivotal to achieving the firm’s vision. As she works closely with the CEO and the rest of the Aisles Of Learning team, Anastasia’s influence is poised to propel the firm to new heights, ensuring that every initiative is executed with precision and purpose. Her presence at Aisles Of Learning is a beacon of hope and progress, emblematic of the firm’s bright future in education advocacy.
Rachel McDaniel - B.A.
Certified Paralegal
Rachel McDaniel is a highly experienced legal professional with over 15 years of experience in the legal field. She graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with an Associates in Liberal Arts with honors, and went on to earn a Bachelors degree in individualized studies with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude and University Honors and a concentration in law.
Rachel is a first year law student who has a deep passion for advocating for families with children who have special needs and require an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan. As a mother of a son with special needs who has an IEP, Rachel brings both her legal expertise and personal experience to the table.
Rachel is excited to be a part of Aisles of Learning, a company that provides solutions, support, advocacy, and consulting for families with children who have special needs. With Rachel’s legal experience and personal experience, she will be an invaluable asset to the company and to the families they serve. Rachel is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of children with special needs and their families.
Haley Karen - Ed.M., M.A., NCSP
Certified National School Psychologist
Haley Karen joined Aisles of Learning with over 10 years of experience in the Pre-K-12 education space. Before joining the Aisles of Learning team, Haley was a Tenured School Psychologist in the New York City Department of Education. As a School Psychologist, she has experience supporting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of students from diverse backgrounds and needs.
She has experience serving as District Representative at IEP meetings, collecting and analyzing data to make informed recommendations, conducting psycho-educational evaluations and reviewing findings with parents. Haley is certified by the New York State Education Department and the National Association of School Psychologists, and holds a Master of Education and a Master of Arts in School Psychology from Teachers College of Columbia University.
Dana Carbonara - B.S, M.S. Ed
Special Education Teacher
Dana Carbonara is a behaviorist and special educator with over 10 years of experience in the New York school systems. She holds a Registered Behavior Technician certification and three New York State certifications in childhood education and special education. She is skilled in applied behavior analysis, curriculum development, social emotional learning, trauma informed teaching, and consulting.
Most recently, she is working for Aisles of Learning, dedicating her time to working with families in helping them navigate the IEP process, ensuring their child receive appropriate supports. She is passionate about stimulating the imagination of children and empowering them to take pride in who they are. She is also interested in the potential of AI and EdTech to transform the lives of students with special needs, as well as the school day. She strives for equity and equality within the school systems. She is currently pursuing her Board License in Behavior Analysis and Board License in Advocacy for Special Education. Additionally, she is enrolled in a graduate program to earn a degree as a School Building Leader. Her goal is to be part of the change that she wants to see in the future of the education system.
Crystal Evans-- B.A., CBDP, SMPS
Business Development Strategist
Crystal Evans is an author and business consultant who now serves as the Head of Business Development for Aisles of Learning in New York City. With a background in running BPO agencies and business development, she helps businesses adopt advanced technological solutions like AI, SaaS, and BaaS. Known for her leadership and commitment to community empowerment, Evans also works to inspire and uplift youth from underserved areas in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Crystal Evans’ commitment to Aisles of Learning stems from her passion for fostering growth and innovation in both businesses and communities. As the Head of Business Development, she brings a wealth of experience in helping companies leverage emerging technologies and streamline their processes. Her vision for Aisles of Learning is not only to drive sales and expand market reach but also to create sustainable educational solutions that empower both entrepreneurs and underserved communities. Evans expects to lead the team with a focus on innovation, aiming to integrate cutting-edge business strategies that position Aisles of Learning as a leader in education advocacy, consulting and education initiatives that serve school districts, organizations and mid-level and multi-national corporations.
Her long-term commitment involves building strategic partnerships, boosting organizational growth, and ensuring that Aisles of Learning becomes a catalyst for positive change both in New York City and internationally. She envisions a future where the organization’s work contributes to community empowerment, aligning with her ongoing mission to uplift disadvantaged groups and inspire the next generation of leaders.
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From the fiery spark of inception to the steady flame of perseverance, our journey has been one of illumination. We are more than the sum of our roles; we are the architects of hope, the advocates of possibility, and the champions of every student whose potential knows no bounds.
