Retired Executive Director

Dr. Shamow, a 2004 winner of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award,  holds her doctoral degree in Psychology with a specialization in behavior analysis from the City University of New York, and has over 20 years of training and experience in behavior analysis. She earned a Professional Diploma in Education Administration from Long Island Unversity in 1992, and is a certified School Psychologist holding New York State certification in School District Administration and Supervision. Her expertise includes the design and supervision of academic and treatment programs for preschool and school age children with autism.

Prior to joining Ascent, Dr. Shamow was instrumental in the development of The Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism’s Martin C. Barell School, serving as Principal of the school from its formation in November 1992 to July 1998. Prior to her tenure at the Martin C. Barell School, she served as Psychology Coordinator at the Association for Children and Adults with Learning and Developmental Disabilities (ACLD). While at ACLD, Dr. Shamow developed the organization’s LEAP program, which used peer models to assist preschool children with autism. She serves on the Executive Board of the Autism Coalition of the Empire State (ACES), a coalition of parents and professionals representing over thirty-eight autism groups throughout the State of NY.

Dr. Shamow has lectured at C.W. Post College of Long Island University, and Queens and Brooklyn Colleges of the City University of New York. In 1998, she presented a one week symposium on the “Education and Treatment of Children with Autism” to the Oregon State Education Department. Dr. Shamow has presented at the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis, the Association for Behavior Analysis, and the New York State Speech and Hearing Association, and in 1999 co-authored a chapter entitled “Teaching Students with Autism”.