Meet Starting Point Services for Children’s Executive Director

Neil Maron, Ph.D.

Dr. Neil Maron has been the leader of Starting Point Services for Children since its inception in 1995. An innovative and creative leader in the field of special education, Dr. Maron has well-earned the full confidence of the Board of Director’s of Starting Point Services for Children, Inc. by guiding our not-for-profit agency through its start-up phase and continuing on through the its present period of growth and expansion.

Dr. Maron’s professional training laid the foundation for his later achievements with Starting Point. His own educational background includes not only a doctorate in clinical psychology, but also coursework in education and public administration. He has specific expertise in neurodevelopment and assessment, especially with students who are English language learners. An energetic and life-long learner himself, Dr. Maron has a special affinity for both parents of children with special needs and the often over-looked quiet children with special needs.

Dr. Maron has manifested the foresight and determination required to build Starting Point Services for Children into a special education program approved by the NYS Education Department by employing only the most innovative and progressive intervention modalities. His consistent commitment to quality and positive results for his students underscores his every decision. Under Dr. Maron’s leadership, Starting Point provides services such as Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT), related services, and the agency’s newest approved program, special class in an integrated setting (SC/IS). Every model the agency implements focuses on supporting and intervening with young disabled students in the least restrictive environment.

Dr. Maron has set the tone for Starting Point with his steadfast commitment not only to the incredible potential of young children with disabilities to change, grow and develop, but also to making sure each child builds and maintains a strong bond with her/his family and community. Dr. Maron has never looked to segregate disabled children, but rather to support and include them in the activities of all young children. He knows that a respectful and collaborative relationship with the families of the agency’s students is critical to student outcomes and the stability of the family. He also brings an unflagging energy to educating members of the community about the incredible potential of special education interventions to enable those with disabilities to be full participants in all that life has to offer.

Dr. Maron readily acknowledges that the vision he shares with the Board of Directors of Starting Point Services for Children could never have been realized without the dedication, eagerness, energy and support of all of the individuals who are employed by the agency. By developing and encouraging both professionals and support staff, Dr. Maron guarantees that Starting Point’s students can become ever more capable and successful. Providing great services to young children and their families is a team effort and in every way imaginable Dr. Maron is the leader of Starting Point’s team.

Starting Point’s motto is “We start by caring.” This website is just one more way in which Starting Point and its Executive Director, Dr. Neil Maron, are seeking new methods to engage and sustain children and their families within our larger community by providing information and making connections. Welcome to the Starting Point family!