Advancing Excellence in Specialized Education: The WSOC Schools Model for Low Incidence Disabilities and Behavioral & Emotional Regulation Support Needs

Authors

  • Mary O’Neill Woods Services
  • Susan Lafferty Archway Programs
  • Nina Wall Woods System of Care
  • Jordan Hollander Woods System of Care
  • Nicholas Torres Unniversity of Pennsylvania

Keywords:

Specialized education, Low incidence disabilities, Autism support, Emotional and behavioral regulation, Individualized instruction, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Person-centered planning, Lifespan autism services, Culturally responsive practices, Inclusive education

Abstract

The Woods System of Care (WSOC) Schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are transforming specialized education by delivering highly individualized, multidisciplinary, and lifespan- oriented supports for students with low-incidence disabilities, emotional support needs, and autism. Grounded in a whole-child philosophy and the principle “Nothing About Us Without Us,” WSOC integrates academic instruction, therapeutic services, functional skill-building, and transition preparation to ensure students thrive in school and adulthood. Through evidence-based practices, team-based learning environments, strong family partnerships, and expanded autism services across the lifespan, WSOC aims to become a regional and national leader in specialized education. Its model emphasizes personalized learning, communication supports, emotional and behavioral regulation, vocational readiness, and culturally responsive care, demonstrating that with the right environment, every student can achieve meaningful academic, social, and life outcomes.

Author Biographies

Mary O’Neill, Woods Services

Mary O’Neill is Woods Services School Administrator for both Gardner and Crestwood School with a demonstrated track record of driving educational excellence and fostering a positive learning environment. Mary’s leadership abilities and practical communication skills have resulted in collaborative relationships with staff, students and parents, resulting in improved academic outcomes. Mary’s experience in the field of special education includes several decades as a teacher in the Philadelphia School District, supervisor of special education in the Phoenixville Area School District and as the Director of Student Services in Washington South Supervisory Union in Vermont. She received her master’s in education from Lock Haven University, K-12 Principal Certification from University of Pittsburg, K-12 Special Education Supervisor Certification from California University of PA and a bachelor’s in special education from Chestnut Hill College. 

Susan Lafferty, Archway Programs

Susan (Sue) Lafferty is the Education Executive Director at Archway where she oversees six specialized schools across New Jersey. She has led the design, development, and management of the Archway Schools for over 40 years. Sue received her master’s in education administration in 1996 from Glassboro State College. Sue is an outstanding individual who genuinely cares about her students and has a special gift of educating and connecting with specialized populations. 

Nina Wall, Woods System of Care

Nina Wall, MSS, LSW, is a clinician and systems design expert with more than two decades of experience supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities across the lifespan. She earned her Master of Social Service degree from the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, where she is recognized as a Distinguished Alumna. Prior to joining the Woods System of Care, Nina served for 18 years in Pennsylvania state government, leading efforts to advance integrated, person-centered systems of care for individuals with autism and their families.

Jordan Hollander, Woods System of Care

Jordan Hollander is a Behavior Certified Behavior Analyst with over 15 years of experience providing person-centered behavioral interventions for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. He earned his master’s degree in education from Kutztown University and completed a Post-Graduate Certificate and Supervision Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis at Pennsylvania State University. Jordan currently works as the Senior Director of Autism Clinical Strategy, Excellence and Training at Woods System of Care. Prior to joining Woods, Jordan worked at the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs as a Senior Clinical Consultant to the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations and as the founding Clinical Director for the Therapeutic Recovery Team within the Bureau of State Operated Facilities. 

Nicholas Torres, Unniversity of Pennsylvania

Nicholas Torres, SVP for Education and Philanthropy at Woods System of Care (WSOC) is a seasoned and successful Business, Healthcare and Human Services Executive with over 25 years of experience in C-suite executive leadership, serving in CEO and C-Suite Consulting roles throughout his career in start-up, small, and large social sector organizations. Nicholas has worked at the cross section between the private sector, government, and not-for-profits aligning them toward action on mutually agreed upon strategies and goals. He has designed, founded, and led and managed multiple for-profit, not-for-profit, and cross organization/system social ventures that are driven by social impact, financial sustainability, and systems change. Outside of the WSOC Nicholas serves as Board President of Education Plus Health, supports The Network: Towards Unity for Health (TUFH) a non-state actor in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO); publishes the Social Innovations Journal and teaches at The Fels Institute of Government and Social Policy School at the University of Pennsylvania.

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Published

2025-12-11

How to Cite

O’Neill, M., Lafferty, S., Wall, N., Hollander, J., & Torres, N. (2025). Advancing Excellence in Specialized Education: The WSOC Schools Model for Low Incidence Disabilities and Behavioral & Emotional Regulation Support Needs. Social Innovations Journal, 34. Retrieved from https://socialinnovationsjournal.com/index.php/sij/article/view/11320

Issue

Vol. 34 (2025): Innovations and Models of Care in Health and Human Services: Advancing Care, Systems, and Policy for Complex Needs

Section

Workforce, Family, and Community Engagement in Human Services

Categories

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Copyright (c) 2025 Mary O’Neill, Susan Lafferty, Nina Wall, Jordan Hollander, Nicholas Torres (Author)

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