Highlands
District Resources

Highlands County resources related to the transition of students with disabilities are provided in multiple categories in the box to the right. Some resources may be included in more than one category.

Local School District Resources

Highlands County Schools - Exceptional Student Education

Exceptional Student Education Director
Pam Lanier, Director | lanierp@highlands.k12.fl.us
(863) 471-5583

Exceptional Student Education Transition Contacts
Heather McClelland | mcclellh@highlands.k12.fl.us
Darbi Allred | AllredD@highlands.k12.fl.us 
(863) 471-5585

Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services 
Melissa Blackman | blackmam@highlands.k12.fl.us
(863) 471-5567

Department of Juvenile Justice
Diane Andrews Ramos | AndrewsD1@highlands.k12.fl.us
(863) 471-5326
Supports youth returning from DJJ programs to re-enter school, assists with transferring and receiving educational records and provides information to districts on local school options for returning DJJ students

Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
Rebecca Cox | rebeccacox@heartland.org
(863) 531-0444 ext. 232
Provides diagnostic and instructional support services to district exceptional student education programs and families of students with exceptionalities statewide

Keiser University Multidisciplinary Center
(888) 453-4737 ext. 301
The Keiser University Multidisciplinary Center (KUMDC) is one of six regional Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Multidisciplinary Centers providing a range of services including screenings, assessments, mentoring for children and youth at risk for or who have been identified as having complex medical, educational, emotional or behavioral problems and other risk factors for poor educational/academic outcomes. KUMDC also provides consultation, technical assistance, and pre-service and in-service training.  

Multiagency Network for Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (SEDNET)
Hilary Grondin | Hilary.grondin@polk-fl.net
Enhances the system of care for families and students with emotional disabilities through facilitation, collaboration, and direct intervention, as well as research and development, with a network of key stakeholders