Rachel Chidester

Amy Cobert

Rachel Chidester, M.S.

Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialist


Rachel received her B.S. in Elementary and Special Education (K-12) in 2003. She worked as a Special Education Teacher in the Albemarle County Public Schools from 2003-2007. In 2007, she started providing one-on-one academic services for students in their homes.

Rachel completed her M.S. in Special Education and Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialist certification in 2015. Part of her coursework included a year-long intensive internship at the Virginia Institute of Autism, where she provided students with academic, social, and behavioral supports based on the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis. Rachel’s academic research included topics such as best practices in the inclusion of all students, special education law, and the positive outcomes of home/school collaboration.

Rachel lives in Crozet with her husband, Jeff, and three children, Tyler, Addie, and Max.

Rachel’s IEP services include parent consults, IEP/educational planning, and IEP meeting attendance. Her goals are to help parents better understand the IEP process and their rights as well as help them ensure that their child gets the most appropriate and meaningful education possible.

IMPORTANT LINKS

American Academy of Special Education Professionals:
Common Purpose, Uncommon Results: A Literacy Collaboration for a Preschooler with Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond:
View Website

OFFERINGS
  • Behavioral Therapy
  • ABA Therapy
  • IEP Consultation
  • SPED Math Tutoring
  • SPED Reading Tutoring
  • Down Syndrome Support

Rachel Chidester has provided exceptional tutoring and consultation services to my son with ASD.  Her ABA training, teaching expertise and knowledge of the school system and IEP services sets her apart.  She was able to pinpoint academic struggles and use well-researched strategies to help him overcome challenges.