About Dr. Berlin

Dr. Dawn Berlin is an experienced consultant, advocate, and academic with over 30 years of expertise at the intersection of education and disability advocacy. Holding a Ph.D. from UCLA, she brings a deep, research-based understanding of behavior, learning, and communication to results-driven collaborative work with families and schools.

As a faculty member at California State University and lecturer at UCLA, Dr. Berlin developed and taught courses in classroom management, special education law, assessment, inclusion, and instructional strategies. Her teaching and administrative experience ranges from preschool through adult transition programs, across the continuum of services from general education through residential treatment centers and juvenile justice programs.

As an advocate, Dr. Berlin partners closely with families to help them navigate the often complex and overwhelming special education process. She offers a calm, student-centered approach—guiding parents to clarify their goals, understand their rights, and build collaborative, productive relationships with school teams. Her support empowers families to participate fully and effectively in shaping their child’s educational experience and long-term success.

Dr. Berlin also shares her expertise with educators through conference presentations and professional development workshops. Her goal is to advance inclusive practices and ensure that teachers and service providers are equipped with the tools and understanding they need to implement IEPs and support all learners.

With a career grounded in scholarship, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to equity, Dr. Berlin brings clarity, compassion, and expertise to every collaboration—supporting families, educators, and school communities in working together to help students thrive.