Transition Specialists
Transition Specialists support schools, students, and families in planning for life beyond high school. Through targeted training and technical assistance, they help educators develop meaningful, student-centered transition plans that align with each learner’s goals, strengths, and needs. Whether pursuing employment, independent living, or further education, students with disabilities benefit from transition services that begin early and are integrated into the broader educational experience. Transition Specialists work closely with school teams to ensure those services are equitable, compliant, and focused on long-term success.
Keara Battisti has been with the CRPC since the fall of 2015 through the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES and in the field of Special Education for 19 years. Her background in education began with an undergraduate degree from Utica College of Syracuse University followed by Master’s degree in Special Education for SUNY New Paltz, Master’s degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment from Walden University and lastly a Certificate of Advanced Study in Administration from SUNY Cortland.
Over the course of almost two decades, 16 years were in the classroom working with grades spanning first through twelfth grades. Some of those experiences included alternative education, co-teaching, self-contained classrooms, direct and indirect consultant teaching and resource room. Each experience added an additional layer of experience to her educational career. In addition to teaching, Keara was a K-12 Assistant Principal and Chairperson of Special Education for 2 years. This experience further broadened her scope and deepened her understanding of our educational system. Her belief has always been that all children can learn given the right key to unlock their success.
Sara DeFazio has been in the human services field with a focus on intellectual and developmental disabilities for the past 14 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Le Moyne College and her master’s in leadership and instruction for inclusive classrooms from Utica College.
Sara brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with her to be able to provide supports and educational development opportunities to professionals, agencies, and families in the community.
CRPC Transition Specialists
Transition Specialists Resources
A collection of recommended reading and resources for educators and transition professionals.
SchoologyInsert https://www.schoology.com/
Central CRPC Transition School Page Group Code: K3R6B-Q3H2G
TransitionSource http://www.transitionsource.org
Designed to support educational programs and agencies across New York State, to advance the post-school outcomes of secondary students with disabilities.
NYS Career Zone https://www.careerzone.ny.gov/jz/views/careerzone/index.jsf
The place to explore careers related to your strengths, skills and talents.
ACCES-VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) http://www.acces.nysed.gov/vr
Assisting individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and to support independent living
Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/
Responsible for coordinating services for more than 130,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities.
Information Related to Graduation Requirements for Students with Disabilities http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/gradrequirements/home.html
This page provides information on both high school diploma and non-diploma exiting credential options available to New York State students with disabilities.
NYS Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential - Q&A
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/gradrequirements/CDOS-QA-1113.html
Educational Partnership
The Educational Partnership is a coordinated and cohesive network of support focused on enhancing services and supports for students with disabilities from early childhood and school-age education to engagement in post-school opportunities.
