Smart Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with learning and attention differences reach their full potential by educating, inspiring, and empowering parents. Through expert resources, educational programs, and community support, we provide families with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for their children and celebrate their strengths.

Founder’s Story

Jane B. Ross, MS

Jane founded Smart Kids to provide parents of children with learning and attention differences with the information, support, and inspiration she wished she had when navigating her own child’s learning challenges. At a time when parents often felt isolated and unsure where to turn, Jane recognized the urgent need for trusted information, expert guidance, and—most importantly—a community of families who could support one another. Under her leadership, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities grew into one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering parents and celebrating children who learn differently.

Leadership

Interim Executive Director
Lisa Pannone, J.D.

Lisa is a strategic leader who combines a background in law with extensive experience in the nonprofit sector. A dedicated advocate for the educational and social needs of families, she served on the Smart Kids board for five years before stepping into her current role. Today, she utilizes her legal training and expertise in marketing and donor development to foster collaborative partnerships and drive the organization’s long-term vision.

Staff & Contributors

Marketing & Communications Manager
Kyrsten Bravo

Kyrsten brings over 15 years of experience in literacy and education, along with a strong background in marketing and events. As a former ESL student, she has a personal understanding of diverse learning needs and is passionate about increasing access to resources for families.

Program & Events Manager
Elena Case

Elena is deeply committed to community service, actively supporting nonprofit organizations and educational initiatives. She is a versatile marketing and business professional with more than 20 years of experience with premier global financial institutions.

Editorial Director
Louise Ackerman, MPH, CHES. In addition to her work as a publishing executive here at Smart Kids, she is also an adjunct professor of public health, and the parent of a young adult with LD.

Contributing Editors
Eve Kessler, Esq, is president and co-founder of SPED*NET Wilton (CT) and a former Chair of the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities. She has recently retired as a criminal appellate attorney, representing many clients with LD and special needs.

Sheryl Knapp, M.Ed., CIT/ASAP, is the founder and President of Literacy Learning & Assessment Center of CT, providing literacy-related consulting services for students with learning disabilities. She has Associate Level certification with the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators.

Board of Directors

Kathleen Brady, President
Christopher Bogart, Ph.D.
Kyrsten Bravo
Sari B. Canell
Judy Grossman
Sharon Miles
Gregg Pauletti
Kate Pearce
Laura Sullivan, Esq.
Lisa A. Pannone, Ex officio
Kathleen O’Hare, Sustaining Board Member
Mory Gould, Associate Board Member

Honorary Board Members

Henry Winkler, Honorary Chairman
Anne Ford, Chairman Emeritus, NCLD
Dannel Malloy, former Governor of Connecticut
Ben Powers, Executive Director, The Southport School

Professional Advisory Board

Christopher Bogart, Ph.D., President
Psychologist, Executive Director Sasco River Center

Marcia Eckerd, Ph.D.
Evaluator and Therapist

Margie Gillis, Ed.D.
President, Literacy How, training teachers in research-based reading

Judy Grossman, DrPH, OTR
Associate Director of the Center for the Developing Child and Family, Ackerman Institute for the Family

Ellen Littman, Ph.D.
Clinical psychologist, author and lecturer on ADHD

Lisa N. Rappaport, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Clinical psychologist in private practice

Lydia Soifer, Ph.D.
Director, The Soifer Center for Learning and Child Development

Alan Wachtel, M.D.
Psychiatrist, FamilyHealth Associates