
Virginia Schulman Simon
Virginia Simon
11 Clark Road
38 Lawrence Street, #1
Psychologist
I attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio in 1972. I taught at League School of Boston for three years, prior to attending Tufts University, where, in 1975, I obtained a degree in School Psychology. I have practiced in the public schools and in clinic settings since that time, in Rowley, Newbury, Boxford, and Newburyport, Massachusetts. I have also worked in the public schools and at Currey Ingram Academy Diagnostic Center in Nashville, Tennessee and done private consulting in Bermuda. I have supported my professional life with continuing professional development opportunities. The most important part of my job as a School Psychologist has been as been a member of a team which helps adults make important decisions about children. As a key player in meetings, I have negotiated interactions in a tactful and nonjudgmental way. I communicate information in a direct, and honest manner. My segue into Collaborative Law and my practice as a Coach and a Child Specialist was a natural one, as I am respected for my ability to understand group dynamics and act in a neutral, compassionate way.
Professional Memberships: Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council, National Association of School Psychologists, Massachusetts Teachers Association,
Being involved in a legal dispute is trying and complicated, with potential for long term damage to important relationships. As a coach, I am trained to help you negotiate the process as part of a team that fosters respect and caring. I work with each member of the collaborative team, individually and together, to be sure that when you are finished you will feel as good as you possibly can with the resolution. In addition, my experience as a School Psychologist gives me insight into developing parenting plans and helping individuals co-parent well. I work as a solo practitioner as a Collaborative Coach and Child Specialist. The majority of my clients are referred to me by the attorneys they have retained, however, I have been contacted by individuals for whom I make the attorney referral. In addition to working with clients from the beginning to the end of the collaborative process, I have been called in to help couples communicate better prior to the first four way meeting. I help develop parenting plans both within and outside of the Collaborative process. I often meet with each client separately to set goals and understand triggers that may impede the process. During the meeting I maintain a neutral position, manage the time constraints, and help facilitate a timely and successful conclusion to the process. Retainer requested, hourly charge case dependent