Hi! I’m Laura McKenna.
I have thirty years of experience in education as a teacher, professor with a speciality in education policy, researcher, journalist, writer, volunteer and parent. I have a BA from SUNY Binghamton, an MA from the University of Chicago, and a PhD from CUNY Graduate Center.
My writing focuses on my passions: kids, education, and policy writing. I like to call attention to issues and groups that are often over-looked. My full list of publications is available here. My resume and academic CV are available here.
Currently, I write regularly about politics and culture for Apt. 11D, a newsletter. Another newsletter, A Great Leap, focuses on disability issues and features excerpts from my upcoming book.
In February 2024, I launched The Autism College Connection, which informs parents about all the options for their neurodiverse children after high school. I provide private service for parents and offer free monthly webinars. In March 2025, I joined the Cope Center for Autism in Ridgewood, NJ, as the Director of Parent Support and Advocacy.
On most weekends, you can find me scouring estate sales for old books, making big dinners for family and friends, or buying vegetables at Ridgewood’s farmer’s market.
Subscribe to my consulting newsletter for the latest info.
Laura McKenna, PhD 