Five Good Reasons to Choose NESCA for Transition Assessment and Services

By: Kelley Challen, Ed.M., CAS
Director of Transition Services, NESCA

1. Expert Clinicians with Specialized Training
   Our team of transition specialists brings decades of experience supporting teens and young adults with a wide range of needs, from mild to complex. As Director of Transition Services, I have closely trained and supervised each of our specialists. Together, we have multidisciplinary expertise spanning guidance counseling, school psychology, special education, occupational therapy, and vocational rehabilitation counseling. This breadth of knowledge allows us to deeply understand each student’s needs as they relate to postsecondary living, learning, training, and working. Additionally, our team collaborates with NESCA’s neuropsychologists and other expert clinicians, ensuring every assessment is thorough, individualized, and aligned with best practices.
2. Comprehensive, Individualized Approach
   We believe transition planning should be as unique as each student we serve. Assessment at NESCA always begins with a thorough intake and record review to build a complete picture of the student’s known abilities and areas of need—and an understanding of what must be uncovered through the evaluation process. We combine formal and informal tools, functional evaluations, and input from students, families, schools, and other providers. We also offer situational assessments in school, home, and community environments. This comprehensive approach ensures we uncover meaningful goals and develop actionable strategies to support postsecondary success.
3. Clear, Comprehensive Recommendations
   Transition assessments lay the foundation for effective transition planning and IEP services. NESCA’s evaluations clearly identify measurable postsecondary goals in the required areas of living, learning and/or training, and employment. We take the time to uncover students’ strengths, preferences, and interests while providing tailored recommendations for the instruction, services, community experiences, and progress monitoring needed to progress toward their goals. Our expertise extends to essential areas, such as planning for age of majority, course of study, and graduation timelines, and we always fully adhere to special education guidelines as independent evaluators.
4. A Culture of Collaboration and Support
   Collaboration is at the heart of NESCA’s approach. Our clinicians meet regularly to share insights and strategies, ensuring every evaluation reflects our collective expertise. We also maintain strong connections with schools, agencies, and community resources, providing families with actionable plans and ongoing guidance. Transition planning requires teamwork, and we want to be active members of our students’ teams. We’re here to support schools and families, whether through team meetings, follow-up evaluations, ongoing coaching, or consultations at key points in a student’s journey.
5. Empowering Youth, Families, and Schools
   At NESCA, we prioritize the student’s voice. We empower students to foster self-determination, independence, and confidence as they prepare for the future. We also recognize the critical roles of families and educators in the process, ensuring their perspectives are included and valued. NESCA’s transition assessments provide not just a roadmap but the tools, understanding, and collaboration needed to move forward with purpose.