My name is Lizzy Shegda, and for over 10 years, I’ve worked in Emotional Support Classrooms, helping students who often feel misunderstood — bright, capable kids who just learn and communicate differently.

One of my students once told me, “Just send me home — that’s what they do anyway.” I told him, “If I send you home, I can’t help you.”
That moment changed everything. He realized someone wasn’t giving up on him — and he began to trust, grow, and succeed.

That’s why I started SchoolHouse Collaborative — to help more students, families, and schools build that same connection.

Services

  • 1:1 student coaching focused on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and social skills.
    Students learn practical strategies for organization, focus, and confidence — all tailored to their needs.

  • Support for parents and teachers to understand each child’s unique learning profile.
    Together, we create consistent strategies across home and school to help students thrive.

  • Guidance and representation for families in IEP and 504 meetings.
    I help parents understand their rights and ensure that every student’s voice is heard and supported.

Many service requests begin with a free consultation. During this meeting, we’ll discuss the challenges your child is facing, interact directly with them if appropriate, and determine whether our approach is the right fit. Our goal is to deliver meaningful results — and if we don’t believe our services will truly help, we’ll tell you that upfront.

Call Now! 215-534-0274

Why It Works

Because success doesn’t come from “fixing” a student — it comes from understanding them. My approach builds bridges between students, families, and schools, leading to lasting growth and confidence. 

From Struggles to Success Stories.

  • As parents of a child newly diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and OCD, we were lost and heartbroken watching our son struggle daily in school. From the moment we met Lizzy Shegda, everything changed. She immediately saw his potential, met him where he was, and created a safe, structured space where he could learn and grow. Through her compassion, expertise, and steady support, our son developed the coping and independence skills that still serve him today. Lizzy’s impact on our family was truly life-changing, and we are forever grateful for her unwavering belief in our child.

    Joanna & Ken Strickland

  • Lizzy Shegda, or "Shegda" as my son has lovingly called her since Kindergarten, has a true heart and talent for working with children with special needs. I have specifically seen her natural connection with children who have Down syndrome. I have, more than once, referred to her as the DS whisperer. Her calm demeanor never wavers and has won over the most captious of clients. I have seen Shegda in action in the school setting, in a summer camp environment, and in the home. She connects with kids and finds ways to motivate and understand them on their terms. This, however, is not to say that she is a pushover. Shedga's kids know when she is serious, when behaviors are unacceptable, or when lines have been crossed. Lizzy Shegda made her classroom a place where kids knew that they were safe, knew what was expected of them, and knew they were loved.

    Erica Chiovarou, Parent

  • As a mom of a child with substantial disabilities and behavior support needs, I can not find words to fully describe the impact Lizzie Shegda had on our lives and my child’s educational trajectory. She is one of the most compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated educators we’ve ever encountered. Her ability to see the strengths in a child and create tailored strategies that truly work made an extraordinary difference in my child’s ability to attend and excel in school. She has a deep understanding of special education, and she tireless advocates for a student’s needs. Her guidance was life-changing for our family. I highly recommend her as a consultant; she will be an incredible asset to provide creative and personalized plans for a child, and she will be able to support families in navigating the education system.

    Nicole B, Parent

  • I met Ms. Shegda in Kindergarten after I moved schools. My previous school, a preschool intervention classroom for kids with special needs, constantly restrained me and mistreated me. They didn’t care about me or my needs. That all changed when I met Ms. Shegda. She was kind and supportive. We worked on how to manage my emotions and how to stay calm. It changed my life. She also inspired me to want to be a teacher for special needs classes when I grow up. Before Ms. Shegda, I used to struggle with managing my behaviors. But now, I actually get to learn and grow and play with friends. Thank you for changing my life.

    Minos Ikonomidis, previous student (Grade 6)