Our Staff

With five professional educational consultants on staff, each family is guaranteed the benefit of a talented and collaborative team.  We meet weekly to exchange information about colleges and services that would benefit our students.  Frequent professional development events keep us up-to-date on the ever-changing legal and social landscape of our profession.  We pride ourselves on our detailed knowledge of the learning support at each college and on the type of student that will be served well there.

	Judith S. Bass, CEP Judy is the founder of Bass Educational Services, LLC, and has worked in the field of education for over 30 years as an educator, tutor, admissions counselor, and educational consultant. She has extensive experience working with students with a range of learning disabilities in a variety of settings. Ms. Bass has published articles on the transition from high school to college and has given numerous presentations on college planning to schools and parents throughout the DC and Baltimore areas. Ms. Bass has earned a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA and is a Certified Educational Planner.  Email: Judy@basseducationalservices.com.
	Joan Wittan, M.A. Joan has worked with students with learning disabilities and their families from kindergarten through the college selection process. She is expert at finding accommodations and services that allow students to be successful. Ms. Wittan has taught and tutored students with disabilities in writing and reading and is knowledgeable about assistive technology. She has served on many advisory committees for Montgomery County Public Schools, is on the Board of the GT/LD Network, and is active in the adoption community.  Email: Joan@basseducationalservices.com.
	Sue Cook Christakos, J.D. Sue is a former attorney who, in this capacity, drafted policy pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  She has also served as a reading tutor for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), and contributed her time as an MCPS parent surrogate, wherein she advocated for students pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA).  Sue currently works as an educational consultant for students with learning differences, assisting them and their families during the college selection process to find the right “college fit.” She has a BA in Psychology from Bucknell University, a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center, and is an associate member of IECA.  Email: SueCC@basseducationalservices.com.
	Kyle Ann Kane, J.D. Kyle is a former attorney and writing professor and has worked extensively with students to improve their writing skills.  She has significant experience in the college planning process and works as a mentor for first-generation college applicants at local high schools.  Email: KyleKane@basseducationalservices.com.
	Michele B. Stanton, M.Ed. Michele is an experienced teacher who has worked for many years at both the elementary and middle school levels. As an educational consultant, Michele specializes in K-12 school placements for students with learning differences. Her extensive experience as a classroom teacher allows her to make meaningful connections with students and gives her unique insight into the workings of schools. Michele is an expert at evaluating schools and the services they provide for students with learning differences; with this knowledge she is able to assist families in making the best decision about an educational placement for their child. Michele has a BS in Psychology and a Masters in Education from the University of Virginia.  Email: MStanton@basseducationalservices.com.
	Lori Vise, Educational Consultant Lori is actively involved in the field of education and has completed a program of study on Principles of Educational Consulting. She has instructed families dealing with high school and college students who struggle with cognitive and emotional issues. Lori especially enjoys helping students with learning differences identify academic settings where they can thrive. She is an honors graduate of University of Pennsylvania and The Wharton School.  Email: Lori.Vise@basseducationalservices.com.
	Mary Wakefield Mary Wakefield has been tutoring for standardized tests since 2004. She has taught SAT and ACT both in the classroom and to individual students. In 2008, after six years working as a tutor, Mary was promoted to Regional Director for Summit Educational Group, a test preparation company located in Bethesda, MD. After two years running the regional office for Summit, Mary joined forces with Bass Educational Services, and has been heading up their tutoring department since July 2010. Mary is a graduate of Tulane University.  Email: MarySW@basseducationalservices.com.