Proactive Strategies & Solutions
Inspiring creative problem solving in and out of the classroom.
It just takes the right mindset.
Proactive Strategies & Solutions empowers families and schools to thrive in today’s changing landscape.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower educators and families through evidence-informed proactive strategies that promote academic, social, and emotional growth. We are committed to creating inclusive, responsive learning communities where all learners can engage, grow, and succeed alongside their peers. By equipping educators and families with effective tools and strategies, we build environments where every child is supported, understood, and given the opportunity to thrive.
A Journey Together
We’re special educators, administrators, consultants, advocates, data collectors, behavioral detectives, and moms.
We’re eternal optimists, explorers, and love a good plan.
Proactive Strategies & Solutions teach families and schools the lessons learned from 30 years in education.
Let’s go on this journey together.
Amy Mounce
Co-Founder
As a passionate educator, Amy is dedicated to empowering students, families, and educators to improve student success across all domains.
With over 25 years of experience as a certified special educator, educational diagnostician, and university instructor, Amy has supported students and educators across public and private settings. This work has involved extensive collaboration with learners of varying abilities and needs, focusing on the design and implementation of individualized, effective, and sustainable support systems.
In today’s dynamic educational landscape, Amy believes a systematic, data-driven approach is essential. By using evidence-informed strategies to assess needs and adapt instruction and supports proactively, we can create lasting improvements in both academic performance and social-emotional well-being.
Shari Perry
Co-Founder
Shari’s reputation and connections in the DMV area are a significant part of what makes her a successful advocate for students and families. Her strong relationships in local educational agencies make Shari’s presence as an advocate a soothing and welcomed addition to any high stakes meeting/situation involving the appeal, discipline, Change of School Assignment, Complaint From the Public, 504 Plan and IEP process. As a key educational connector, Shari is trusted to break through red tape and “stuck” situations changing dynamics and unclogging bottlenecks that can quickly resolve long festering problems. Simply put, Shari knows the players, the processes and the way to get to “yes”.
As a lifelong special educator, Shari has dedicated herself to advocating for students and their families. Shari uses her more than 30 years experience as a special educator, central office administrator and educational advocate to help families navigate complicated school systems and collaboratively develop customized, structured plans of support. Shari acts as a conduit for families and strives to meet their children’s evolving academic and social-emotional needs.
Barbara Friedlander
Barbara Friedlander is a National Board-Certified Special Education Teacher, educational consultant, and adjunct professor at the University of Maryland. Her work focuses on advancing inclusive practices by equipping teachers with the tools to create engaging, scaffolded learning environments where all students can thrive—not just be placed—in general education settings.
She is the co-author of Powerful Writing Strategies for All Students. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences on topics including writing instruction, equity and leadership, school improvement, and co-teaching.
Barbara currently serves on the Maryland Council for Exceptional Children Board and the University of Maryland College of Education Alumni Network Board. In 2024, she was honored as the Learning Disabilities Association’s Sam Kirk Educator of the Year in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field.
“Shari and Amy’s expertise, depth of knowledge, and professional collaboration know no bounds and will provide many more schools, families, and their students with the necessary language and skills to educate them.”