The Learning Center for the Deaf has welcomed Elise Crawford as its Director of Residential Services for Walden School.
Elise Crawford brings more than 20 years of leadership in residential services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing populations. Most recently, she was the Dean of Students and Residential Scheduling Coordinator at the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, CT, where she oversaw multi-shift residential operations, staff scheduling, and training programs including CPR, Trauma-Informed Care, and Physical & Psychological Management Training.
Over her career, Crawford has held residential leadership roles across Massachusetts, Vermont, Arizona, and Connecticut, including as a Program Coordinator directing a residential group home for Deaf clients with mental illness and as a Legal Advocate for Deaf adults in Vermont. She holds certifications as a Red Cross Instructor, PMT Instructor, and TIC Instructor, and has built her career on staff development, regulatory compliance, and student-centered care.
Walden School is a nationally recognized program for Deaf and hard of hearing students who need more specialized educational, therapeutic, and social-emotional support.. TLC operates one of only two programs in the nation offering an integrated educational and therapeutic residential model.
Academic programs operate on an 11-month calendar, while the residential program is open 365 days per year and provides continuity of care and opportunities for students to practice communication, social-emotional, and independent living skills throughout the year.
Walden accepts referrals from all 50 states, working with families, school districts, DCF agencies, and other referring organizations to navigate the placement process. When required, TLC can pursue state licensure or approval to serve students from any state, allowing our admission and leadership team to work with referring agencies and educational systems across the country. To learn more, visit our webpage.