BARBARA MELNICK - FOUNDER

Barbara started Aucocisco School in 1994 because at the time, Maine lacked a school specifically aimed at students who learn differently.

Diagnostic educational testing is a special interest of Barbara’s, which she treats like detective work. She enjoys digging deeply to identify student strengths, needs and then drawing from the best science available to choose methodologies that are most likely to be successful for each student. Barbara works with people of all ages and abilities, and values neurodiversity with all of its’ variety and promise.

Barbara enjoys working with many subject areas, but has always had a special interest in matching students with techniques that work for them in math, reading instruction, study strategies, building test taking skills, and training teachers. She is an advocate for children and parents. She worked hard at focusing on each student as an individual, and their families. Finding the key to each person’s learning, seeing their pride and the joy that comes when they succeed is what has made special education her life’s work!