CLASS consultants all have extensive experience using evidenced-based strategies to support persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The founder and director of CLASS is Deborah Hammer.



Deborah Hammer is an Autism Specialist in Northern Virginia.. She has served as an educator of people with special needs for 18 years. While working as a teacher, autism specialist, and administrator in both public and private schools, she has conducted numerous workshops and professional development trainings for school staff and parents. A Professionally Recognized Special Educator with the Council for Exceptional Children, Deborah has twice been a recipient of the Educational Leadership Award from the ARC of Northern Virginia. In 2007, Deborah earned a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from George Mason University, where she is an adjunct professor in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorders. She was selected to be a delegate for the World Bank/United Nations International Disability Caucus.  Deborah also currently serves as co-chair of the Northern Virginia Transition Coalition.