Darlene Faster is a seasoned public relations and communications professional, with more than seven years of experience in the corporate and non-profit sectors. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Disability Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago, focusing on Educational Policy. Her particular research and policy interests include understanding and improving the social and emotional development of students with Learning Disabilities as well as implementing successful transitional supports for students from high school to postsecondary life. Ms. Faster has done preliminary research in urban schools in Chicago and New York, and worked with the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) before joining CSEE. She received her B.A. in English from Hofstra University and her M.A. in English and American Literature from CUNY, Queens College.