Meet Bari Levin, Executive Director

My family, friends, and coworkers had asked me what I was going to do when I retire from teaching special education students last year. I taught for 34 years. My answer was very simple. I told them that I am going to continue working on my passion which is to make an impact with the learning difference community. I had a lengthy conversation with Aaron Wolf, the founder of the I Am Able Foundation, and heard his vision. I told him that I am 100% in to help make this foundation successful. Aaron and I joked around and called me the LD matchmaker because I enjoy connecting people in the learning difference community who have the same passion. As we have formed our team, I realized how lucky I am to be able to work with a team that is excited and passionate as I am.

Most of my teaching career was at the middle school level. Wow, the saying is true for educators - you either love it or dislike it. I loved it! I truly felt that developing relationships with my students was key. My students knew that I was always there for them and will still be there for them. I was able to have a comfort level with talking to my students about their learning differences, help them learn their accommodations, self-advocate, and bring their self confidence to feel a little more comfortable and understand everybody learns differently. Throughout the years, I have seen my former students thrive at the high school level due to having the understanding and confidence level. This is my WHY!

As executive director of the I Am Able Foundation, I will work with my amazing team to educate through community and storytelling in schools and the workplace. We will launch a multifaceted story-driven content focused on awareness, acceptance and action. I truly believe that allowing children and adults the ability to understand neurodivergent learning styles, their strengths, and how creative thinkers they are, the community will benefit. We will be a more inclusive world all learners!