Shrub Oak International School Appoints Dr. Salam Soliman as Director of Clinical Services & Research

MOHEGAN LAKE, N.Y., Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shrub Oak International School, a leading therapeutic day and residential program serving autistic children, adolescents, and young adults, is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Salam Soliman, Psy.D., as its new Director of Clinical Services & Research.

In this role, Dr. Soliman provides strategic leadership to a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care and innovation. She also oversees all research initiatives at the school.

"I have thought carefully and intentionally about this next career step and feel like everything I have done was to prepare me for this role," said Dr. Soliman. "As a psychologist and a parent, I feel called to this work and privileged to add my voice to Shrub Oak's steadfast commitment to students and their families."

Lauren Koffler, MSW, Head of Admissions & Organizational Growth, added: "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Soliman to our leadership team. Her deep expertise, innovative spirit, and commitment to excellence will not only enhance our clinical and research programs but also enrich the lives of our students and families."

Dr. Soliman brings more than two decades of experience in clinical psychology and systems-level leadership. She holds a Dual Doctorate in School and Clinical Psychology (Pace University), along with multiple master's degrees in counseling, education, and experimental psychology. She is also a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in New York and Connecticut and a Certified School Psychologist in Connecticut.

Her research background includes significant contributions to the field, including her dissertation "A Validation and Extension of the Inventory of Parental Representations" (Pace University, 2006), peer-reviewed publications, and service as a reviewer for leading psychology journals.

Prior to joining Shrub Oak International School, Dr. Soliman directed the Center for Prevention and Early Trauma Treatment at Changent, a Category II National Child Traumatic Stress Network Center, where she led the national development of evidence-based training and consultation services.

In 2023, she was invited as a Visiting Expert by Singapore's Ministry of Health for her expertise in pediatrics, women's mental health, and trauma. Dr. Soliman has also held academic and administrative leadership positions, including Adjunct Professor at Pace University and Director of Counseling Services at NYU Abu Dhabi.

She continues to consult for respected organizations such as Zero to Three, the Alliance for Infant Mental Health, MIECHV, Louisiana State University, and KKH Hospital in Singapore. She also serves as faculty at the Reflective Supervision Collaborative.

Dr. Soliman's professional passion centers on equitable access to care, reflective supervision, neurodevelopmental diversity, and early intervention. By combining expertise in clinical services with a strong research background, Dr. Soliman is well-positioned to advance Shrub Oak's mission and deepen its impact within the community.

About Shrub Oak International School and The Pines at Shrub Oak

The mission of Shrub Oak International School is to improve the lives of autistic children, adolescents, and young adults. Through individualized, strengths- and passion-based learning, we help students form meaningful relationships, navigate their communities, and maximize their potential.

Located on the campus of Shrub Oak International School, The Pines at Shrub Oak is a specialized therapeutic program designed to address the unique needs of autistic adolescents who also require intensive psychiatric support.

Shrub Oak International School is accredited by:

• The National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA), Level III Therapeutic Certification, Academic Accreditation, with an Autism Endorsement;
• The Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), a globally recognized leader in school accreditation and improvement; and
• Cognia, signifying that the school meets or exceeds rigorous standards of educational quality and effectiveness.

For more information about Shrub Oak International School or to schedule a visit, please visit www.shruboak.org or contact Lauren Koffler at [email protected].

SOURCE Shrub Oak International School