Our Vision
In 2007, special education professional Barbara Joffe, MA, envisioned a collaborative, creative support system for children and teens facing daily challenges at school. Choosing the path of dedicated advocacy, Barbara and her team meet children and teens right where they are—helping parents, teachers, and therapists successfully guide them toward their next steps.
Barbara specializes in IEP and 504 Plan advocacy, school placement, parent coaching, and teacher training across both public and independent schools. To ensure true continuity of care, she works seamlessly alongside family-based medical and therapeutic providers, aligning strategies between home and the classroom to promote real growth and achievement. Above all, Barbara’s goal is simple: she wants her clients to enjoy learning, connect with friends, and be the best they can be.
Barbara A. Joffe, MA Founder
Barbara Joffe has been dedicated to educating children and teens for over 25 years. She has taught and administered educational programs throughout the U.S. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Her Master of Arts in Education, Webster University, has a distinction in Reading and LanguageÂ
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Development. Barbara is also a credentialed special education teacher.
Barbara began her career as a classroom teacher working with children in a small neighborhood elementary school. It was here that she began partnering with parents to help children reach their optimal learning levels. Barbara moved from this small school to the largest independent elementary school in St. Louis, the New City School. Her first position was as a reading specialist, supporting children with special needs and developing programs for gifted and talented students. She also held the positions of language arts coordinator and assistant director.
In the late 1980s Barbara founded Riverway School in downtown St. Louis, the first elementary school in the nation designed for the children of working parents. She built a school that incorporated family connection by locating the school near the parents’ workplace. Her years as executive director of the school prepared her to re-locate to Los Angeles and head the Wise School Early Childhood Center.
During her years at Wise School, Barbara drew on her background in special education to identify young children at risk and refer to Early Intervention professionals in Greater Los Angeles. Her commitment to intensive therapeutic support in the first five years of life resulted in many children getting the help they need as early as possible. In many cases her students’ delays were resolved before they started kindergarten.
Barbara’s passion is helping children and teens succeed. She enjoys innovation in education and continues to develop new learning programs for children, teens, and parents through SNRG, the agency she founded in 2003. Barbara is always excited to work on IEP teams to help her clients overcome learning challenges and receive solid instructional services based on their needs. She likes to collaborate with general and special education teachers in public and independent schools.
Pairing her expertise in education with SNRG’s BCBA, Dr. Nay Smith, helps SNRG’s clients grow rapidly in all aspects of their lives. Barbara believes in getting results for her clients, and has created a team that supports them across school, home, and community.
When Barbara is not working with SNRG clients and their families, she likes to spend time with her family and friends, read, garden, cook, and play with her rescue dog, Zoey.
Andrea Rawitt, Leader of Finance
Andrea Rawitt was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in Southern California. She graduated from the University of Arizona (go Wildcats!) with a BA in Economics, Political Science, and French. Andrea returned to Los Angeles and began working for an economic research company. Â
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After a year, she assumed more responsibility for accounting for the that firm, which motivated her to take classes at UCLA to obtain a certificate in accounting.
Andrea moved on to work for an investment firm and worked her way up to the position of Controller. In 2000 Andrea’s Bookkeeping Company, Inc. was formed, and clients ranged from homebound seniors and families to a variety of corporations spanning many industries: medical, entertainment, non-profit, suppliers and educators.
Outside of work, Andrea enjoys playing with her two quirky dogs, participating in a multitude of charity events (Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, Venice Family Clinic) and can often be seen at the Ahmanson and Pantages Theaters, or the Hollywood Bowl.
Vanessa Torres, Executive Assistant
Vanessa Torres is SNRG’s expert for all corporate office issues. She is the liaison for all families and therapists and the many members of collaborating schools and treatment teams. Vanessa is a highly organized multi-tasker. She represents SNRG every day with poise and compassion.Â
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Vanessa has a great sense of humor, and a positive approach to all aspects of the agency’s corporate presence. She is a very important member of our team. When not working at SNRG, Vanessa enjoys fine dining and watching good movies.
Call Us at 310-392-0835
Our Services
IEP & 504
Plan Advocacy
Parent
Support
Gifted/2E
Students
School
Placement
