BUFFALO, N.Y. — Beyond Learning Center is excited to announce the appointment of Andrew Shanahan as its new Director of Education. Shanahan brings over ten years of dedicated experience in educational leadership from Autism Services, Inc. (ASI), making him a valuable addition to the Beyond Learning Center team and the wider Buffalo community. This appointment signals a significant step forward for Beyond Learning Center as it continues to enhance its commitment to providing exceptional educational services.
Shanahan expressed his enthusiasm about joining the organization, stating, “It is a true honor to become part of the highly skilled and committed professionals at Beyond Support Network. The Network has a well-deserved reputation for delivering outstanding services within our community, and I am eager to contribute to this mission in the years ahead.” His words reflect a deep respect for the existing team and a strong desire to build upon the center’s established successes.
In his new role, Shanahan will be responsible for the comprehensive oversight of several critical programs at Beyond Learning Center located in Depew, N.Y. These include the Daycare Evaluation/Outreach Program, Special Education programs tailored to diverse student needs, the Nursing Clinic, and the Cafeteria. He will work through Principals, Clinical Supervisors, Coordinators, and Department Heads to ensure smooth and effective operation of these departments. His responsibilities also extend to collaborating with the Beyond Support Network administration in the crucial areas of developing, implementing, and monitoring Special Education procedures and programs. This collaboration is essential to maintain compliance with New York State educational standards for Special Education and to ensure the highest quality of educational experiences for students.
Beyond Learning Center plays a vital role in the education and growth of over 330 students. Shanahan’s extensive background is perfectly aligned to support and expand this mission. Prior to joining Beyond Learning Center, Shanahan served as the Education Director at ASI since July 2012. During his tenure there, he was in charge of supervising the Autism Services School Program, which included two separate 853 Private Provider Schools catering to 102 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This experience demonstrates his capability to manage complex educational environments and diverse student populations. Earlier in his career at ASI, Shanahan also served for nearly three years as a Staff Professional Development Training Associate, indicating his commitment to professional growth and development within the field of education.
Andrew Shanahan’s commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities spans more than 15 years, marked by both practical experience and academic contribution. In 2016, his expertise was recognized in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, where he co-authored the publication: “Community Effectiveness RCT of a Comprehensive Psychosocial Treatment for High-Functioning Children with ASD.” This publication highlights his evidence-based approach and his dedication to advancing the field of special education through research and practice. Academically, Shanahan graduated Cum Laude from SUNY College at Buffalo in 2005 with a B.A. in Psychology. He furthered his education by obtaining an M.S. in Counseling and Human Development with a concentration in School Counseling from the University of Rochester. Continuing his pursuit of educational leadership, he earned Certificates of Advanced Study in School District Leadership and School Building Leadership from St. Bonaventure University and Niagara University, respectively. These qualifications underscore his deep knowledge base and his readiness to lead Beyond Learning Center into its next phase of development and service to the community.
