The Malverne Board of Education has appointed Rachel Yudin as the district’s new executive director of special education services. Yudin steps into the district-wide role after serving nine years as principal of Davison Avenue Intermediate School.
Yudin’s history in Malverne includes several instructional and leadership roles, beginning as a special education teacher at Howard T. Herber Middle School before advancing to K-6 Common Core chairperson. Throughout her tenure, she has focused on inclusive classroom practices, academic growth and building connections with district families.
“I always say that special education is close to my heart, and I went into education to serve the special education community,” Yudin said. “It feels like a homecoming in a sense.”
Yudin’s experience in special education spans much of her career. In her new position, she said she wants to build on the district’s existing programs while exploring new ideas and opportunities for students.
“I want to take a look at how we can build programs and opportunities for our special education students to build real, meaningful relationships and foster friendships in the most natural way possible,” she said. “I’m hoping to bring some new creativity, along with continuing excellence, tradition and maintaining everything that has been wonderful in the special education department.”
As she takes on the role, Yudin will oversee special education programming, student support services and specialized instruction across the district. Her previous work with district families and staff gives her familiarity with the students, programs and community she will serve in the new position.
“Rachel began her distinguished career as a special education teacher, and her unwavering commitment to our students and families has made this a seamless transition,” said Superintendent Dr. Maria Rianna. “Her extensive experience and deep understanding of our community will ensure the continued excellence and compassionate support our special education programs provide.”
The transition also represents a “passing of the baton” between Yudin and her predecessor, Meredyth Martini. Nearly 20 years ago, Martini hired Yudin as her first special education teacher after Martini became executive director.
“Now upon her departure, I have her blessing,” Yudin said, “and she literally passed the baton to me and now I’ve taken on the role of executive director.”
Yudin holds a doctorate in education from Johns Hopkins University, dual master’s degrees in Inclusive Elementary education and Creative Arts Therapy from Hofstra University, and an Educational Leadership certificate from Stony Brook University. She also serves as an adjunct professor teaching graduate-level special education.
“My background in special education has always guided and grounded my leadership, and returning to lead the department as Executive Director is truly a homecoming,” Yudin said. “Serving the Malverne community in this new role is truly an honor.”
Among Yudin’s goals are expanding post-secondary transition planning for students through age 22, exploring an expansion of the district’s 8-12 program into the middle school and creating more opportunities for students to develop friendships and relationships naturally. She also wants to maintain programs and traditions established during Martini’s tenure.
“I hope to bring a sense of peace and an established relationship, knowing that I’m not a new person, that I am a Malverne Mule, and I bleed blue and orange,” she said.
