Andrea Gardner is a bilingual special educator, leader, and global advocate for inclusive education, restorative justice, and youth empowerment, dedicated to breaking down barriers for students with disabilities worldwide and bridging the global achievement gap. As a first-generation college student and graduate of Columbia University, Andrea experienced firsthand the transformative power of education in her own life.

Andrea holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and international human rights from Columbia University, and both a master’s degree in childhood education with an emphasis on learning and behavioral disabilities and dual certification in general and special education from Hunter College.

Andrea is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion having worked in various roles within district and charter schools in New York City and Washington, DC. She got her start in education in New York City serving as a special education teacher in an integrated co-teaching classroom and a Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS) provider in the South Bronx.

Andrea holds specific training and expertise in K-12 inclusive practices, restorative justice practices for schools, neurodiversity, literacy, learning and cognition, and social-emotional learning and development.

When she isn’t working, Andrea loves spending time with her friends and family. She is an empanada (and coffee!) enthusiast and enjoys yoga, hiking, and trying to keep houseplants alive.