Serving clients throughout NYS, including Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Long Island, and the New York City Department of Education. Gina DeCrescenzo, P.C. is a litigation and advocacy firm dedicated to protecting the CIVIL RIGHTS of children. With a particular focus on the SPECIAL EDUCATION needs of children, the firm tirelessly seeks equal access and equality of instruction and opportunity for children with special needs.
This includes representation at CSE meetings, filing complaints and litigating against Districts, and representing parents on appeal. Pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) every child is entitled to a "free appropriate public education, " a FAPE. The IDEA is a law that ensures that children with disabilities get the evaluations, the services and the supports they need to be successful in school.
This includes representation at CSE meetings, filing complaints and litigating against Districts, and representing parents on appeal. Pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) every child is entitled to a "free appropriate public education, " a FAPE. The IDEA is a law that ensures that children with disabilities get the evaluations, the services and the supports they need to be successful in school.
Services
The firm has a reputation of taking difficult cases and fighting to win. The team is not afraid to litigate and they partner with their clients and leading experts to achieve fantastic results.
GDPC represents children and their parents in Committee on Special Education meetings (CSE or IEP meetings), 504 meetings, impartial (due process) hearings, suspension hearings, manifestation determinations, and on appeal (to the SRO, Federal Court, and Second Circuit).
GDPC represents children and their parents in Committee on Special Education meetings (CSE or IEP meetings), 504 meetings, impartial (due process) hearings, suspension hearings, manifestation determinations, and on appeal (to the SRO, Federal Court, and Second Circuit).
Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to participate in or contribute to society. Improving educational results for children with disabilities is an essential element of our national policy of ensuring equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.
Benjamin Brown joins GDPC as an Associate Attorney after years at Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, a nonprofit legal organization, where he focused on the legal needs of persons with disabilities. There, he gained a deep familiarity with the remedial statutes intended to provide persons with disabilities equal access to public institutions, services, and programming.
Catherine is a leading attorney in the area of special education law. She has represented hundreds of clients nationally in administrative hearings as well as federal and state court. Catherine graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. from New York University, was a Presidential Scholar, and a recipient of the Founders Day Award.
When you call to schedule a consultation, your first contact with GDPC will be the cheerful voice of Charlene ("Charlie") Lolis, Education Paralegal and Office Manager. Charlie came to the firm after decades of working alongside CEOs of top U.S. corporations. She is a master organizer, manages all aspects of the firm's day-to-day operations, and has the patience of a saint.
Reviews (19)
Lee Manning
Jan 28, 2022
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Sabrina Roffman
Jan 21, 2022
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Gina was part of a long journey with my elementary age son (k-2nd grade). My son had a host of behavioral issues and was not getting the professional services he needed from the district. Gina fought for us. She helped direct us to the right professional, a top notch one that would as a result help my child. We got a fabulous behavioralist. Gina also helped us get compensatory services to make up for lost services during the pandemic. I definitely would recommend Gina.
Eric Lombardo
Jan 19, 2022
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Gina and her team not only provided the assistance our family needed to reach a settlement with my child's school district, they guided us every step of way through the the unfamiliar process.
Gina was professional, knowledgeable and a complete advocate for my child's educational needs. I would recommend GDPC to anyone in search for an education attorney.
Gina was professional, knowledgeable and a complete advocate for my child's educational needs. I would recommend GDPC to anyone in search for an education attorney.
Amanda McKelvey
Jul 31, 2021
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We arrived at Gina's office after years of battling our school district unsuccessfully. Not only was our child never given a free and appropriate public education, but there was overwhelming evidence that nefarious acts were taking place under district supervision as well. Gina and her team passionately fought for us for over a year through due process and the appeal processes helping to expose the truth. They communicated frequently and effectively answering our numerous questions, always with patience and care. Our family is forever grateful we were able to obtain 6 years, at district expense
Neal Muhammad
Jul 03, 2021
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We really want to thank Gina, Charlie, and the whole team at GDPC. Everyone at the office makes the process of getting our son the education he deserves and needs painless. My wife and I did not have any clue about how the process worked but Gina spoke with us about the process and eased our minds. We would like to send a sincere thank you from my family to GDPC.
Andria Guzi
Jun 03, 2021
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Gina DeCrescenzo and her staff are the best! She came through and helped me when I was up against a school system that wanted to sweep issues under the carpet and not do the right thing for my son. After Gina’s help, my son is in a wonderful school, getting the help he needs and doing very well, will soon graduate with a regents diploma!
Sonia Lopez Gonzalez
Mar 19, 2021
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We took too long in retaining Gina DeCrescenzo as our child’s attorney. We met with Gina for a consultation and received excellent advice which we implemented with some degree of success. However, convincing the school district to provide all the services our child needed was nearly impossible. As soon as Gina started handling our child’s case, the school district was more flexible and willing to provide the services we had been requesting for years. In the end, with Gina’s help, the school district has agreed to provide all the services requested, improving our child’s quality life and
Janice Vincenzo
Mar 14, 2021
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Taking legal action against a school district is down right frightening, and the cost can be a strong deterrent. But please don't be deterred. If your child is being denied an education, I urge your to reach out to Gina DeCrescenzo - she will let you know where you stand. When I had no choice but to seek legal consultation because the school… district was failing my daughter, Gina came highly recommended. As soon as I met her, I knew why. Gina has a friendly demeanor that quickly put my mind at ease. She knows education law like no other and most importantly, she is passionate about making
Valerie Daniele
Nov 10, 2020
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No parent wants to retain an attorney to ensure their child is getting everything he needs at school to succeed, but if you have to do so, Gina is the best! Gina guided us through the entire process with patience and compassion. She genuinely cared about our child's experience. She was incredibly responsive. I cannot say enough about her professionalism and expertise in this area.
Michelle M.
Nov 06, 2020
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We HIGHLY recommend Gina DeCrescenzo and her incredible team. Simply put, they are the BEST out there. Gina is masterful. A consummate professional. Her expertise, along with her fearless, confident style resulted in our son finally receiving the education and services to which he is entitled after a long and difficult journey. All accolades are highly deserved!
Kerri V.
Sep 16, 2020
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Gina is the BEST Special Education Attorney!
Gina and her team are very responsive and caring. Gina is extremely knowledgeable and will fight passionately for your child’s rights. She has amazing reviews because she is a STRONG advocate for children. Gina will guide you and inform you about the process and make sure your child receives the proper services. Her tremendous success in my case has changed my child’s life forever! I am so grateful for everything Gina has done for my child!
Gina and her team are very responsive and caring. Gina is extremely knowledgeable and will fight passionately for your child’s rights. She has amazing reviews because she is a STRONG advocate for children. Gina will guide you and inform you about the process and make sure your child receives the proper services. Her tremendous success in my case has changed my child’s life forever! I am so grateful for everything Gina has done for my child!
Kerri Mc
Jul 12, 2020
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I am so grateful that I made the decision to select Gina. As a teacher, I thought I would be able to reason with the district and be granted the education that my child needed. Then, I realized I needed help because my child wasn’t getting the proper services. I researched a few attorneys, met with two, and knew Gina was the best choice. She is a true advocate for children. Her wisdom and expertise led to a huge win for my child. I am truly grateful for this life changing experience.
Donna Vitulli
Mar 20, 2020
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Mike Vitulli
Mar 20, 2020
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Katelyn Ashley
Mar 20, 2020
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YOU CAN STOP LOOKING! you found the gem that will take on your case as her own family- fight for what she believes is right and support and guide you and your family along the way. Gina would do this job for free. Her passion is evident and her determination is unwavering. Thank you Gina for all you do to make this world a better place.
Dominick D'Aleo
Mar 20, 2020
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Gina is a rare find. Her professionalism and honesty puts her head and shoulders above the rest. She has always been there for a quick question and you can tell how genuine and caring if a person she is. If you need help in this area please call her, she explains everything to you, step by step , lays’s out all your options and always puts her clients needs first. She’s the best
Geoffrey Schmits
Dec 26, 2019
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Even though I am an attorney myself, I knew I needed someone with expertise in education law to handle my son’s case. Gina DeCrescenzo has that expertise and I definitely made the right choice putting my son’s case in her hands. I felt very well informed by Gina and her staff each step of the way and I literally slept better after she started… handling things. But it wasn’t just her expertise that made me feel better – it was her passion for my son’s case. You don’t expect someone to be as passionate about your kids as you are, but she was. You couldn
Lisa Crosby
Sep 07, 2019
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I don't know where to begin, An Thank You doesn't even say enough.. God Blessed Me With Gina an Her Amazing Firm. I call to inquire about a consultant fee an found I was unable to afford the fee , feeling discouraged as I called many attorney's an the result was the same to expensive for my budget , I ended up making contact with a channel 12 News… Reporter to whom after review of the video showing my child being jumped by several of her peers she interviewed me an my story an cry for help was aired June 7th 2019 . I receive a phone call shortly after . Gina contacted me she recognized my
LaKisha DeBiase
Aug 30, 2019
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Selecting a lawyer is a process but it doesn’t have to be. We highly recommend Gina if you need support maximizing your childs academic potential. From the beginning she delivered validation, consistency, knowledge of the law, determination, stamina, rigor and passion. What I admire most about Gina is the ability to make her clients feel like partners in crime. We were on a mission to prevail together and I will always have a special place in my heart for her. Can you say that about your attorney?
