Two Experts. One Goal:
Answers You Can Actually Use.
At Psychological & Educational Testing Specialists, every evaluation is conducted by one of two deeply experienced specialists who have spent their careers inside New Jersey's schools — not just testing in isolation, but implementing IEPs, developing 504 Plans, training teachers, and advocating for students at every level.
Debbi and Dawn understand the difference between a report that gets filed away and one that actually moves the needle. That difference is experience — and it shapes everything about the way they work.
Debra (Debbi) Strauss, Ed.D.
Licensed Professional Counselor | Nationally Certified School Psychologist
With more than 25 years of experience as a Special Education Director, Child Study Team member, and private evaluator, Debbi brings an extraordinary depth of knowledge to every assessment she conducts. Her background spans not just testing, but the administrative and advocacy work that ensures testing translates into real outcomes for students.
Debbi holds an MA and Professional Diploma in School Psychology, an MA in Educational Administration, and an Ed.D. in K-12 School Administration. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults throughout her career — giving her a uniquely comprehensive view of cognitive and educational development across the lifespan.
Her testing clients have ranged from young children being evaluated for the first time to adults seeking documentation decades after a learning disability first went unrecognized. In every case, Debbi's approach is the same: thorough, compassionate, and focused on delivering clarity.
Call or text Debbi: (201) 294-4430
Dawn Torpey, Ed.S.
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDT-C)
Dawn has spent more than 25 years working at the intersection of learning and education — as a Special Education Teacher, Child Study Team member, private evaluator, and specialist in multi-sensory instruction. She brings a teacher's perspective to every evaluation she conducts, and it shows in the practical, classroom-ready recommendations her reports contain.
Dawn holds an MA in Learning Disabilities and an Ed.S. in Education, Leadership, Management and Policy. She has received specialized training in multi-sensory education, including the Orton-Gillingham approach — a structured, evidence-based method for supporting students with dyslexia and reading difficulties.
Dawn's clients have included children, adolescents, and adults. Her deep familiarity with how learning disabilities present at different ages and stages means she knows exactly what to look for — and how to explain what she finds in a way that empowers, not overwhelms.
Call or text Dawn: (201) 248-0147
Together, Debbi and Dawn Are Experts In:
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Psychological and educational assessments for children, teens,
and adults -
IEP and Section 504 Plan development and implementation
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College Accommodation Plans and university disability documentation
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Identifying and evaluating dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and anxiety
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Recommending and implementing multi-sensory learning strategies
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Gifted and Talented program eligibility evaluations
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Translating complex test data into clear, teacher- and family-friendly recommendations
Our Philosophy
Testing Should Open Doors, Not Close Them
We believe every person who walks through our door deserves to leave with more clarity than they came in with. Not just a diagnosis — but an understanding of how their mind works, what gets in the way, and what tools and strategies will help them thrive.
We are proud of our commitment to understanding and celebrating the unique perspectives of clients from all backgrounds. Testing is never one-size-fits-all, and neither is the care we bring to every evaluation.
Our extensive experience inside public education shapes every recommendation we make. When we suggest an accommodation or a support strategy, we know it works — because we've seen it work.
Disclaimer
Psychological & Educational Testing Specialists is an association of professionals and not a partnership.
Mission
Our mission is to provide comprehensive, evidence-based psychological and educational evaluations that bring clarity, direction, and understanding to individuals and families.
We are committed to identifying each person’s unique strengths and challenges, delivering accurate insights, and offering practical, actionable recommendations that support success at school, at work, and in everyday life.
Through thoughtful assessment and expert guidance, we empower our clients to move forward with confidence, knowledge, and a clear path ahead.
