Gary Schaffer

Growing up as a struggling student with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and a learning disability, Gary E. Schaffer, PhD has dedicated his professional practices and life to helping all learners succeed. Gary received a bachelor’s degree in special education and English and subsequently went on to become a school psychologist and clinical mental health counselor. As a school psychologist, Gary has practiced across school, hospital, and state agency settings where he primarily worked with diverse learners and individuals with developmental disabilities. Currently, Gary is employed full-time as an Assistant Professor at Niagara University where he teaches graduate students in school psychology, school counseling, and clinical mental health counseling.

Outside of working for Niagara University, Gary continues to advocate for children and adults with disabilities and has met with both state and national legislators in regards to the Every Student Succeeds Act, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, and increasing the availability of mental health services for children. He has authored numerous scholarly articles, books, book chapters, and programs in the areas of MTSS, school psychology leadership, autism, and suicide prevention and intervention. He has presented nationally as an invited speaker and offers consultation in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and best preventative practices under three-tiered frameworks, such as Response to Intervention, Positive Behavior Supports and social-emotional RTI.