History
An acolyte of Diana King and Orton-Gillingham methodology, Kevin went to Case Western Law School in order to advocate for children’s rights. While there, he specialized his studies on IDEA, served as an editor for the Law Review, and conducted research for the Iraqi High Tribunal.
After spending years in international law in New York City; working at Oxford University Press and with lawyers at law schools around the country, federal agencies, and the UN; Kevin came back to his original passion: children’s advocacy.
Kevin has helped both children and schools seek best educational outcomes for years, and he would be honored to serve you.
Where did our name come from? Dr. Thomas Boyce coined the term, describing “dandelion children” as those who can grow and flourish in any environment and “orchid children” as those who need some extra attention to unleash their full beauty. Enjoy the recap of Dr. Boyce’s observations below.
It takes a village.
We’re here to help.
Get in touch
We at Advancement for Orchid Children PLLC know that providing the right education for your child is a process not to be taken lightly. We’d like to hear about your needs and the scope of your goals.
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Our Team
Kevin Pendergast, Esq.
Owner
Kevin Pendergast, Esq.
Education
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
JD; LAW REVIEW; 2006
SUNY ALBANY
BA; LITERATURE; 1993
Activities & Affiliations
Littman Krooks - Of Counsel
Maplebrook School Foundation - Board Member
Whole Child Academy - Board Member
NYLAG - Former Staff Attorney
The Kildonan School - Former Headmaster
The Bilgrav School - Former Board Member
Admissions
New York State Bar
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Victoria Sanjuan has been advocating alongside Advancement for Orchid Children since the beginning. Having completed Seat 2 for COPAA, presented at the COPAA conference, and won countless cases for her clients through her own advocacy firm, Special Education Solutions of the Hudson Valley, Victoria brings breadth and depth to our legal matters.
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Helen Roussel bring years of experience fighting for the rights of students with disabilities through her Long Island-based nonprofit, the Dyslexia Advocacy Action Group. She has been instrumental in bringing organizational change to the way districts handle students with LD through her work as a founding member of Decoding Dyslexia-NY, and Helen brings her expertise and eye for detail to clients at our firm.
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Catherine Murdoch has had years of experience and training in neurodiversity and education, both in New York City and Connecticut. She has completed Seat 1 with COPAA and brings her compassion and wealth of knowledge, as well as her organizational and writing skills, to our legal clients.
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Daniel Ball is the Executive Function powerhouse of our organization. He brings expertise working with youth in the criminal justice system as well as organizational management experience. He is a steady and supportive youth advocate who keeps all the moving parts of client matters running smoothly.