The hallmark of Shrub Oak International School’s therapeutic and educational program is its unique transdisciplinary approach, which sets the school apart as a model for individualized learning and care. Michael Koffler, CEO of Shrub Oak International School, shares that the school’s approach emphasizes the whole student and works to ensure that every student receives a truly individualized experience designed not only to address their unique needs but also to harness their strengths and interests. At the heart of this approach is collaboration—bringing together educators, clinicians, campus life staff, and direct support professionals to work cohesively toward each student's personal growth and success.
From the moment a student steps into Shrub Oak International School, they are surrounded by a dedicated, cross-functional team that includes teachers, clinicians, and campus life staff. Shrub Oak International School’s commitment to forming a robust support system begins on day one, where a holistic and comprehensive understanding of the student’s needs is the priority. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School explains that this team works closely with the student, their family, and their school district, when appropriate, to design an Individualized Transdisciplinary Education Program (ITEP). The ITEP serves as a comprehensive guide for the student’s journey at Shrub Oak, outlining individualized goals, strategies, and supports that evolve with the student's progress.
This individualized plan isn’t static—it evolves alongside the student, reflecting changes in their progress, growth, and needs. Unlike traditional methods where professionals may work in isolation, the Shrub Oak International School transdisciplinary approach involves all disciplines from the very beginning, collaborating to form a unified plan. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School explains that this prevents fragmentation in other models and ensures that every team member is aligned in their understanding of and goals for the student. As a result, every student receives a fully integrated support system that is continuously fine-tuned to promote their success.
The collaborative framework truly differentiates Shrub Oak International School’s transdisciplinary model. Rather than each professional contributing to a student’s plan in isolation, Shrub Oak International School fosters a unique environment of continuous collaboration. In contrast to a multidisciplinary approach, where specialists independently assess a student and later pool their insights, the transdisciplinary team at Shrub Oak International School functions as a cohesive unit from day one. Each team member brings their unique expertise to the table, but they also work together continuously, sharing ideas and developing strategies in real time. This dynamic teamwork fosters a deep, shared understanding of the student, which is critical for ensuring consistent and effective interventions. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School understands that this minimizes potential miscommunication and prevents the development of gaps, which can happen when each discipline operates in isolation. Instead, the focus remains fully on the student, with every decision made through a shared lens.
The continuous collaboration between Shrub Oak International School educators, clinicians, campus life staff, and direct support professionals means that no aspect of the student’s development is overlooked. In addition to educators, the team includes an array of on-staff therapeutic specialists such as psychologists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, mental health counselors, and a psychiatric nurse practitioner. These professionals play an integral role in delivering push-in services, working alongside teachers in the classroom to provide seamless support. This embedded model of care ensures that therapeutic interventions occur in the most natural setting possible, increasing their effectiveness and reducing the likelihood of disruption to the student's day. Having these specialists as part of the core Shrub Oak International School staff rather than as external consultants fosters stronger relationships with students and promotes a more consistent, holistic support system.
The transdisciplinary model at Shrub Oak International School does more than meet academic needs—it addresses the whole student. Shrub Oak understands that success in life involves more than just learning in the classroom; emotional, social, and physical growth are just as important. The team at Shrub Oak works together to identify potential barriers to learning, be they cognitive, emotional, social, or physical. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School emphasizes that by sharing knowledge and perspectives, the team can develop innovative and practical interventions rooted in a deep understanding of the student’s unique profile. This joined-up thinking allows the team to recognize and nurture each student’s strengths and interests, giving them the tools they need to thrive academically and in life.
Furthermore, this approach acknowledges that education is not one-size-fits-all. Each student is unique, and for autistic students, the everyday challenges of communication, sensory processing, and social interactions can impact their educational experience. By addressing these aspects alongside academic learning, Shrub Oak International School’s transdisciplinary teams provide support that is as broad as it is deep, ensuring that students grow in all areas of development.
Through this transdisciplinary approach, Shrub Oak International School ensures every student has a clear and unified path forward. Each student's path is highly individualized, built to grow and evolve as the student progresses. Rather than working from fragmented or isolated perspectives, the team members work as one to create an environment where the student’s voice, needs, and aspirations are always at the center. This collaborative process results in a highly individualized and responsive program that evolves as students grow, ensuring they are fully supported. Shrub Oak International School’s transdisciplinary approach was a key element of the original vision set forth by Michael Koffler, the school’s CEO. From the beginning, Mr. Koffler recognized the need for a holistic model that integrates the expertise of educators, clinicians, campus life staff, and direct support professionals to address the diverse needs of each student. Michael Koffler’s leadership in developing this unique approach has shaped Shrub Oak into a school where compassion, collaboration, and individualized care are at the heart of its program.
Michael Koffler, CEO of Shrub Oak International School, emphasizes that by embracing a transdisciplinary model, the school is not just educating students but empowering them, equipping each child with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and resilience.
Shrub Oak International School, located in New York, less than one hour from New York City, is a therapeutic day and residential school for autistic children, adolescents, and young adults. For more information about Shrub Oak’s transdisciplinary education program, visit www.shruboak.org.
