Elena Wisniewski, M.Ed., CRC
After years working on university campuses, I saw a recurring struggle. Brilliant students were struggling not because of their classes, but because they lacked an "insider’s map" for setting up accommodations and advocating for resources in college. Parents were frustrated by documentation hurdles and students without advocacy skills faced delayed accommodations and stressful starts. I founded Equipped Transitions to bridge this gap. I ensure families feel supported and students are prepared to own their journey for a positive, successful first semester.
My Story
I believe college is a vital stepping stone toward independence, but for many, that step is a leap into the unknown. My journey in this field began long before I became a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). With a focus on autism during my undergraduate studies and over seven years of volunteer experience, I saw firsthand both the brilliance and the unique hurdles of students with disabilities.
While working within the university system, I created a dedicated support program for autistic students to ensure they had a space tailored to their success. Yet, across the board, I consistently saw a recurring problem. Students struggled to ask for the help they deserved, while parents were understandably frustrated by complex, shifting documentation requirements.
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This lack of preparation creates "First-Year Friction."
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When accommodations are delayed, it creates a high-stress environment exactly when students need to feel the most secure. University offices are often stretched thin, supporting hundreds of students with varying needs. They simply aren't equipped to provide the intensive, 1-on-1 advocacy coaching that makes the difference between a student who merely survives and a student who thrives.
Equipped Transitions was born from a desire to fix this. Whether it’s debunking myths about "ESA certificates," navigating the legal shift from high school to the ADA, or reframing disability as a tool for access, I provide the tools, the scripts, and the strategy to ensure that the transition to college is a bridge, not a cliff.
Why Work with a CRC?
A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is a nationally board-certified professional with graduate-level training in the medical, psychological, and vocational aspects of disability. Unlike a general coach, a CRC is specifically trained to navigate the complex interaction between a student’s unique diagnosis and the real-world environment. This certification ensures your strategist follows a strict national code of ethics and stays at the forefront of disability legislation.
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To learn more about the rigorous standards and ethical code required of board-certified counselors, visit the CRCC website.