Cynthia Newman, MSW, LCSW is the Regional Early Intervention Director in Central New Jersey. She has devoted her career to working with infants, toddlers, and families, many of whom have children with special needs. Cynthia has a has a dual bachelor’s degree in Social Work & English from Seton Hall University and a master’s in Social Work from Rutgers the State University of New Jersey. She has post graduate training at the Ackerman Institute, NYC, The Multicultural Centre, Highland Park, NJ and Bank Street College, NYC. Cynthia also has certification in developmental disabilities and child – adolescent development from Rutgers GSSW. She has also been an adjunct professor at Rutgers GSSW.

Cynthia has over 30 years’ experience working as an individual, child and family therapist. She also has a special interest in life cycle transitions. Cynthia worked closely with former Senator Don Francesco to establish the NJ Catastrophic Illness in Children’s Relief Fund which provides financial assistance for NJ families whose children have an illness or condition not otherwise covered by insurance. This landmark legislation has been a model for other states. She has also worked on the passage of other legislation regarding school age childcare and for children who are medically needy. Cynthia has also written Special Needs, Successful Inclusion: A Guide to Planning Community Activities for Children with Special Needs and on sibling issues. She has presented numerous workshops on parenting, sibling issues and inclusion.