Lori A. Howard, Ph.D., earned a master's degree in educational audiology from the University of Northern Colorado. She began her career in special education working with students who are deaf and have hearing impairments. Subsequently, she earned a doctoral degree from the University of Virginia in educational psychology. Dr. Howard teaches special education courses related to collaboration and instruction, teaming, consultation, and individualized education program development in the special education program at the University of Virginia Northern Virginia Center. She has also taught special education curriculum and methods courses at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

Elizabeth A. Potts, Ph.D., earned a bachelor of science degree in liberal studies and a master's degree in education, with an emphasis on special education, from Longwood College in Virginia. She earned a doctoral degree with an emphasis on mild disabilities from the University of Virginia. Dr. Potts is an assistant professor and a program director for special education programs at the University of Virginia Northern Virginia Center.