The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) operates with an elite team of dedicated professionals in special education with decades of experience in and out of classrooms with extensive client work and research.
Matthew Lunsford, MSW, BCBA
NASET Director of Special Education Learning & Development
Matthew Lunsford is a licensed special education teacher, behavior analyst, and Supervisee in Clinical Social Work in Virginia. He holds board certifications in behavior analysis and special education. Matthew holds additional certifications as an E-RYT 500, RCYT, YACEP, C-IAYT, and Humanist Celebrant and chaplain. Matthew holds master’s degrees in clinical social work, special education, and psychology and is finishing his Doctor of Social Work in clinical social work from the University of Kentucky. Matthew teaches AP psychology and English courses at VHS Learning during the school year and adjuncts as a professor of psychology, sociology, and special education at SNHU in addition to seeing patients at Lunsford Behavioral Consulting & Yoga. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and is an avid violinist.
Dr. Theresa Garfield
NASET Director of Training Content Development
Dr. Theresa Garfield began her 32-year career as an elementary school teacher in an urban setting, where she taught multiple grade levels and special education. After earning her Master’s degree and while working on her doctorate, she transitioned into higher education and served as department chair and Program Director of Education at Palo Alto College. In 2011, she moved to Texas A&M University-San Antonio, where she is a Professor of Special Education and focuses on teacher preparation and special education leader development.
Theresa also served in multiple roles in national and local organizations and has won teaching and service awards at the local, state, and national levels. Her passion for eliminating barriers drives her research agenda in special education leadership, accessibility, efficacy, and AI. She mentors and advocates for students, faculty members, and staff. Theresa is excited to work with NASET as the Director of Training Content Development and hopes to support educational professionals in their pursuit of relevant, high-quality training opportunities.
Marilyn Vrountas, M.Ed., B.C.S.E., W.D.P.
NASET Director of Educator Engagement and Advancement
Marilyn is a dedicated special education leader with over 30 years of experience in education. As a former Director of Pupil Services, she is especially proud of her work mentoring educators, partnering with school teams, and leading with a strong understanding of both student needs and the legal responsibilities that guide special education.
Marilyn holds a Master of Education in Organizational Management, is Board Certified in Special Education, and is a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. She has deep experience in structured literacy and advocates for evidence-based, student-centered instruction.
A long-time member of NASET, Marilyn now works as a consultant and mentor to educators, schools, and families. She values being part of a professional community grounded in collaboration, shared learning, and strong support for those who teach and the students they serve.
