From 2010 through 2013, Robert was the Executive Director of the Edge Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides specialized coaches for students with ADHD and Executive Functioning Impairment.
He is a past member of the National Board of Directors of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD) and is a current member, and a past chair of CHADD’s Public Policy Committee. Robert is also a former Vice President of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA). Since his diagnosis, he has researched and written extensively on the subject of special education law and disability advocacy, as well as the over representation of individuals with ADHD and co-occurring mental health conditions in the juvenile/criminal justice systems compared to that in the general population. He is a frequent resource for the media on these subjects including CBS News, New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, ABC News, The BBC, The Today Show, CNN, USA Today, Seattle Times. He has been published in ATTENTION® Magazine and regularly contributes on adult, parenting and legal issues, in addition to sitting on its Editorial Advisory Board. He was also the legal expert columnist for ADDitude Magazine from 2007 through 2012.
Robert received his Juris Doctor at the Fordham University School of Law in 1989. He subsequently served four years as an Assistant District Attorney in Bronx County, NY. For the last twenty years he has practiced criminal and civil litigation as a practicing attorney in New York. Since his diagnosis, he has dedicated a growing portion of his practice as an advocate for special needs children, adolescents and adults in the area of legal, administrative and educational issues. He also lectures at conferences throughout the country and speaks at special education PTA meetings. He also accepts engagements as a keynote and motivational speaker for parenting and student groups.
Robert is an avid runner, sports philanthropist and nine time marathon finisher. He has developed a number of programs to raise funding and awareness for organizations such as CHADD and The Edge Foundation. As the Executive Director of the Edge Foundation, he created Team Edge, as a means to promote a healthier way of life for Edge Coaches and Students and also to raise funding and awareness about Edge’s mission through various athletic events. In 2009, Robert ran the New York City Marathon on a team of 125 runners for Autism Speaks. Collectively, the team raised over $485,000 for the charity. He lives with his wife and son in Eastchester, New York.