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Catherine Holahan

Catherine Holahan

Principal

101 Constitution Avenue, NW
Suite 900
Washington, D.C., 20001
T 202.689.2905
catherine.holahan@educationcounsel.com
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Ms. Holahan provides legal, policy, and strategic planning support to organizations on education policy matters with a focus on disability-related issues, special education, school climate and discipline, and the advancement of innovative strategies to improve student outcomes, particularly in high-poverty, low-performing schools. Previously, Ms. Holahan was Managing Attorney of the Children-at-Risk unit of Connecticut Legal...

Ms. Holahan provides legal, policy, and strategic planning support to organizations on education policy matters with a focus on disability-related issues, special education, school climate and discipline, and the advancement of innovative strategies to improve student outcomes, particularly in high-poverty, low-performing schools. Previously, Ms. Holahan was Managing Attorney of the Children-at-Risk unit of Connecticut Legal Services, Inc., a statewide group of attorneys who advocated through systemic policy change and individual representation for improved access to quality education for low-income students. In that role, she founded and led several key initiatives focusing on the intersections of the education, child protection, and juvenile justice systems. She led multiple efforts and initiatives that resulted in changes to state and district policies related to students with disabilities, school discipline, and juvenile justice reform.

Ms. Holahan has presented at national and state-level convenings on issues of students with disabilities and school discipline.   Ms. Holahan was a middle school classroom teacher for several years in Baton Rouge, LA through Teach For America.   She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law, a Master of Social Work in Policy and Planning from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Vermont.

Catherine Holahan

Services, Inc., a statewide group of attorneys who advocated through systemic policy change and individual representation for improved access to quality education for low-income students. In that role, she founded and led several key initiatives focusing on the intersections of the education, child protection, and juvenile justice systems. She led multiple efforts and initiatives that resulted in changes to state and district policies related to students with disabilities, school discipline, and juvenile justice reform.

Ms. Holahan has presented at national and state-level convenings on issues of students with disabilities and school discipline.   Ms. Holahan was a middle school classroom teacher for several years in Baton Rouge, LA through Teach For America.   She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law, a Master of Social Work in Policy and Planning from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Vermont.

Professional Activities

  • Selected as Leadership Fellow to participate in the Center for Legal Aid Education Leadership Institute (2006–2007)
  • NARAL Pro–Choice Connecticut, Board of Directors, Board President (2005–2008)
  • Connecticut Juvenile Justice Alliance, Steering Committee Member (2008–2013)
  • State Advisory Council to the Department of Children and Families, Governor Appointee (2006–2010)
  • Connecticut Bar Association, Member, Education and Federal Practice Sections (2002–present)
  • UConn School of Law Alumni Association, Board of Directors (2006–2010)
  • Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center, Board of Directors (2005–2008)

Ms. Holahan provides legal, policy, and strategic planning support to organizations on education policy matters with a focus on disability-related issues, special education, school climate and discipline, and the advancement of innovative strategies to improve student outcomes, particularly in high-poverty, low-performing schools. Previously, Ms. Holahan was Managing Attorney of the Children-at-Risk unit of Connecticut Legal... Services, Inc., a statewide group of attorneys who advocated through systemic policy change and individual representation for improved access to quality education for low-income students. In that role, she founded and led several key initiatives focusing on the intersections of the education, child protection, and juvenile justice systems. She led multiple efforts and initiatives that resulted in changes to state and district policies related to students with disabilities, school discipline, and juvenile justice reform.

Ms. Holahan has presented at national and state-level convenings on issues of students with disabilities and school discipline.   Ms. Holahan was a middle school classroom teacher for several years in Baton Rouge, LA through Teach For America.   She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law, a Master of Social Work in Policy and Planning from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Vermont.

Education

  • University of Connecticut School of Law, JD, with honors (2001)
    • Joseph F. Noonan Memorial Award for Outstanding Legal Scholarship & Public Service
    • Hartford County Bar Association Scholarship Award
    • Women’s Law Student Association Public Service Award
    • Moot Court Board
    • Notes and Comments Editor, Connecticut Law Review, Vol. 32
  • University of Connecticut, School of Social Work, MSW, Major: Policy and Planning; Minor: Community Organization (2000)
  • University of Vermont, BA, European Studies (1994)

Admissions

  • Connecticut
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut

Clerkships

  • Law Clerk, The Honorable Ellen Ash Peters, Chief Justice Retired, Connecticut Appellate Court (2001 - 2002)
  • Selected as Leadership Fellow to participate in the Center for Legal Aid Education Leadership Institute (2006–2007)
  • NARAL Pro–Choice Connecticut, Board of Directors, Board President (2005–2008)
  • Connecticut Juvenile Justice Alliance, Steering Committee Member (2008–2013)
  • State Advisory Council to the Department of Children and Families, Governor Appointee (2006–2010)
  • Connecticut Bar Association, Member, Education and Federal Practice Sections (2002–present)
  • UConn School of Law Alumni Association, Board of Directors (2006–2010)
  • Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center, Board of Directors (2005–2008)