Dr. Sharmila Roy began her teaching journey in India and pursued further training in the United Kingdom before earning her doctorate in Special Education from The State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Roy brings over three decades of expertise in special education to her role as Program Chair of the Educational Therapy certificate Program at the University of California Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Extension program since 2014. She has been an integral instructor in the Education Program at UCSC Extension since 2007. Dr. Roy works in private practice as an Educational Therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing customized support to students. She has also been a dedicated advocate for minority families navigating the complexities of the special education system.

Dr. Roy has focused on enhancing math learning experiences for students with learning disabilities using Universal Design for Learning and multisensory structured instruction. Her specialization includes developing number sense in K-7th grade students, and supporting executive function skills in middle to high school students and young adults. She has contributed significantly to professional development for educators, allied professionals, parents, as well as organizations supporting struggling students and young adults. As a sought-after speaker, she has presented on topics such as Learning Disorders at Stanford University Department of Psychiatry, Executive Functions for Students with Learning Disabilities at San Jose State University, (How to) Pursue What you Love at the Schwab Learning Center