Whitney E. Nelson-Crawford

Whitney is an associate in Sands Anderson’s School & Education Law team. She works alongside public school divisions and governmental employers, using her combined experience as a school counselor and lawyer to address the day-to-day legal challenges that surface when operating public bodies.

Whether helping school board clients with personnel issues, student discipline, or policy and governance matters, Whitney’s background shapes her approach to creative problem solving. At the outset of each matter, she strives to understand her client’s frame of reference, ensuring any concerns are heard and acknowledged before charting a path forward together. She knows that being honest and transparent fosters trust and collaboration.

In addition to her education law practice, Whitney has a deep understanding of the employment laws that impact governmental employers. Whitney’s experience helping companies with workplace issues includes defending employers in federal court against claims arising under Title VII, ADA, FMLA, and FLSA. She also helps employers with collective bargaining negotiations, workplace investigations, employment policies and handbooks, and disciplinary matters.

When not in the office, Whitney loves to ski, cook, play piano, and spend time in the garden with her husband, along with their dogs, chickens, and ducks, on their small farm in Hanover.