Advocacy Services
How We Help
Just like students thrive with a personalized approach to learning, families benefit from advocacy that’s tailored to their unique needs. Every family is at a different point in their child’s educational journey, and my goal is to meet you exactly where you are. Together, we’ll build your knowledge and confidence so you can become the strongest advocate for your child.
Dispute Resolution and Mediation
- Representing parents in discussions to resolve conflicts
- Ensuring you have the proper paperwork, evidence, and documentation for meetings or disputes, writing clear professional letters to schools to support your child’s needs.
What We Do
Here are some of the ways we are able to support you
Parent Coaching & Advocacy Training
Become the advocate your child already knows you are.
One-on-one coaching sessions teach you IEP/504 basics, communication strategies, and how to handle tricky meetings or disagreements, all customized to your child and your style.
How it helps: Gain the skills and confidence to advocate independently without needing a professional by your side for every step.
FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENTS (FBA)
When a school can’t figure out why your child is struggling behaviorally, an FBA is supposed to provide real answers, not guesses. We dig into the data, observe your child across settings, and look at what’s really going on: what triggers behavior, what keeps it going, and what your child is trying to communicate. Through observations, data review, and real analysis (not assumptions) we pinpoint the “why behind the behaviors and turn it into clear, actionable recommendations.
How it helps:
You get a clear understanding of what your child needs, the school gets actionable steps, and your child finally gets support that makes a difference.
Team Meeting Prep & Strategy Session
Walk in like a boss.
We prep for your upcoming IEP or 504 meeting by reviewing documents, brainstorming talking points, and anticipating questions or pushback. You’ll leave with a strategy tailored to your child’s needs.
How it helps: Walk into meetings confident, prepared, and ready to advocate…without the panic.
REFERRALS
With over 2 decades of experience in special education, I have developed a vast network of professionals who provide an array of educational services including speech therapists, occupational therapists, diagnostic evaluators, ABA providers, private educational placements, and other medical or therapeutic providers. With the knowledge I have of your child, I am able to make recommendations to other resources and service providers from which your child would benefit.
PROGRAM PLACEMENT OBSERVATIONS
Finding the right school or program for your child can feel like a guessing game, and let’s be honest, not every school or program lives up to its promises. We’ll review placement options based on your child’s needs, strengths, and learning style and guide you through the process from start to finish.
How it helps: Parents have the confidence knowing their child will end up in the environment that best supports their learning, growth, and success…without the guesswork.
IEP Check-Up & Review
Think of it as a health check for your child’s IEP.
We’ll review your child’s current IEP, recent evaluations, and testing results, then provide written feedback with clear guidance on strengths, gaps, and actionable next steps.
Why it helps: You don’t need to wait for a crisis to know if your child’s plan is on track. Walk away with confidence, clarity, and a roadmap for advocacy.
Evaluations & Eligibility Guidance
Decoding testing reports so you don’t have to.
We’ll review evaluations and reports, explain what they mean, and outline next steps to determine eligibility and services.
Why it helps: Turn confusing reports into actionable advocacy strategies. Knowledge = power.
Dispute Resolution and Mediation
Disagreements happen. When they do, we guide you through your options, draft letters to the school, gather the data to strengthen your case, and map out a strategy for moving forward. If mediation becomes necessary, we’ll attend with you and help negotiate an agreement you feel confident about.
How it helps: You’ll move forward knowing that your child’s needs always come first.
IEP/504 Draft Review & Recommendations
Because signing without understanding? Not an option.
We’ll review any draft IEP or 504 plan and provide a written summary of concerns, recommendations, and strategies to discuss at your next meeting.
Why it helps: Make sure your child’s plan actually meets their needs, before you sign anything.
STUDENT RECORDS REVIEW
I can review your child’s educational file to gain a better understanding of their unique needs and help develop a plan on what they need to make effective progress in their educational setting. Documents reviewed include but aren’t limited to: 504 plans, IEP’s, progress reports, report cards, disciplinary records, assessments, evaluations, data and graphs.
CLASSROOM CONSULTATION
As a seasoned program evaluator with decades of experience working with students, I know the many aspects of a successful program and what strategies can be put in place to improve and individualize a student’s classroom experience.
Dispute Resolution and Mediation
Disagreements happen. When they do, we guide you through your options, draft letters to the school, gather the data to strengthen your case, and map out a strategy for moving forward. If mediation becomes necessary, we’ll attend with you and help negotiate an agreement you feel confident about.
How it helps: You’ll move forward knowing that your child’s needs always come first.
OUT OF DISTRICT PLACEMENTS
Out of district placements can be difficult to obtain. I will work with you to build a case to prove your child’s current programming isn’t appropriate and to identify an appropriate out of district placement that will meet their needs. This typically involves observing your child in school and a thorough review of their current and past IEPs, progress reports, report cards, evaluations, and data. I have successfully obtained out of district placements in public and private day schools as well as residential placements for dozens of students.
Having an experienced advocate on your side isn’t just helpful, it can be a complete game changer. We dig through records, break down the legal and educational jargon, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
We’ll sit in meetings with you, guide IEP and 504 Plan development, address eligibility issues, and handle placement disputes so you can just be the parent, not the compliance expert. While you focus on your child, we’ll make sure the school delivers the services your child is entitled to receive.
No matter where you are in your child’s educational journey, we meet you there, help build your confidence, and give you the tools and knowledge to advocate without second guessing yourself.
The impact?
- You get peace of mind knowing nothing slips through the cracks.
- You’ll have confidence that every decision is informed and strategic.
- Your child will get the services they’re entitled to.
- Team meetings will finally start to make sense.