ABOUT ME

Navigating the world of Special Education can be confusing. I was an educator in the State of Georgia for over 8 years and still found the process overwhelming when my two adopted children with disabilities entered the public school system. I offer assistance to parents of children with disabilities.

As a former teacher in the State of Georgia and a parent of two children with disabilities, I am able to bring dual perspectives to the table at IEP meetings and assist with making a truly individualized plan that achieves an appropriate education for your child.

I was a certified teacher in the State of Georgia for 8 years including teaching kindergarten, second grade, an online academy and a homeschool hybrid. I stopped teaching when my oldest son was going into pre-k. I realized that IEP meetings and therapies and understanding special education were going to be a full time job. When my younger son came along, he had many health concerns, and I focused on what he needed medically and what my oldest needed educationally.  My boys are now 10 and 5, and are doing so well.  My husband is a Chief Branding officer and an entrepreneur. . 

All the letters in the diagnosis labels and acronyms used in the educational and medical communities sometimes make me feel as though I live in a world of alphabet soup. Along the way, I have learned a lot about ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Dyslexia, Written Expression Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Receptive / Expressive Language Disorders, and so many other areas.

I also became very aware that the school system personnel have great intentions but often do not have the training, expertise or time to develop a truly individualized and appropriate plan for my children. As a former teacher, I understand the many expectations that teachers are expected to fulfill for a large classroom with children who all have different needs and learning styles. I also understand the hierarchy within the school system and that often the Individuals in school meetings are often operating based on their prior experiences of what has been done, worked for another child or what they have been told from someone else.

I began training as an advocate in order to combine my prior work as a part of the educational system with my current journey of working with the school system to have my children’s needs met in the school environment. I understand the “system” from both sides and I feel that allows me to assist the parents and the school to see each other’s point of view and work collaboratively for the benefit of the child. 

I have completed the Wrightslaw seminar, COPAA Seat 1.0 class, and will be continuing my education in the areas of Special Education Law and Advocacy. I have been working with our personal advocate as a mentor. I look forward to keep learning and growing as an advocate to better serve families. 

Determining what a child’s strengths and weaknesses are and how to best meet that child’s needs is not simply the job of the school system. Parents have a right and a responsibility to be full members of their child’s educational team. An advocate can assist you with understanding your child’s needs and assist you with developing an effective plan in collaboration with the school system.