About
My work as a special education advocate is grounded in experience inside classrooms--and inside the systems that govern them. I began my career as a substitute teacher in rural Michigan and went on to teach students with disabilities in central and southern Los Angeles, serving culturally diverse communities with complex educational needs.
As a special education teacher, IEP chair, and later a school administrator, I developed deep expertise in writing, implementing, and monitoring hundreds of IEPs across a wide range of disability categories. Just as importantly, I gained an insider’s understanding of how special education systems function in practice.
Today, I use this dual perspective to support families navigating the special education process. I help parents understand their rights, prepare for IEP meetings, and advocate effectively for education programs that are legally compliant, educationally appropriate, and responsive to their child’s individual needs.
As a special education teacher, IEP chair, and later a school administrator, I developed deep expertise in writing, implementing, and monitoring hundreds of IEPs across a wide range of disability categories. Just as importantly, I gained an insider’s understanding of how special education systems function in practice.
Today, I use this dual perspective to support families navigating the special education process. I help parents understand their rights, prepare for IEP meetings, and advocate effectively for education programs that are legally compliant, educationally appropriate, and responsive to their child’s individual needs.
Joined December 2025
Credentials
Education
High School Diploma
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Certifications
COPAA Special Education Advocate Training 2.0 (in process)
Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development Authorization
Work Experience
Education Consultant & Advocate
Beacon Education Solutions
Aug 2017 - Present
Guide parents of students with disabilities and giftedness through IEP and 504 process
Advocate at IEP meetings for parents as needed
Observe students in private school settings to develop strategies for
supporting individual academic and behavioral needs
Develop and deliver professional development, trainings, and workshops to private institutions centering around instruction and best practices in supporting students with disabilities (e.g., military bases, state-wide conferences, etc)
Interim Assistant Principal
Lois T Murray School
Feb 2016 - May 2016
Coordinated transportation for every student at the school, including 4 bus companies
Supervised and mentored para-professionals
Developed hardcopy and electronic systems for library inventory
Developed electronic system for moving school to Common Core standards
Education Director
Kennedy Krieger
Jun 2014 - Aug 2015
Prepared all materials and documentation required for initial MSDE approval of the Type II school located at Central High School, maintained documentation and implemented policies and procedures for continuous compliance with MSDE requirements
Hired academic staff and provided staff supervision for Kennedy Krieger at Central High School
Conducted and/or attended all IEP meetings
Selected, refined and monitored implementation of curriculum and maintained transcripts, IEPs and cumulative files
Special Education Program Manager
KIPP: LA Charter Schools
May 2012 - May 2014
Developed programs and curriculum to meet school sites’ special education needs based on student achievement data and Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
Directly supervised, observed (formally and informally) and evaluated 12 resource specialists, special
education teachers, and aides
Facilitated weekly check-ins with direct reports and mentored program coordinators, including guidance with “high profile” IEP meetings
Managed budget/expense requests, monitored compliance
Resource Specialist (Special Education Teacher)
Switzer Learning Center/Total Education Solutions
Dec 2007 - Jul 2012
Responsible for oversight and case management of multiple sites
Provided direct special education services in areas of language arts, math, study skills and behavior in
order to meet goals and objectives of students’ IEPs
Responsible for developing and delivering lessons to 4th-12th grade students with disabilities in all content areas
Specialties
Disabilities & Support
AutismBehavioral SupportLearning Disabilities
Education Law
IDEASection 504FERPA
Dispute Resolution
MediationState ComplaintsOCR Complaints
Services
Services Offered
Consultation
Meeting Support (IEP/504)
Discipline & Behavior Support
File Reviews
Coaching
Rate Structure
Flexible
pricing
Payment Methods
Credit Card, Bank Transfer
Age Groups Served
Early Childhood (0-5)
Elementary (6-11)
Middle School (12-14)
High School (15-18+)
Transition (18-22)
Working Style
How this advocate approaches advocacy
Note: There's no "right" or "wrong" approach—these preferences simply help you find an advocate whose style matches your needs.
Collaboration Style
Independent Advisor
Takes charge and handles most school interactions
Team Collaborator
Works hand-in-hand with parents on every decision
Advocacy Approach
Resolution-Focused
Prioritizes finding practical solutions quickly
Rights-Focused
Ensures procedural rights are upheld no matter what
Meeting Role
Coach from Sidelines
Helps parents prepare and supports during meetings
Leads Discussion
Runs the meeting and speaks on behalf of the family
Communication Frequency
As-Needed Updates
Reaches out when there's something important to share
Proactive & Frequent
Provides regular check-ins and constant updates
Conflict Style
Calm & Diplomatic
De-escalates and builds consensus through collaboration
Assertive & Direct
Stands firm and pushes back when necessary
Location & Availability
Service Area
Local & Remote
Remote Services
Available nationwide
Typical Availability
Weekdays
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM