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IEP advocates in Gastonia, North Carolina

Compare profiles, read parent reviews, and message advocates serving Gastonia and North Carolina statewide. Many offer a free first call.

8 advocates available for Gastonia, North Carolina

These advocates can support IEP and Section 504 work for families in Gastonia. Compare rates, read their backgrounds, and message them directly.

  • By video

    Join on Zoom, Google Meet, or the school's platform.

  • By phone

    Call in when video is not an option.

  • In person

    Some advocates travel to the school when needed.

Angela Picardi

Based in Wesley Chapel, FL

Angela Picardi

Special Education Advocate

With 24 years of experience in the K-12 sector, I serves as a Student Support Specialist specializing in academic and behavioral ESE services. My career is defined by a deep commitment to the "whole student," ensuring that those with exceptional needs receive the personalized advocacy and support required to navigate…
  • Autism, Behavioral Support, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities, Multiple Disabilities, Other Health Impairment
  • Contact for rate
  • Meets in person or by video
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Angela Williams

Based in Arlington Heights, IL

Angela Williams

Special Education Advocate

I am a former special education teacher, with experience in public and therapeutic day schools. I am also a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) and hold three master's degrees in special education, administration, and behavior analysis.
  • Autism, Behavioral Support, Developmental Delay, Learning Disabilities, Multiple Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Contact for rate
  • Meets in person or by video
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Arielle Allen

Based in Inverness, IL

Arielle Allen

Special Education Advocate

I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders at Michigan State University and a Master’s of Education from DePaul University, with a dual certification in elementary and special education. I taught for nine years in Chicago Public Schools and four years in a co-op district.
  • Autism, Behavioral Support, Deaf-Blindness, Developmental Delay, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability
  • Contact for rate
  • Meets in person or by video
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Brittany Maurizi

Based in Coraopolis, PA

Brittany Maurizi

Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Special Education Advocate

Hi there! I'm Brittany, owner and founder of Balanced Behaviors, LLC. I'm a Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Specialist in Pennsylvania with a Master’s in Special Education from Slippery Rock University. Since 2019, I've focused on supporting individuals with disabilities and behavioral challenges.
  • Autism, Behavioral Support, Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities, Multiple Disabilities
  • From $75 per hour
  • Free first call
  • Meets in person or by video
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Chelsea Horlacher

Based in Las Vegas, NV

Chelsea Horlacher

IEP Consultant

Hey there! I’ve been a special education teacher for nearly a decade, so helping unique learners thrive is truly my life’s work. But my biggest role is at home, where I endlessly advocate for my amazing son (7) who has autism.
  • Autism Spectrum, IEP Meetings
  • From $50 per hour
  • Free first call
  • Meets in person or by video
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Clara Liriano

Based in New York, NY

Clara Liriano

Special Education Advocate

Clara Liriano, M.S., is a Special Education Advocate and New York State Certified Special Education Teacher with more than 20 years of experience supporting children and individuals with disabilities.
  • ADHD / Attention, AAC, Autism Spectrum, Behavioral & Emotional, Developmental Delay, Dyslexia
  • From $150 per hour
  • Free first call
  • Meets in person or by video
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Dalia Rodriguez

Based in Hawthorne, NJ

Dalia Rodriguez

IEP Consultant, School Social Worker, Advocacy

I am a Child Study Team School Social Worker, with a Master of Social Work from Fordham University. I have core competencies in special education law, mental health, and behavioral health.
  • 5.0 rating from 5 reviews
  • Autism, Behavioral Support, Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities, Multiple Disabilities
  • Contact for rate
  • Meets by video or phone
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Diane Plunkett

Based in Kansas City, MO

Diane Plunkett

Navigate Special Education with Clarity and Confidence - Guiding Families. Building Futures.

Dr. Diane is a special education advocate and founder of Steppingstone Services, LLC. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education and brings more than 30 years of experience as a special educator, interventionist, therapist, case manager, and disability-services professional.
  • Behavioral & Emotional, Behavioral Support, Developmental Delay, Early Childhood, Section 504, Learning Disabilities
  • From $150 per hour
  • Free first call
  • Meets in person or by video
Message Diane View Diane's profile
Classroom desks representing school districts that serve families in Gastonia, North Carolina

School districts serving Gastonia, North Carolina

Gastonia public-school families generally work with Gaston County Schools.

  • Gaston County Schools

    School district · Primary public school district serving Gastonia

Newly listed

Newly listed IEP advocates near Gastonia

Recent profiles serving families in Gastonia and nearby.

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Top rated

Top-rated IEP advocates near Gastonia

Parents gave these advocates the highest ratings on Find Parent Advocates.

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IEP advocate cost

IEP advocate rates near Gastonia

Profiles list hourly rates when advocates share them. We do not set prices.

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IEP meetings

IEP meeting advocates near Gastonia

Advocates who help parents prepare for and attend IEP meetings.

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Section 504

Section 504 advocates near Gastonia

Support for 504 plans, accommodations, and school compliance.

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Virtual

Virtual advocates serving Gastonia families

Work by video and phone when a local advocate in Gastonia is not available.

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Advocate preparing for an IEP meeting with laptop and notes for families in Gastonia, North Carolina

What special education advocates help with in Gastonia, North Carolina

Parent advocates are not attorneys. They help Gastonia families understand IEPs and Section 504 plans, prepare for meetings, and ask for appropriate services under IDEA. You remain the decision-maker.

  • Review IEPs, evaluations, progress notes, and school records
  • Prepare for IEP and Section 504 meetings, including goals and accommodations
  • Attend meetings with you as support
  • Explain options if you and the school disagree, including mediation, state complaints, and due process
Parent reviewing school paperwork before hiring an IEP advocate in Gastonia

When to hire an IEP advocate in Gastonia

Parents often contact an advocate when school language feels unclear, a request is denied, or the current plan is not working. Common reasons include:

  • The school denied an evaluation, IEP services, or a 504 accommodation
  • Your child is falling behind and the current plan is not working
  • You need help preparing for an IEP meeting or annual review
  • You are not sure what rights you have as a parent under IDEA
Parent on a video call with a remote special education advocate for IEP help in Gastonia

Remote IEP advocacy is allowed under IDEA

IDEA requires parent participation in IEP meetings and allows meetings by video or phone when you and the school agree. Your advocate does not need to live in Gastonia.

Remote support is useful when few advocates serve Gastonia, when travel would raise the cost, or when your school already meets by video. Confirm how the meeting will run before you hire.

How it works

How Find Parent Advocates works

Find Parent Advocates is a free directory, not a referral service. You browse profiles, compare rates and reviews, and contact the advocate you choose. We do not assign anyone to you.

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Compare advocates serving Gastonia, nearby North Carolina areas, and virtual options statewide.

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Work with your advocate to achieve your child's educational goals.

Find Parent Advocates is not a party to your contractual relationship with the advocate. We are not responsible for the fees or services provided.

Gastonia IEP and Section 504 advocate FAQ

Answers about hiring a special education advocate in Gastonia, North Carolina, including cost, timing, virtual support, and Section 504 help.

How much does an IEP advocate cost in Gastonia, North Carolina?

Most special education advocates serving Gastonia charge $75 to $250 per hour or a flat fee for an IEP meeting. Profiles on this page show the rate when listed. Many advocates offer a free first call before you hire.

When should I hire a special education advocate in Gastonia?

Parents in Gastonia often hire an advocate when a school denies testing, an IEP, or a Section 504 plan; when IEP goals are not met; before an annual review; or when they need help with IDEA and Section 504 rights.

Which school district serves Gastonia, North Carolina?

Gastonia public-school families generally work with Gaston County Schools. Confirm your child's school and district by address before contacting a school office or naming a district-specific process.

What is the difference between an IEP advocate and a special education attorney in North Carolina?

An IEP advocate helps you prepare for meetings, review school records, and negotiate with the district. A special education attorney can represent you in due process hearings and court. Most Gastonia families start with an advocate.

Can I hire a virtual advocate if we live in Gastonia?

Yes. IDEA requires parent participation in IEP meetings and allows meetings by alternative means such as video when you and the school agree. Your advocate does not need to live in Gastonia. Remote advocates can review documents, join meetings by video, and often cost less when travel is not required.

How long does the IEP evaluation process take in North Carolina?

After you sign consent, schools in North Carolina typically have 90 calendar days to complete an initial evaluation and hold an eligibility meeting. IEP teams must review the plan at least once per year. An advocate can help track these deadlines.

How do I find a Section 504 advocate in Gastonia?

Use the Section 504 advocates section on this page or search Find Parent Advocates for Section 504. Compare profiles for experience with accommodations, 504 meetings, and school compliance before you contact someone.

Official special education resources in North Carolina

These links connect you to your state education agency and complaint options. Advocates on this page can also explain what each step means for your child in Gastonia.

Other cities in North Carolina

Browse advocates in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Cary and more, or view all North Carolina advocates.

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