Over the last 20 years working in public schools I’m continually impressed by how hard staff and students work together to create a learning community. Even teachers who I don’t agree with, or don’t care for personally, tend to do a fantastic job once the bell rings and the kids are in the classroom. However, not every teacher has a framework for different learning styles, and sometimes teachers’ and students’ personality differences can cause unfortunate friction.

My career has been unique in teaching — my classrooms require me to weave together a team of administrators, general education teachers, outside agencies, and most importantly families or guardians, to create an educational program that works for my students.

In short: I know how to get schools to make it work for kids who typically haven’t been able to succeed… and I know how to help kids understand the system of schools, and how they can make it work for them.

My goal is to use my expertise to help families “see the field” of their child’s educational experience, and create a collaborative environment that supports everyone.

As your advocate, my role is to get to know your family and your child’s strengths, needs, and current educational program, and as a team explore where positive changes can be made. We will collaborate to determine the best way to implement these changes in your child’s schooling, whether it be drafting a letter to express concerns or requests to the school, prepping for and attending team meetings with you, or making recommendations for IEP, 504, or intervention plans. 

The most effective results are always a collaboration between family and school staff, and I’m committed to including all necessary parties in creating the best plan for your child. However, I also understand parental legal rights, how to communicate disagreement, and how to arrive at solutions that work for the entire team.