About Me
I am a parent advocate and practicing school psychologist, holding Oregon, Washington, and national certifications in school psychology. With 16 (!) years of experience in public schools, I have extensive knowledge and experience with special education systems and practices, as well as general education interventions. I have a passion for helping parents navigate and understand the special education process, and how they can support their student at home.
Areas of specialty include psychoeducational evaluations and eligibility determination; general education behavior interventions; and progress monitoring/data analysis. Frequently collaborating to help children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities.
My Approach and Results
As your advocate, I will gather information about your child’s strengths, needs and current program. Together we will determine appropriate next steps for your child’s plan, whether it be drafting a letter to express concerns to the school, prepping for and attending team meetings with you, or making recommendations for their IEP, 504, or intervention plan.
My years of school district experience put me on equal footing with school staff and administrators. With your permission, I am able to communicate directly with teachers, school psychologists, related service providers (SLP, OT, PT, etc.), administrators, and special education management. My approach is collaborative and I’m committed to working WITH school staff, not against them, in arriving at the best plan for your child. At the same time, I understand parental legal rights, how to communicate disagreement, and how to arrive at solutions the whole team can support.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
My work is focused on helping families deal with school systems and support neurodiverse learners at home. I do not provide private psychological testing or mental health services. If needed, I will share resources with families, including therapists, clinicians, related service providers, parent support groups, and books/websites.
-
I do not provide legal services or advice. I may be able to help you identify whether legal representation is necessary for your child.
-
No, educational advocacy services are not covered by insurance plans.
-
All children have the right to a free, appropriate, public education that meets their educational needs, whether or not they attend public school. I can help you navigate the school district process to determine whether your child can get services from the school for their learning differences, and help develop a plan.
-
Oregon, Washington, and Idaho families are my primary focus. Teleconsultation is available for families in other states as well as DoDEA.