I have been in the special education field for over 15 years. My love for working with students began in high school when I was a volunteer with Best Buddies. From there, I moved on to helping out in the life skills classroom, teaching inclusion, social skills, and academics. It was during this time that I realized how much I enjoyed helping and advocating for these students.

These experiences led me to study special education at Lesley University, gaining even more knowledge on different learning styles. The program emphasized using multi-sensory approaches to reading and mathematics.

After graduation, I spent 6 years working as a special education teacher. This gave me a multitude of experience with students who have specific learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, down syndrome, emotional disabilities, health disabilities, as well as those on the autism spectrum.

To continue my education in the field, I completed my Wilson level 1 certification, which is designed specifically to help teachers work with students who are struggling with reading and spelling, as well as those diagnosed with a language-based learning disability, such as dyslexia.

I also pursued training through Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing program (LIPS) which allows me to teach students how to understand the oral-motor movements of phonemes (the smallest unit of sound). Students can then verify the identity, number, and sequence of sounds in words. Since then, I have continued training through Wrightslaw, COPAA and the Special Needs Advocacy Network, working as a private tutor and Special Education Advocate. I am a graduate of COPAA SEAT 2.0 training and the president of the Special Needs Advocacy Network.

Having the experience of working in all of these settings has opened my eyes to the flaws in our education system. After working with so many children and parents, I have realized that my true passion is not just teaching your kids, it is giving you the support you need to advocate for them.

Your child is entitled to a free, appropriate public education that meets them where they’re at and puts them on a path to reach their full potential. I am here to guide you through the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, attend IEP meetings, help with reviewing test results, graph data, and research your specific school’s program.

You don’t have to do this alone.