Is special needs parent coaching the same thing as being an advocate for my child’s IEP?

Nope! As a coach, my work with you is to help you define your values and goals for supporting your child/family, and then assist with creating action steps towards those goals. I also serve as a resource to parents in learning more about the disability world, and assist with locating other resources that may make a difference for that family to meet their goals. An IEP advocate supports families with navigating their child’s special education services at school, including (usually) attending IEP meetings with the family.

Are you a therapist?

Again, nope! I am not a trained mental health clinician, and do not provide therapeutic services. With that said, much of my work centers on validating parents’ experiences, thoughts, and feelings, and supporting them to find acceptance with their current situation in order to forge a path forward. My background includes being a special education teacher and special education school administrator, including extensive experience creating and supporting children and families with intellectual disabilities, autism, emotional disabilities, vision or hearing impairments, neurological disorders, medically fragile conditions, speech/language disorders, learning disabilities, and many others.

Do you only do virtual sessions?

Yes! Right now, I only offer virtual appointments.

Do I have to live in the NYC-Metro area to work with you?

Nope! The virtual world allows for me to work with parents from near to far. My only exception is that I cannot work with parents who live in CT, as to avoid any overlap with my other professional life.

Do you only work with families of young children?

Nope! I work with families spanning the birth through 22 spectrum. I have experience supporting parents of very young children who are just beginning to learn about their child’s disability, all the way to families of older children who are preparing to navigate adult life.