As the parent of four children – two biological, one adopted, and one “bonus” son - one of whom was diagnosed with ADD and one of whom experienced severe learning disabilities, I know what it means to be a parent of children with special needs. I know the fear and uncertainty of trying to sort out what my child’s true needs were, and how to meet them. I know the inner turmoil of trying to support them while at the same time trying not to compensate for their struggles in ways that might get in the way of their growth. I know the difficult place I often found myself in as I tried to advocate for my children in positive ways that would generate a collaborative spirit between myself and the school staff who were working with them.

As a special educator, I know what schools go through in trying to meet the needs of all diverse learners with limited resources. I know how important it is to create good systems of communication between home and school, and to collaborate as a team, investing time and energy in coming up with creative solutions to meet each child’s unique needs. I know how important it is to a family and to a child’s future to look beyond just academic needs to take into account social, emotional, and behavioral needs as well.

As your “teammate” in working with you as a parent of a special needs child, whether as a consultant or coach or combination of both, I know what it means to have someone there for you who understands the process of special education, and who has only your best interests and the best interests of your child at heart.

“There have been many people who have helped and encouraged us along the way, but you are the one who has been the most involved with us, who has put tools in our hands, and who has continually stood firm… Thank you for what you have done for Jacob; thank you for what you have done for our family. I believe I understand better how to be his mom because you have been part of our lives.”
- Ginger, parent of 14 year old boy with Asperger’s, Washington