Question 1

I need help. Where should I start?

Accepted Answer

I hear you and I am here to help. The best place to start is scheduling a consultation (there's no cost to you). Then we can figure out the right way to move forward and you'll know exactly what to expect.

Question 2

What geographic area do you work?

Accepted Answer

I can support you anywhere in the United States if providing advocacy or coaching through Zoom is acceptable (parent meetings, IEP/504 meetings, coaching sessions, etc.). If in person support is needed, I'm available in the DC Metropolitan area. A good advocate can make things happen behind the scenes so it's entirely possible to get the right level of support without requiring in-person advocates at IEP meetings. If handled skillfully, IEP/504 meetings simply memorialize the path forward.

Question 3

Do you only coach parents of kids with IEPs or 504 Plans?

Accepted Answer

As the parent of a child with special needs, I am committed to serving parents like me. However, I am also open to coaching anyone that wants to navigate toward their north star and realize a joyful life.

I cannot promise happiness all the time but as Buddha said, pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. What I can promise is a brave space in which to work through challenges and navigate to a more joy filled life. It would be my honor to support you in challenging situations to realize your path forward.

Question 4

Are you a former school administrator?

Accepted Answer

I appreciate this question. Wherever you are located, you should interview multiple advocates before deciding who to move forward with. In some cases, a former school administrator might be the perfect choice. They know the ins and outs of public education. But there are equally as many situations that call for fresh eyes and an outcomes focused approach. In either case, the laws and policies are in the public domain so insider knowledge isn't always necessary. What I found as a parent advocate is the challenge involved understanding terminology and what is in the realm of possible. That's where I come in.

The most dangerous phrase in the English language is "this is the way we've always done it." My focus will always be on the art of the possible as it relates to achieving your child's optimal outcomes.

Question 5

What are your credentials?

Accepted Answer

In order of relevance (in my humble opinion): 
PhD in life: Parent of a child with special needs and an active-duty United States Marine
Board Certified Educational Advocate (BCEA) - National Special Education Advocate Institute (NSEAI) credential pending 
Beginner Special Education Advocate Training Certificate - Council of Parent, Attorney, Advocate (COPAA)
Wayfinder Life Coach - Martha Beck (credential pending)
Certified Grief Educator - David Kessler 
MBA - University of Maryland focus on organizational change 
BS - University of Maryland 
PMP Certification - Project Management Institute

Question 6

How does your prior career help with education advocacy and coaching?

Accepted Answer

In 1998, I started working in corporate America navigating in heavily regulated environments and mentoring/coaching people along the way. I am still close to people that I worked with then. The significance is that for the duration of my corporate career (spanning United Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Amazon and Microsoft), I was able to realize positive outcomes for customers operating within the constraints of federal laws and regulations, security requirements, and contractual obligations (an IEP is a legal document). Also, during this time, I built and led multiple large teams. I am a subject matter expert in program and project management with the goal of achieving the optimal objectives and establishing measurements to ensure the goal is realized. It's not surprising that this skillset can be applied to navigating the educational bureaucracy that we all face. But more importantly, it's always about the outcome: our children making measurable educational progress.

Question 7

What kind of coaching do you offer?

Accepted Answer

My coaching services are diverse and include the following: 
Life coaching - finding joy in life amidst challenging situations or for those trying to find their North Star
Empowerment coaching for parents that tackle IEP/504 meetings and advocate for their children 
Working with parents of children who receive a diagnosis 
Mentorship/coaching for advocates and other personnel in the special education field

Navigating the Path Forward Together

How We Work Together

Services

Frequently asked questions