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Family Services
I work with children and adults with a
variety of special needs. Working hand
in hand, I teach parents the reality of the
educational system, and agencies that
provide services.
As a parent, you must become your
child's best advocate. The decisions that
school administrators and service
agencies make, may not maximize your
child's educational development and
often can be detrimental. In an era when agency budget constraints often take precedence over consideration of your child's needs, it is critical you be aware and informed of available options. They don't live with the results of those decisions— you do!
Navigating the rocky waters of the
educational system and service agencies can be challenging and intimidating. I will educate and mentor you, as I help you strategize your situation. My life experiences have shaped my desire to help you help your child. I want to give you the tools that will allow you to build your child's potential, quality of life, and a chance for an independent future.
Through knowledge, parents can
empower themselves and take control
of their child's destiny.
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Initial Consultation
We begin with a review of all assessments and reports of your child's medical and education history, i.e. psychological, speech & language, behavioral, hospitalizations, vision, hearing, occupational therapy, adaptive P.E., as well as any additional professional assessments and reports. I will also be in contact with any and all related agencies that you and your child have and/or are eligible to work with. Once compiled, I generate a complete evaluation, outlining where the individual currently is in the education and recovery process. Then consulting with parents or guardians, I will develop an action plan to help you and your child accomplish your collective goals.
Parent Mentoring
As I assist you in developing a strategy to move forward, I will educate and mentor you so that you can better learn and understand the process.
Special Education Services
The Individual Education Plan (IEP) is only as
good as the goals and objectives, and the teacher who implements them.
• Will help you prepare for your IEP meeting,
and attend as your advocate.
• Review IEP goals and objectives, and establish
appropriate benchmarks.
• Review additional supports, services and
accommodations needed.
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Case Management
• How to make IEP's and IPP's clear and effective, and cohesive.
• Review what services you are getting vs. what you should be getting.
• Help you hold schools and agencies accountable for outcomes.
Regional Center System
I assist families with understanding their rights and entitlements under the Lanterman Act, understanding the
Individual Program Plan (IPP) process; planning supports and services, and acquiring appropriate services.
Transition: High School to Adult
Are you and your child ready for transition
from high school to adult life? I help you understand what you need and how to get it. You need a good exit IEP.
You need to know what services your child will be eligible for when they turn 18 years old. Does your child need to be conserved or should you be his or her authorized legal
representative? These are a few of the things you need to know. I will help you plan to put all this together into a cohesive "action plan". This transition will lead you
into a "Development of Life Plan", which will lead to your child’s self-reliance.
Special Needs Trusts
I work with financial institutions to advocate and serve special needs individuals. I also do referrals to special needs attorneys upon request.
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I am a married mother of two children, Genevieve and
Nicholas. But while Genevieve was born without any
complications, Nicholas was born three months premature
with spastic quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. Confronted with his
very real special needs, I had to learn first hand how to steer
through the maze of local, state and federal agencies
in order to get Nicholas what he deserved; a chance, like
any other child.
As an outgrowth of my own experience, I went back to
school where I received my B.S. in Child Development /
Special Education from California State University, Fullerton
in 1996. Since then I have worked with Ventura County
under a grant to identify, qualify and recommend educational
advocacy services for foster children. Likewise, in the past
four years I have been involved in a number of public movements—
organizing, educating and bringing people up to
Sacramento for many scheduled events. I have lobbied and
testified before numerous committees and subcommittees in
Sacramento, as well.
From 1998 – 2002, I worked as an Assessment Coordinator
for Area Board IX — a division of the California State Council
on developmental disabilities and worked for my local
legislator, interning in my district. Still, perhaps my greatest
satisfaction came from my collaboration with my membership
in the Olmstead Work Group, helping to shape
California's Olmstead Plan from the U.S. Supreme Court's
crucial Olmstead decision in 1999.
Today, I am proud to say that as a result of not only my
efforts, but through the efforts of many individuals committed
to improving the lives of these special needs children,
my own Nicholas is living independently, with help from
support services and regional center services as a productive
member of our community.
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No one knows your child like you do. If you don't make sure your child gets what he or she is entitled to — then who will? I will give you the tools and knowledge to navigate through the challenging world of special education, state and federal agencies. You must learn your rights, and USE them to your child's advantage! Imagine the possibilities for your child to maximize their potential...
Together, you and I will create opportunities for them to achieve it! |
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