IEP Doula™
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“I’m an IEP Doula” is the quickest description of how I support parents. A doula is a trained professional who provides educational, emotional, and informational support.
Through IEP Doula support, I bring 15+ years of lived experience, extensive professional training*, and advocacy for system change.
My work started when COVID hit and special education services stopped. As it happened, I was elected to the board of a district-wide special education group at the same time. I learned I didn't know what I didn't know and saw many parents lacking the basics for their child with a disability. I wanted to see things change.
I started reading research on parent advocacy, taking classes, attending webinars, and advocating at the district and state levels. I’ve become more collaborative, and better at effectively pushing back. I'm willing to say "I don't understand," and I understand how evaluations, assessments, and data collection work.
I provide 1:1 support and workshops for parents and organizations. Let’s talk about what would help you in your special education journey.
Trainings include the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Wrightslaw, Inclusive Schooling, OSPI, The Arc, PAVE, Dr. Ross Greene, Dr. Mona Delahooke, Robyn Gobbel, Crip Camp, and more.
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Workshops offered multiple times during the school year. These cover the basics of special education while recognizing even understanding the basics requires a lot of knowledge and being comfortable speaking up in IEP team meetings. Current offer is How to Read an IEP
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This is the choice for parents who need support at an upcoming IEP team meeting. Concerns about placement recommendations, questions about support in class or on the playground, or confusion about service minutes are some of the reasons why they want support.
What would help you the most?
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Getting clear on the problem
Pricing
First hour $225, then $175 an hour
“I can’t get the school to understand.“
“I talk with my child’s teacher but nothing changes.”
“Why can’t I get anything to change?”
Sound familiar?
How we talk about problems and concerns differs from how educators and school administrators hear us.
Working together, you’ll develop the best way for you to share the problem or concern so you are truly listened to.
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Communicating for Results
Pricing
Workshop $295
“How do you listen to someone you‘re furious with?” Anger, sadness, or uncertainty are a few emotions that can come up in advocating.
Communicating for Results gives you tools to manage emotions when your child’s needs conflict with the system. Some of the what you will learn through this class include:
The emotional cost of conflict avoidance.
The 7 types of conflict and where special education fits.
Why cultivating curiosity works in finding solutions.
Communicating for Results is offered virtually and in person. Class schedules vary. 1:1 coaching is available.
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IEP Doula™
Pricing
Starts at $1400
Make your next IEP team meeting less stressful and more productive.
Planning. Map out the meeting you want to have, taking into account the personalities and the emotions that come up when talking about our children.
In the moment. Be fully present knowing I’ve got your back and am taking extensive notes as you lead the team discussion.
Follow up. Notes, both the raw form that day to let you review the meeting, to a full summary with an analysis of what was really said and including support with your communications back to the team.
Learn to be the best advocate for your child, and lighten your workload at the same time.