My Story
I am a parent of a child with autism and have been advocating for him since 1999. I also have a daughter in high school. In 2006, I earned an additional degree in paralegal studies through Kaplan University, earning membership in Alpha Beta Kappa, the National Honor Society. Previously, I earned a BFA from Syracuse University. I have extensive marketing and design experience working in New York City and here in Berks County, Pennsylvania. I have been advocating for a fee since 2005.
In 2006 I also successfully completed the COPAA SEAT Program. According to COPAA, "the SEAT Project is a demonstration project of the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to develop and field-test a uniform training curriculum to produce competent special education advocates... with knowledge and skills necessary to competently and ethically assist students with disabilities and their familes to access appropriate educational services under federal and state law."
This intense program consisted of 115 hours of mandatory classroom instruction and 115 hours of mandatory practicum experience under an experienced special education attorney. I completed the classroom training, and then completed my practicum at the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia under the supervision of attorney Judith Gran. I received a SEAT Certificate of Completion as part of Cohort 1 in 2006, that indicates I have demonstrated 'global evidence of basic knowledge and skills'.
I am also involved in state advocacy efforts, and a volunteer for COPAA. I have in the past been active in the Dept of Public Welfare's Autism Task Force, the Bureau of Autism Services, and president of the local chapter of the Autism Society of America. I maintain my skills and awareness of issues affecting education of children with disabilities by participating in workshops and training opportunities. I attend COPAA conferences and regional training opportunities..
I charge an hourly fee for reviewing documents, meeting and explaining your options, preparing you for meetings, attending meetings with you, reviewing correspondence and helping you communicate effectively. I work with you to help you effectively identify and work toward long-term goals for your child.
You are the expert on your child, and only you can properly direct the team of professionals to serve your child's needs. I arrived at this present place because of a lot of help and support. I look forward to helping you.