About

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About Me

Your Advocate, Your Ally

I know that navigating the special education system can feel like fighting an uphill battle alone. As a mother of four and the founder of Apex Special Education Advocacy, I have managed the complex logistical, academic, and behavioral needs of my own children—and I know the exhaustion, the confusion, and the feeling that you are being ignored by a system meant to support your family.

I created Apex Special Education Advocacy to be the shield and the voice that every family deserves. I am a NASET Board Certified Advocate in Special Education (B.C.A.S.E.)—representing the highest level of professional training in special education advocacy. When I sit at the table with you, I bring the technical knowledge of an expert, but the heart of a parent who understands exactly what is at stake for your child’s future.

Why Families Choose to Work With Me

When school paperwork becomes overwhelming, families need support that is calm, organized, and child-centered.

I bring together specialized training in special education advocacy, psychology coursework, trauma-informed communication, and lived experience navigating complex family and educational needs. My role is to help parents better understand records, prepare for meetings, organize concerns, and communicate clearly with school teams.

With a thoughtful and practical approach, I help families feel more prepared, more informed, and less alone in the special education process.

Why My Background Matters to Your Family

Families often need more than general advice. They need clear, organized, child-centered support from someone who understands educational records, school documentation, behavioral concerns, and the day-to-day realities of navigating special education.

Careful Record Review
I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. This has strengthened my ability to review records carefully, recognize patterns in documentation, and organize information in a clear, thoughtful way. I help families make sense of evaluations, IEPs, progress reports, and school communications in plain language.

Child-Centered and Trauma-Informed Support
My independent mentorship in family systems and behavioral crisis factors emphasized trauma-informed communication, objective documentation, ethical boundaries, and child-centered advocacy. I bring that perspective to families who want calm, thoughtful support when school concerns feel especially stressful.

Practical Experience with Complex Family Needs
As a family caregiver and special-needs advocate, I have firsthand experience navigating complex developmental, medical, and educational needs. That lived experience has shaped a practical, organized approach focused on helping parents feel more prepared, more informed, and better supported.

A Clear and Supportive Approach
My goal is to help families organize records, prepare questions, understand educational documents, and communicate clearly with school teams. I provide non-legal educational consulting and parent support designed to help families feel less overwhelmed and more confident throughout the school year.

*Apex Special Education Advocacy, LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal representation.*

Professional Credentials

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Accolades

Recent

Professional Credentials & Accolades

US Career Institute Paralegal Certificate Graduate

Delta Epsilon Tau Honor Society of Gamma for Colorado Chapter

Legal Disclaimer: Scope of Services & Compliance

1. Non-Attorney Status

Apex Special Education Advocacy, is not a law firm. Our advocates are not attorneys, and we are not licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction. The services we provide are professional educational advocacy / consulting services and do not constitute legal advice, legal counsel, or the practice of law.

2. State-Specific Scope of Services: Pennsylvania & Other States

In accordance with the regulations governing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, our role as non-attorney advocates is strictly defined:

IEP Team Participation: We are available to accompany and advise parents during IEP meetings as individuals with special knowledge or training regarding children with disabilities.

Due Process Limitations: While parents in Pennsylvania have the right to be "accompanied and advised" by individuals with special knowledge at a due process hearing, non-attorney advocates are not permitted to engage in the practice of law. This includes, but is not limited to, the formal representation of clients, the cross-examination of witnesses, the making of legal objections, or the presentation of formal legal arguments.

Role Definition: Our participation in Pennsylvania administrative proceedings is limited to a supportive capacity. We do not act as your legal counsel, and we cannot perform the duties reserved exclusively for licensed attorneys.

The distinction between our role and that of an attorney is governed by the following:

22 Pa. Code § 14.162(i): "Parents may be represented by legal counsel and accompanied and advised by individuals with special knowledge or training with respect to the problems of children with disabilities."

Interpretation: This distinguishes between "legal counsel" (who represents) and "individuals with special knowledge or training" (who accompany and advise).

34 C.F.R. § 300.512(a)(1): This federal regulation establishes that parties to a due process hearing have the right to be "accompanied and advised by counsel and by individuals with special knowledge or training with respect to the problems of children with disabilities."

Note: Federal law explicitly states that "whether parties have the right to be represented by non-attorneys at due process hearings is determined under State law." Pennsylvania law does not authorize non-attorneys to perform the functions of counsel.

Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 5.5: This rule governs the "Unauthorized Practice of Law" (UPL). It prohibits individuals who are not admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar from holding themselves out as authorized to practice law or engaging in the systematic practice of law within the jurisdiction.

3. Commitment to Jurisdictional Compliance

We strictly adhere to the specific laws and regulations of each state in which we operate. Because the rules governing non-attorney representation vary significantly by state—for example, where one state may permit broader participation in due process hearings while Pennsylvania restricts advocates to a supportive role—our scope of services is customized to comply with local statutes.

Variable Scope: By engaging our services, you acknowledge that our ability to perform specific tasks is governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where the services are rendered.

Reserved Rights: Apex Special Education Advocacy, reserves the right to decline, limit, or modify our level of participation in any proceeding to ensure full compliance with local Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) regulations.

4. No Attorney-Client Relationship

Use of this website or initial contact with our advocates does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Communications with Apex Special Education Advocacy, are not protected by attorney-client privilege. We strongly recommend that you consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction regarding any legal questions or specific legal strategies required for your matter.