3 - 25

SOAR Educational Services
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- Insurances:
- Ages Served: 3 - 25
- Care Settings:
About SOAR Educational Services
SOAR Educational Services is a special education advocacy and consulting practice for families working through IEPs, 504 plans, and the years after school ends. We support children and young adults with autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, and other invisible disabilities. We take particular care with BIPOC and first-generation families.
Founder and Lead Advocate Latina Nickelson, M.Ed., started this work by speaking up for her own family. She has decades in education, COPAA training, and a Universal Design lens, and she brings all of it to every IEP table. Her approach starts from strengths and presumes competence. When something isn’t working, we look at what needs to change in the environment, not what is wrong with the child.
Accommodations are not special treatment. They remove barriers to an education that already belongs to your child. Our From Chaos to Collaboration℠ method helps families and school teams stay curious, work together, and build plans that hold up.
We also serve young adults ages 21 to 25 who have aged out of IDEA and still need support with education, vocational training, and coordinating services. Virtual support is available nationwide, and in-person support is available in Florida.
Accreditations
Claimed Profile
This provider has submitted proof of credentials and has claimed their profile.
COPAA Member
This advocate/attorney is a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA).
Services
Special Ed Advocates
Parent Support
School Support
Parent Training
Conditions Supported
Autism
ADHD
Learning Differences
Anxiety
ADD
Giftedness
Social-Emotional Issues and Disorders
Care Settings
Virtual
In-school
Age Ranges Served
Leadership
Latina Nickelson, M.Ed., Principle
Founding Story
The familiar hum of the conference room lights should have been comforting. As an administrator with my Master's in Educational Leadership and years of experience, I felt at home in these settings. But this time, something felt profoundly different amidst colleagues and unfamiliar processes.
"Latina," one began, "these kids, they just learn differently. It's unlikely he'll ever…" The well-intentioned words landed like a blow. Not as an educator this time but as a mother. My "big little" was the focus, and their assessment clashed with everything I believed about children's capabilities.
Years of experience told me kids were resilient, driven by a deep desire to learn. Yet, the system designed to help could leave families feeling powerless. At that moment, I knew there had to be a better way.
This sparked the mission that drives SOAR Educational Services: empowering families to navigate the journey of special education, recognizing each child's unique strengths and challenges. We believe in transforming "Chaos to Collaboration" by equipping families with the tools and strategies to champion their child's success within an inclusive, stigma-free learning environment.
SOAR's Vision: We envision a world where families and educators collaborate seamlessly in inclusive communities free from stigma. We champion environments where every child thrives, reaching their full potential through culturally responsive advocacy for their unique needs.
My experience ignited my drive to create SOAR Educational Services, but countless families share this struggle. Together, we can build a more collaborative, inclusive, and empowering world of special education.
Provider's Gender
Female
Waiting List Length
Languages
English
Insurance Carriers Accepted
Please note that without member information we cannot guarantee that your specific plan covers these services. We recommend asking the care provider before beginning services.
- Private Pay