Key Special Education Group

BA in Sociology/Psychology from University of Texas at Austin JD from Suffolk University School of Law Member of the Massachusetts BAR since 2005 Trained as an Education Advocate and Parent Consultant through the Federation for Children with Special Needs Worked for 2 years in the Newton public schools as a special education inclusion facilitator. My life changed the day my son’s pre-school teacher told me she thought he was autistic. My son was evaluated, qualified for an IEP and was placed into an integrated full day preschool program. The stress and anxiety I felt was like no other. I kicked into high gear and brought him to specialists and had a private neuropsych. I was going to do whatever I could to make my son “better.” At three years old, the private testing was inconclusive and the diagnosis of autism was not given and for me, this was a relief. I thought it meant something. I thought that the label of autism was earth shattering. I was alone and at the beginning of a journey that would change my way of thinking forever. My son is now sixteen and I embrace his autism diagnosis. The journey into special education for my family was emotional, but as a lawyer I had studied educational law which gave me the insight to advocate and work with the school system to tailor a unique, strong learning plan to ensure my son's success. We all have a starting point with special education and no one should go through the process alone. My wish is to lead as many families as possible through the complex and sometimes daunting special education process.