Sierra Special Education Advocacy

My journey in advocacy began when my own child entered the public school system in 2011, and I learned they were in need of special education supports and services. It quickly became apparent the special education system is complex, and I embarked on a personal journey to learn as much as possible about navigating it, to ensure my child received the supports and services they needed to succeed and that their rights were being honored by the education system. In 2018 I became a member of COPAA (Council of Parent Advocates and Attorneys), completed their series of SEAT (Special Education Advocacy Training) courses, and today I am a teaching assistant and instructor for COPAA’s SEAT program, continuing my journey by teaching other parents to advocate for special education students across the country. I have worked with schools in Nevada and California to advocate for student needs and have gained a wealth of experience working with teachers and administrators not only as an advocate, but as PTA President, school site council member, founding board member of my school district’s first education foundation and I currently sit on the WCSD Superintendent’s Special Education Family Action Committee. I also hold a BS in Business Administration, an MBA, and spent 10 years working in brand and corporate marketing before transitioning to a new role of parenting in 2006.