About Me

Hi, I'm Debbie!

I have been in education in one capacity or another for over 30 years.  I've been a general education teacher, a special education teacher, a teacher trainer, a parent and a parent consultant. I am now an educational consultant at Who’s Learning Now, LLC.  I created this business as a way of serving teachers, students and their families. In every teachable moment over the years, someone is learning, and I'm here to accompany you on your journey. No matter where you are in your journey, I've been in your shoes!

No matter where you are in your journey, I've been in your shoes!

As a Parent...

As a parent, I’ve been in your shoes. My daughter struggled with speech development, school refusal, and overwhelm at different points throughout her education. From there, her needs only grew despite me using all the tools I had as a special education teacher. 

I could see what was happening, but I was too close to the situation. I needed someone else to step in and guide. I went through the assessment process. I lived through hearing the negativity about my child. I grieved the loss. Unfortunately, the system is set up to not step in until all has failed.

Thankfully, I knew how to advocate for her. I worked collaboratively with the teachers and the school. It hasn't been an easy process. We are constantly learning how to support her as her needs evolve.

As a Teacher...

As a teacher, I was always the one who would spend countless hours with parents. If the child had high needs, I prepared them ahead of time to meet for a longer window. We would engage in a deep conversation to explore what was working and what wasn’t. I created a full panorama of what the child’s life was like in the classroom. I took the time to walk them through the IEP process – not just handing over the papers, but setting up their expectations, fully communicating the situation. Not something most parents would have experienced.

As a Consultant

As a consultant, I meet parents where they are: what kind of parent they are, who their child is and identifying their strengths. I coach them on how to ask for what their child needs - from assessments to types of therapy that would be beneficial. I fully understand child development as well as the need for the emotional support of the parents. I can soothe nerves and help them talk to the school. Whether through interviews or actual assessments, I also dig deep for a thorough investigation into what is needed.

 When Our Strengths Combine

You are an expert on your child. you know their strengths, needs, and challenges. I am an expert in my field and I know education. Together we can work to build a positive, collaborative relationship with your school and IEP team.

Parents and educators often reach out not sure of their needs. No worries! In our free discovery call, we'll craft a personalized action plan, exploring various ways I can support you. Here's a glimpse:

GENERAL ADVOCATE SUPPORT

  • Answer questions caregivers have related to educational support
  • Empower caregivers that they know their child best, but need help navigating the system
  • Outline steps to take after a learning disability diagnosis 
  • Educate caregivers about the various programs available to them
  • Coordinate with client's outside providers to implement their intervention plans in a school setting

SPECIFIC IEP/504 SUPPORT

  • Review special education documents and other forms to verify accuracy
  • Explain reports to parents so they can better interpret them
  • Preparing caregivers for IEP/504 meetings
  • Accompany caregivers to school meetings
  • Reflect with caregivers
  • Navigating not qualifying for IEP/504

WORKSHOPS & TRAININGS

  • Student tutoring
  • Parent/teacher support
  • Keynote speaker
  • Motivational professional development
  • Continuing education opportunities
  • Bridging the relationship between schools and families 
to learn more about hiring me as a speaker, go here

"You've always had the power, my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself."

-Glinda, Wizard of Oz

How I Can Help

If you've been looking for help and haven't known where to get it, you're in the right place! Be sure to checkout the resources I have specifically for educators and parents. 

Educators Parents