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My Background
My Background
I hold a Master’s degree in Special Education and a Credential in Early Childhood Special Education. During my 15 years with the San Marcos Unified School District, I supported children with mild to severe disabilities, including students who were medically fragile. My work centered on understanding each child’s strengths and needs, developing individualized education programs (IEPs), and connecting assessment findings to meaningful instruction and support.
Collaboration was an essential part of that work. I partnered with families, teachers, and specialists in speech and language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, adapted physical education, vision, and other related services. These experiences taught me the value of bringing different perspectives together to understand and support the whole child.
My background in Early Intervention and school-based special education gave me experience across the process, from initial referrals and evaluations to eligibility, annual reviews, placement, and transitions. Through my work as an educational consultant and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), I have also supported students in elementary, middle, and high school settings.
Today, I draw on that experience to help families understand school recommendations, identify questions worth asking, and participate confidently in decisions about their child’s education.
My Personal Connection
My Personal Connection
My understanding of learning differences began with my own experience. As a child, I had an IEP under the eligibility category of Specific Learning Disability (SLD). Reading was difficult, but I became a good guesser. My strong comprehension helped me use context to piece together meaning, even when I struggled to read the words themselves.
After about a year, I was reassessed and no longer qualified for an IEP. My reading difficulties continued, and my mom paid for tutoring for years to help me stay at grade level. Looking back, I wonder whether dyslexia and ADHD were part of my experience, although neither was identified at the time. I also wonder how much my ability to compensate kept others from seeing the support I still needed.
One experience in fifth grade has stayed with me. Math was my strongest subject, and I noticed my teacher pulling a small group aside for a lesson before an advanced math placement test. I remember trying to listen from my seat. When I asked why I hadn’t been included, she told me she had chosen the students she thought could learn the material.
I was devastated. After struggling on the test the next day, I asked my reading and writing tutor to teach me the math. She spent an hour helping me understand the material, and I later did very well on the state math assessment. The following year, the advanced math teacher asked why I hadn’t been placed in her class. Being recognized as capable meant so much after feeling underestimated.
These experiences shape how I support families today. I know that a child’s grades may not reveal how hard they are working or how much outside support they need. I also know the difference it makes when someone recognizes their strengths and gives them access to the instruction they need.
At IEP Insights, I bring my experience as an educator, a parent, and a learner to every family I support. I want families to feel heard, understand their options, and have a meaningful voice in planning their child’s education.
When we work together
When we work together
You can expect:
Clear explanations that connect school documents and data to your child’s everyday experience
Individualized guidance based on your concerns and priorities
Thoughtful preparation for school conversations and decisions
A supportive space to ask questions and consider your options
We’ll build on what you already know about your child and identify manageable next steps that fit your family’s needs.
Whether you’re exploring your options or ready for support, I’d welcome the opportunity to learn about your family.
Professional Affiliations, Credentials, and Training:
Professional Affiliations, Credentials, and Training:
Council of Parents Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) Member
National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) Member
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Holding Valid Education Specialist Instructional Credentials
USD Law School Special Education Law and Advocacy Series (SELAS) Participant
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