Let’s IEP Together
As an experienced Education Advocate, Parent Educator and Independent Facilitator, I am here to guide and support you through the complex landscape of the school system. Each child is unique and making sure your child’s education plan reflects your child’s needs is my priority.
I’m Lisa, an Education Advocate, Parent Educator and Independent Facilitator in California.
As a mother of three children with disabilities, I’ve navigated the challenging world of IEPs firsthand, experiencing the transformative power of skilled advocacy. This personal journey ignited my passion for advocacy, leading me to dedicate years to helping parents just like you advocate for their children’s educational needs.
Many parents are on this journey for a long time. The more parents understand the public education system the more capable and confident they are to advocate for their children. Parents can receive training, mentoring and support as a part of their advocacy services or as a stand alone service.
I am a former preschool teacher who majored in child development. My expertise is backed by extensive training, including COPAA’s SEAT program, Board Certification for Advocacy in Special Education (BCASE) through NASET, Wrightslaw workshops, and more. I have partnered with hundreds of families, offering them the insights and strategies honed from both personal experience and professional development.
I approach every IEP meeting from a place of collaboration. My goal is to make sure your child receives the support, services, accommodations and modifications they need to access their education and make meaningful progress.
I believe that parents are the experts on their children and strive to make sure they are full participants in the IEP process. My goal is to make sure parents’ voices are heard in the development of their children’s IEP.
Services
Tailored Advocacy and Education Services
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Assistance
- Record Review: I conduct a review of evaluations and previous IEPs to provide a clear picture of your child’s progress and understanding of your child’s strengths and weaknesses…
- Amplifying the Parent’s Voice: I work with you to clarify your priorities and concerns, ensuring they are documented and addressed in the meetings with the school.
- Collaborative IEP: During meetings, we will work as a team to facilitate a solution-oriented dialogue with the school district to secure a high-quality, student-centered education.
- Next Steps: If we are unable to meet your goals through the IEP process I guide parents through the dispute resolution process and make referrals as needed.
Parent Education and Coaching
I don’t just advocate for your child; I teach you how to become their most powerful lifelong advocate. My coaching-based approach is designed to demystify the special education system, providing you with a specialized “toolkit” of knowledge, strategy, and confidence. Through 1-on-1 education, I help you move from feeling like an observer to being a lead architect of your child’s educational journey.
- IEP Literacy & Rights Education: We break down the technical language of the IEP document together. I provide the parent education necessary to understand your rights and help you particpate with confidence.
- Strategic Goal Design: I coach you on how to identify core student needs and evaluate proposed goals. You will learn the art of writing measurable, data-driven objectives that ensure your child’s progress is transparent and tracked.
- Long-Term Scaffolding & Visioning: Using Person-Centered Planning, I teach you how to look beyond the current school year. We work together to bridge the gap between where your child is today and your long-term vision, creating a “scaffolded” roadmap for their future.
- Advocacy Skills Training: Learn the communication strategies and meeting room etiquette needed to build collaborative, yet firm, relationships with school teams to ensure a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
504 Plan Development and Support
A 504 might be the right fit for your child. I can assist with 504 plans including development and meetings with the school.
Training and Education
Experience as a speaker – Talk to me about my availability to give presentations to your group. Presentations topics include the IEP process, special education and Regional Centers.
Testimonials
“Lisa Carey is truly one in a million. She is so knowledgeable and versed on anything and everything that comes her way. She’s always prepared, she’s honest, and she is always looking out for her clients best interest.
Sharanya Smith
“I hired Lisa at Carey Advocacy for my son’s IEP. I had been trying to advocate for my son’s education for years on my own and my emotions always seemed to get in the way. When Lisa came in I felt a HUGE relief and was able to calm my emotions and anxiety because I knew she had my back. She attended many IEP’s with me and when she felt she had nothing more to give she honestly told me at this point you need to hire an attorney, and so I did. Fast forward to the end of the story, my son is getting the education he deserves and despite what the district said was possible he is on track to earn his high school diploma! I can’t express enough that if you feel a knot in your stomach because you think something is NOT right with your child’s IEP, TRUST your instincts! Hire Lisa! You won’t regret it!”
Jen Newsome
“I cannot say enough positive things about Lisa Carey and Carey Advocacy! She helped me with my son’s IEP at one of the most difficult times and was the continual voice of reason throughout the process. What I love is that Lisa never approaches any IEP with confrontation. She always tries to work with the school district and the parents to come up with a solution that works for everybody amicably. But, don’t get me wrong….she knows EXACTLY what questions to ask and when to push back. We all know that IEP meetings can be emotional, so it’s incredibly helpful to have Lisa on your side. She not only looks out for your child’s best interest but yours as well. Lisa is stuck with me for years to come!
Beth Lulu
Lisa M. Carey | Education Advocate and Parent Educator
Non-Discrimination Statement
We are committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all individuals. Our organization does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or exclusion of any kind.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, physical or mental health status, genetic information, marital or family status, pregnancy, veteran or military status, socioeconomic status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We proudly support and affirm people of all identities and backgrounds, including but not limited to LGBTQIA+ individuals, transgender and nonbinary people, people with disabilities, people of all races and cultures, and people of all faiths and belief systems.
We are dedicated to ensuring equal access, opportunity, dignity, and respect for everyone who engages with our services, community, or platform.
If you experience or witness behavior that conflicts with this commitment, please contact us so that we can address the matter promptly and appropriately.
Questions? Ready for me join your Team?
Click below to schedule your complimentary consultation with me. Let’s discuss how we can work together to navigate the IEP process.
Mailing Address
10316 Sepulveda Blvd #351
Mission Hills, CA 91345
