Kirstie Gillespie

When you are entering the world of assessments and therapies, often the FBA, or Functional Behavioral Assessment, is dropped into the conversation as a starting point to understanding how best to help a child.  Today I speak with Kirstie Gillespie, a behavioral therapist (BCBA), and we get down to the nitty gritty of what an FBA is, how it is conducted and how the assessment guides therapies going forward. Bio  Kirstie Gillespie joined the CSH family in 2016, and is currently working as a Clinical Supervisor providing support to direct therapy, staff oversight, program development, creation and implementation of behavior intervention plans, and Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) to clients and families with developmental disabilities, learning disabilities and related behavior disorders.  Kirstie graduated with her Bachelors of Arts in Behavioral Science with a focus in Deviant Behavior in 2015. She received her Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2017, and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in November 2018.  Prior to working at CSH, Kirstie worked in an integrated healthcare system, working directly with patients suffering from Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injuries, then later managing the Hospital’s Strategic Operations Center.  Kirstie utilizes her education and experience in neuroscience and background in lean, supportive management systems as a staple in every team she is part of, and every family she works with. In her free time, Kirstie enjoys snowboarding, hiking, working out, and photography. Contact Information  Website   Listen Nowhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Kirstie-Gillespie-1.mp3

<p>When you are entering the world of assessments and therapies, often the FBA, or <a href="https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/evaluations/evaluation-basics/functional-assessment-what-it-is-and-how-it-works" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Functional Behavioral Assessment,</a> is dropped into the conversation as a starting point to understanding how best to help a child. </p> <p>Today I speak with Kirstie Gillespie, a behavioral therapist (BCBA), and we get down to the nitty gritty of what an FBA is, how it is conducted and how the assessment guides therapies going forward.</p> <h1>Bio</h1> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Kirstie-removebg-preview.png?ssl=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a></p> <p>Kirstie Gillespie joined the CSH family in 2016, and is currently working as a Clinical Supervisor providing support to direct therapy, staff oversight, program development, creation and implementation of behavior intervention plans, and Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) to clients and families with developmental disabilities, learning disabilities and related behavior disorders. </p> <p>Kirstie graduated with her Bachelors of Arts in Behavioral Science with a focus in Deviant Behavior in 2015. She received her Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2017, and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in November 2018. </p> <p>Prior to working at CSH, Kirstie worked in an integrated healthcare system, working directly with patients suffering from Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injuries, then later managing the Hospital’s Strategic Operations Center. </p> <p>Kirstie utilizes her education and experience in neuroscience and background in lean, supportive management systems as a staple in every team she is part of, and every family she works with. In her free time, Kirstie enjoys snowboarding, hiking, working out, and photography.</p> <h1>Contact Information</h1> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.cs4hope.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a></li> </ul> <p></p> <h3>Listen Now</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Kirstie-Gillespie-1.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Kirstie-Gillespie-1.mp3</a>

Behavioral Therapist Kirstie Gillespie Helps Us Understand the Functional Behavioral Assessment

Lynne Merrill

About Lynne Merrill Lynne Merrill followed her years in the classroom by opening Merrill Educational Center in 1993. Lynne had wanted to teach since she was eight years old, inspired not by good teachers, but by poor ones. She recalls, “I was astounded how much a poor teacher could extinguish a child’s love of learning. I realized early on that I needed to teach to make a positive difference.” Lynne’s teaching background covers many curricula—from first, fifth, sixth, and eighth grades, to high school English and history. She is qualified in Regular and Special Education and has graduate degrees in these areas, as well as graduate work in English. Lynne holds an undergraduate degree in English and Teaching English as a Second Language. All of Lynne’s programs, at prestigious universities, were completed with Summa and Magna Cum Laude recognition. She has been recognized by members of the state government for her work in pursuing her educational goals. Lynne is a reading specialist and treats children with decoding, comprehension, spelling, and written expression problems through worldwide acclaimed programs in literacy. She also specializes in Executive Functioning disorders through teaching study skills and organizational techniques. Her greatest accomplishment comes from helping students to help themselves. Lynne delights in traveling, reading, theater, and spending time with her daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and grandson. When she speaks of her family she smiles and says, “They are my moon and stars.”  Services  Education Therapy and Remediation Independent School Options Tutoring Testing Preparation  Listen to Lynne Merrill’s Podcast Interviewhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Lynne-Merrill_3.mp3  Contact  Address5743 Corsa Ave. Suite #118  Westlake Village, CA 91362  Phone(818) 865-0008  Websitemerrilledu.com  FacebookFacebook/Merrill Educational Center  

<h3>About Lynne Merrill</h3> <p>Lynne Merrill followed her years in the classroom by opening Merrill Educational Center in 1993. Lynne had wanted to teach since she was eight years old, inspired not by good teachers, but by poor ones. She recalls, “I was astounded how much a poor teacher could extinguish a child’s love of learning. I realized early on that I needed to teach to make a positive difference.”</p> <p>Lynne’s teaching background covers many curricula—from first, fifth, sixth, and eighth grades, to high school English and history. She is qualified in Regular and Special Education and has graduate degrees in these areas, as well as graduate work in English. Lynne holds an undergraduate degree in English and Teaching English as a Second Language. All of Lynne’s programs, at prestigious universities, were completed with Summa and Magna Cum Laude recognition. She has been recognized by members of the state government for her work in pursuing her educational goals.</p> <p>Lynne is a reading specialist and treats children with decoding, comprehension, spelling, and written expression problems through worldwide acclaimed programs in literacy. She also specializes in Executive Functioning disorders through teaching study skills and organizational techniques. Her greatest accomplishment comes from helping students to help themselves.</p> <p>Lynne delights in traveling, reading, theater, and spending time with her daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and grandson. When she speaks of her family she smiles and says, “They are my moon and stars.”</p> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Services</h3> <ul> <li>Education Therapy and Remediation</li> <li>Independent School Options</li> <li>Tutoring</li> <li>Testing Preparation</li> </ul> <h3>Listen to Lynne Merrill’s Podcast Interview</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Lynne-Merrill_3.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Lynne-Merrill_3.mp3</a> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Contact</h3> <ul> <li>Address<p><b>5743 Corsa Ave. Suite #118 </b></p> <p><b>Westlake Village, CA 91362</b></p> </li> <li>Phone<p><b>(818) 865-0008</b></p> </li> <li><a href="www.merrilledu.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a><p><a href="http://merrilledu.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">merrilledu.com</a></p> </li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Merrill-Educational-Center-200907094135689/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Merrill-Educational-Center-200907094135689/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook/Merrill Educational Center</a></p> </li> </ul>

Lynne Merrill Education and Reading Specialist

I don’t have to remind you how difficult it can be to raise a child with special needs. However, I am going to do it anyway. Along with the challenges of maintaining the daily activities we call family, a parent to a child with special needs may also have to advocate and/or or fight to ensure their child has the services they need to succeed. Raja Marhaba is one of those parents who not only fought for her children, but also went on to create a foundation focused on helping parents in similar situations.  As you will hear today, Raja understands this battle can break families and her foundation is looking to reduce the breakage. Bio  Raja B. Marhaba is the Founder and President of The Jonathan Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities, Inc. The motivation for establishing The Jonathan Foundation was driven by her personal struggles with having two children with disabilities and the multiple battles she endured to obtain appropriate special education and related services from their school district over a period of eight years. The result: eight due process complaint filings, including a hearing; an appeal to the Federal Ninth Circuit District Court; as well as periods of extreme financial hardship from the cost of paying for private assessments, specialized interventions, and placements, retaining legal representation, and witness fees. Thus, Raja envisioned The Jonathan Foundation to be the vehicle she would use to assist families, like her own, , in dealing with a “broken” special education system, “one child at a time”. Since its inception in 2001, The Jonathan Foundation has provided families of children and adolescents with various types of disabilities with information, resources, referrals, and direct advocacy services by Raja in both special education and regional center matters. Moreover, Raja has developed a strong relationship with Children of the Night, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing children from prostitution and continues to volunteer her professional advocacy services to children and teens served by the organization’s programs. Driven by her personal experience and the outcomes of some of the cases in which she had been involved, Raja decided to launch the “Assessment Scholarship Program” in 2014 to lessen the financial burden families are faced with when obtaining private evaluations. In addition to her involvement in The Jonathan Foundation, Raja is not only a licensed realtor, but also the co-owner of Martec Construction, Inc., which she runs with her Partner, Omar. She and Omar have operated Martec Construction for over twenty years. Due to her work in the company, Martec Construction has been recognized as a woman-owned business since 2003. Raja’s educational background includes possessing an Associate of Applied Science degree from Borough of Manhattan Community College in Business Administration. Ms. Marhaba won a Scholarship to The Anderson School of Business at UCLA – Business Development Entrepreneur Program, graduated in February 2004.  She also holds a certification in Paralegal Studies with a Concentration in Litigation and Corporations from the University of California, Los Angeles, where she also successfully completed the Management Development for Entrepreneurs (MDE) Program. Raja was selected and successfully completed the first cohort of the federally-funded Special Education Advocate Training (SEAT) Program in 2006. After her completion of the SEAT Program, she was selected to be a member of the Education Panel &amp; Committee for the Juvenile Division of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, which is comprised of special education attorneys and advocates, who are court-appointed to represent the educational needs of children involved in the foster care and probation systems. Raja continues to hold active memberships and certifications with the National Association of Women Business Owners, National Women’s Business Enterprise and Women-Owned Small Businesses. Additionally, she has earned several awards as a result of her more than twenty years of success with Martec Construction and The Jonathan Foundation.  In February 2016 she received Enterprising Women of the Year Award.  Her construction company made the 2017 Inc. 5000 list. Ms. Marhaba participated in Birthing of Giants Fellowship Program in June of 2018, hosted by Inc. 500., and is also one of nine extraordinary women whom have been award the 2019 L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Award. Raja has two children Omar Jr. and Jonathan Contact Information  Website Instagram   Listen Nowhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Raja-Marhaba-1.mp3

<p>I don’t have to remind you how difficult it can be to raise a child with special needs. However, I am going to do it anyway. Along with the challenges of maintaining the daily activities we call family, a parent to a child with special needs may also have to advocate and/or or fight to ensure their child has the services they need to succeed.</p> <p>Raja Marhaba is one of those parents who not only fought for her children, but also went on to create a foundation focused on helping parents in similar situations.  As you will hear today, Raja understands this battle can break families and her foundation is looking to reduce the breakage.</p> <h1>Bio</h1> <p></p> <p>Raja B. Marhaba is the Founder and President of The Jonathan Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities, Inc. The motivation for establishing The Jonathan Foundation was driven by her personal struggles with having two children with disabilities and the multiple battles she endured to obtain appropriate special education and related services from their school district over a period of eight years. The result: eight due process complaint filings, including a hearing; an appeal to the Federal Ninth Circuit District Court; as well as periods of extreme financial hardship from the cost of paying for private assessments, specialized interventions, and placements, retaining legal representation, and witness fees. Thus, Raja envisioned The Jonathan Foundation to be the vehicle she would use to assist families, like her own, , in dealing with a “broken” special education system, “one child at a time”.</p> <p><b>Since its inception in 2001</b>, The Jonathan Foundation has provided families of children and adolescents with various types of disabilities with information, resources, referrals, and direct advocacy services by Raja in both special education and regional center matters. Moreover, Raja has developed a strong relationship with Children of the Night, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing children from prostitution and continues to volunteer her professional advocacy services to children and teens served by the organization’s programs. Driven by her personal experience and the outcomes of some of the cases in which she had been involved, Raja decided to launch the “Assessment Scholarship Program” in 2014 to lessen the financial burden families are faced with when obtaining private evaluations.</p> <p>In addition to her involvement in The Jonathan Foundation, Raja is not only a licensed realtor, but also the co-owner of Martec Construction, Inc., which she runs with her Partner, Omar. She and Omar have operated Martec Construction for over twenty years. Due to her work in the company, Martec Construction has been recognized as a woman-owned business since 2003.</p> <p>Raja’s educational background includes possessing an Associate of Applied Science degree from Borough of Manhattan Community College in Business Administration. Ms. Marhaba won a Scholarship to The Anderson School of Business at UCLA – Business Development Entrepreneur Program, graduated in February 2004.  She also holds a certification in Paralegal Studies with a Concentration in Litigation and Corporations from the University of California, Los Angeles, where she also successfully completed the Management Development for Entrepreneurs (MDE) Program. Raja was selected and successfully completed the first cohort of the federally-funded Special Education Advocate Training (SEAT) Program in 2006. After her completion of the SEAT Program, she was selected to be a member of the Education Panel &amp; Committee for the Juvenile Division of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, which is comprised of special education attorneys and advocates, who are court-appointed to represent the educational needs of children involved in the foster care and probation systems.</p> <p>Raja continues to hold active memberships and certifications with the National Association of Women Business Owners, National Women’s Business Enterprise and Women-Owned Small Businesses. Additionally, she has earned several awards as a result of her more than twenty years of success with Martec Construction and The Jonathan Foundation.  In February 2016 she received Enterprising Women of the Year Award.  Her construction company made the 2017 Inc. 5000 list. Ms. Marhaba participated in Birthing of Giants Fellowship Program in June of 2018, hosted by Inc. 500., and is also one of nine extraordinary women whom have been award the 2019 L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Award.</p> <p>Raja has two children Omar Jr. and Jonathan</p> <p>Contact Information</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://thejonathanfoundation.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thejonathanfoundation/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li> </ul> <p></p> <h3>Listen Now</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Raja-Marhaba-1.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Raja-Marhaba-1.mp3</a>

Let Me Carry The Burden On My Shoulders

Cydney Fox

About Dr. Cydney Fox Cydney holds a doctoral degree in Audiology from the George Osborne School of Audiology at Salus University in Pennsylvania. Her master’s degree in Audiology was awarded from the University of Denver and her undergraduate degree in Speech and Hearing from Indiana University. She is Board Certified in Audiology. Dr. Fox has been working with and assessing Auditory Processing Disorders since 2007. Cydney has held positions at the UCLA Audiology Clinic from 1975-1996, USC Head and Neck Physicians Private Practice from 1996-1999 and was the director of Tracy Family Hearing Center (affiliated with John Tracy Clinic) from 1999-2003. She was Director of Audiology Services and Director of The Auditory Processing Disorders Program at The Tinnitus and Audiology Center of Southern California from 2004 -2012. She is the Audiology Member of the Craniofacial Team at Orthopaedic Hospital and has served in that capacity since 1999. Cydney was a staff lecturer both at California State University, Los Angeles,(1998-1999) and Northridge (2008 through 2009) in the Division of Communication Disorders. She was President of the California Academy of Audiology from 2001-2003 and served on the Board of Directors prior to that time. She was one of the Audiology Members on the State of California Speech Language Pathology Audiology Board from 1995-1999. She has also served on the Board of Directors for Hope for Hearing Foundation. Awarded the Larry Mauldin Award for Excellence in Education in April 2005, she also received an Audiology Foundation of America Award for Leadership in Audiology in 2007. Cydney is currently a member of the Craniofacial Team at Orthopaedic Hospital and is full time at Audiology Solutions LA. Because of the make up of Audiology Solutions LA, she is able to travel to various offices within the LA area, thus making it easier for patients to access her services.  Services  Listen to Dr. Cydney Fox’s Podcast Interviewhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Cydney-Fox-1.mp3  Contact  Websiteaudiologysolutionsla  

<h3>About Dr. Cydney Fox</h3> <p>Cydney holds a doctoral degree in Audiology from the George Osborne School of Audiology at Salus University in Pennsylvania. Her master’s degree in Audiology was awarded from the University of Denver and her undergraduate degree in Speech and Hearing from Indiana University. She is Board Certified in Audiology. Dr. Fox has been working with and assessing Auditory Processing Disorders since 2007.</p> <p>Cydney has held positions at the UCLA Audiology Clinic from 1975-1996, USC Head and Neck Physicians Private Practice from 1996-1999 and was the director of Tracy Family Hearing Center (affiliated with John Tracy Clinic) from 1999-2003.</p> <p>She was Director of Audiology Services and Director of The Auditory Processing Disorders Program at The Tinnitus and Audiology Center of Southern California from 2004 -2012. She is the Audiology Member of the Craniofacial Team at Orthopaedic Hospital and has served in that capacity since 1999.</p> <p>Cydney was a staff lecturer both at California State University, Los Angeles,(1998-1999) and Northridge (2008 through 2009) in the Division of Communication Disorders. She was President of the California Academy of Audiology from 2001-2003 and served on the Board of Directors prior to that time. She was one of the Audiology Members on the State of California Speech Language Pathology Audiology Board from 1995-1999. She has also served on the Board of Directors for Hope for Hearing Foundation.</p> <p>Awarded the Larry Mauldin Award for Excellence in Education in April 2005, she also received an Audiology Foundation of America Award for Leadership in Audiology in 2007.</p> <p>Cydney is currently a member of the Craniofacial Team at Orthopaedic Hospital and is full time at Audiology Solutions LA. Because of the make up of Audiology Solutions LA, she is able to travel to various offices within the LA area, thus making it easier for patients to access her services.</p> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Services</h3> <ul></ul> <h3>Listen to Dr. Cydney Fox’s Podcast Interview</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Cydney-Fox-1.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Cydney-Fox-1.mp3</a> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Contact</h3> <ul> <li><h4><a href="http://www.audiologysolutionsla.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a></h4><p><a href="http://www.audiologysolutionsla.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">audiologysolutionsla</a></p> </li> </ul>

There Is a Lot More to Learning Than Just Hearing by: Dr. Cydney Fox

Melissa Willa

ABA, Applied Behavior Analysis, is a popular program designed to improve the overall development of individuals on the autism spectrum. If you are new to the world of ABA, then my chat with Melissa Willa of Gateway Learning Group is for you. We start with the basics of what ABA is, what it looks like from a parent and therapist point of view and how it is evolving over time. Bio  Melissa is the Chief Clinical Officer and Co-founder at Gateway Learning Group, a leading provider of ABA therapy services to individuals with autism. Melissa heads up the clinical team at Gateway, where she focuses on the delivery of the highest quality of ABA therapy services and the dissemination of positive behavior support practices to the community. In addition to her role at Gateway, Melissa is an active advocate for individuals with special needs. In recent years she has served on the Board of Directors for several SF Bay Area non-profits, helping to advance missions related to inclusion, equity, and access for children with special needs. Melissa has worked with individuals with autism for over 20 years. She began her career as a teacher and has taught in both general education and special education classrooms. Prior to founding Gateway, Melissa worked as an Autism &amp; Behavior Content Specialist for San Francisco Unified School District where she designed and launched the LEAP program. LEAP was SFUSD’s first formal effort to offer ABA early intervention services to preschoolers with autism. Melissa is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She holds a Master’s Degree in Behavior Disorders from Teachers College, Columbia University and a B.S. in Education from SUNY Geneseo. Contact Information  Contact Melissa Willa at her website. Facebook Page: Facebook   Listen Nowhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/MelissaWillaGatewayLG-1.mp3

<p>ABA, Applied Behavior Analysis, is a popular program designed to improve the overall development of individuals on the autism spectrum.</p> <p>If you are new to the world of ABA, then my chat with Melissa Willa of <a href="https://www.gatewaylg.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gateway Learning Group</a> is for you. We start with the basics of what ABA is, what it looks like from a parent and therapist point of view and how it is evolving over time.</p> <h1>Bio</h1> <p></p> <p>Melissa is the Chief Clinical Officer and Co-founder at Gateway Learning Group, a leading provider of ABA therapy services to individuals with autism. Melissa heads up the clinical team at Gateway, where she focuses on the delivery of the highest quality of ABA therapy services and the dissemination of positive behavior support practices to the community. In addition to her role at Gateway, Melissa is an active advocate for individuals with special needs. In recent years she has served on the Board of Directors for several SF Bay Area non-profits, helping to advance missions related to inclusion, equity, and access for children with special needs.</p> <p>Melissa has worked with individuals with autism for over 20 years. She began her career as a teacher and has taught in both general education and special education classrooms. Prior to founding Gateway, Melissa worked as an Autism &amp; Behavior Content Specialist for San Francisco Unified School District where she designed and launched the LEAP program. LEAP was SFUSD’s first formal effort to offer ABA early intervention services to preschoolers with autism.</p> <p>Melissa is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She holds a Master’s Degree in Behavior Disorders from Teachers College, Columbia University and a B.S. in Education from SUNY Geneseo.</p> <h1>Contact Information</h1> <ul> <li>Contact Melissa Willa at her <a href="http://www.gatewaylg.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website.</a></li> <li>Facebook Page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gatewaylg/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> </ul> <p></p> <h3>Listen Now</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/MelissaWillaGatewayLG-1.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/MelissaWillaGatewayLG-1.mp3</a>

Behavior Analyst Melissa Willa Helps Us Understand ABA

Dana Chidekel

About Dr. Dana Chidekel Dr. Dana Chidekel started her career as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist. She subsequently completed training in neuropsychology. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology and the American College of Professional Neuropsychology. She is certified by the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology and by the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology, for which she also serves as an examiner. Dr. Chidekel maintains a private practice in Tarzana, providing comprehensive clinical assessments to children, adolescents and adults referred for cognitive, developmental, academic, psychiatric, and behavioral difficulties. She has attended countless IEP meetings, has provided Independent Educational Evaluations for students in 13 school districts in Southern California, and has testified as an expert witness in special educational due process hearings. Dr. Chidekel is a frequent presenter to lay and professional audiences. She has authored and co-authored professional articles about developmental neuropsychology and parameters of professional practice for journals such as Cerebellum, Pediatric Neurology, and Applied Neuropsychology: Child. She is a co-author of “ADHD as a Model of Brain-Behavior Relationships” (Springer 2013) and the author of “Parents in Charge: Setting Healthy, Loving Boundaries for You and Your Child” (Simon and Schuster, 2001). Dr. Chidekel has appeared on many local and national radio programs and TV programs, including multiple appearances on The Today Show and a one-hour PBS special: “Great Parents, Great Kids with Dr. Dana Chidekel.”  Services  Expert witness in cases related to personal injury, employment, education and more Parent trainer and workshop provider Classroom observations Advise on educational placement and services Gifted IQ testing  Listen to Dr. Dana Chidekel’s Podcast Interviewhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Dr-Dana-Chidekel-1.mp3  Contact  Address18321 Ventura Blvd. Ste 900 Tarzana, CA 91356  Phone818.705.4305  Websitedrdanac.com  Emailrdanac@drdanac.com  

<h3>About Dr. Dana Chidekel</h3> <p>Dr. Dana Chidekel started her career as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist. She subsequently completed training in neuropsychology. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology and the American College of Professional Neuropsychology. She is certified by the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology and by the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology, for which she also serves as an examiner.</p> <p>Dr. Chidekel maintains a private practice in Tarzana, providing comprehensive clinical assessments to children, adolescents and adults referred for cognitive, developmental, academic, psychiatric, and behavioral difficulties. She has attended countless IEP meetings, has provided Independent Educational Evaluations for students in 13 school districts in Southern California, and has testified as an expert witness in special educational due process hearings.</p> <p>Dr. Chidekel is a frequent presenter to lay and professional audiences. She has authored and co-authored professional articles about developmental neuropsychology and parameters of professional practice for journals such as Cerebellum, Pediatric Neurology, and Applied Neuropsychology: Child. She is a co-author of “ADHD as a Model of Brain-Behavior Relationships” (Springer 2013) and the author of “Parents in Charge: Setting Healthy, Loving Boundaries for You and Your Child” (Simon and Schuster, 2001). Dr. Chidekel has appeared on many local and national radio programs and TV programs, including multiple appearances on The Today Show and a one-hour PBS special: “Great Parents, Great Kids with Dr. Dana Chidekel.”</p> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Services</h3> <ul> <li>Expert witness in cases related to personal injury, employment, education and more</li> <li>Parent trainer and workshop provider</li> <li>Classroom observations</li> <li>Advise on educational placement and services</li> <li>Gifted IQ testing</li> </ul> <h3>Listen to Dr. Dana Chidekel’s Podcast Interview</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Dr-Dana-Chidekel-1.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Dr-Dana-Chidekel-1.mp3</a> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Contact</h3> <ul> <li><h4>Address</h4><p>18321 Ventura Blvd.</p> <p>Ste 900 Tarzana, CA 91356</p> </li> <li><h4>Phone</h4><p>818.705.4305</p> </li> <li><h4><a href="https://www.drdanac.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a></h4><p><a href="https://www.drdanac.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">drdanac.com</a></p> </li> <li><h4><a href="mailto:rdanac@drdanac.com">Email</a></h4><p><a href="mailto:rdanac@drdanac.com">rdanac@drdanac.com</a></p> </li> </ul>

Pediatric Neuropsycholoist Dr. Dana Chidekel

Marta M. Shinn

About Dr. Marta M. Shinn Dr. Marta M. Shinn, Ph.D., is the founder of Variations Psychology, a private practice mental health clinic in Orange County, California that offers independent diagnostic testing and counseling services to children, adolescents, college students and their families.  Dr. Shinn specializes in clinical child psychology and educational psychology. She helps families who have children with special needs that require services through their public or private school. As an expert advocate,  Dr. Shinn supports families with IEPs, 504s, diagnostic testing/independent evaluations, and accommodations for high stakes exams.   Services  Preparing parents for I.E.P. &amp; 504 Plan meetings Supporting parents in understanding the tests/evaluations conducted by their child’s school Developing &amp; administering psychological &amp; educational tests to clarify diagnoses &amp; support eligibility decisions (e.g. giftedness, test accommodations, special education) Helping parents decide what educational placements would benefit their child Consulting with parents at our practice to orient them to the special education and psychological assessment processes Joining parents at school-based meetings to represent the best interests of their child  Listen to Dr. Marta M. Shinn’s Podcast Interviewhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Dr.-Marta-M-Shinn-1.mp3  Contact  Address4000 MacArthur Blvd East Tower, Suite 600 Newport Beach, CA 92660  Phone949.873.4617  WebsiteVariationspsychology.com/dr-shinn/  Emaildrshinn@variationspsychology.com  

<h3>About Dr. Marta M. Shinn</h3> <p><a href="https://www.variationspsychology.com/dr-shinn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Marta M. Shinn</a>, Ph.D., is the founder of <a href="https://www.variationspsychology.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Variations Psychology</a>, a private practice mental health clinic in Orange County, California that offers independent diagnostic testing and counseling services to children, adolescents, college students and their families.</p> <p> Dr. Shinn specializes in clinical child psychology and educational psychology. She helps families who have children with special needs that require services through their public or private school. As an expert advocate, </p> <p>Dr. Shinn supports families with IEPs, 504s, diagnostic testing/independent evaluations, and accommodations for high stakes exams. </p> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Services</h3> <ul> <li>Preparing parents for I.E.P. &amp; 504 Plan meetings</li> <li>Supporting parents in understanding the tests/evaluations conducted by their child’s school</li> <li>Developing &amp; administering psychological &amp; educational tests to clarify diagnoses &amp; support eligibility decisions (e.g. giftedness, test accommodations, special education)</li> <li>Helping parents decide what educational placements would benefit their child</li> <li>Consulting with parents at our practice to orient them to the special education and psychological assessment processes</li> <li>Joining parents at school-based meetings to represent the best interests of their child</li> </ul> <h3>Listen to Dr. Marta M. Shinn’s Podcast Interview</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Dr.-Marta-M-Shinn-1.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Dr.-Marta-M-Shinn-1.mp3</a> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Contact</h3> <ul> <li><h4>Address</h4><p>4000 MacArthur Blvd</p> <p>East Tower, Suite 600</p> <p>Newport Beach, CA 92660</p> </li> <li><h4>Phone</h4><p>949.873.4617</p> </li> <li><h4>Website</h4><p><a href="https://www.variationspsychology.com/dr-shinn/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Variationspsychology.com/dr-shinn/</a></p> </li> <li><h4><a href="mailto:drshinn@variationspsychology.com">Email</a></h4><p><a href="mailto:drshinn@variationspsychology.com">drshinn@variationspsychology.com</a></p> </li> </ul>

Education and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Marta M. Shinn

Meg Flanagan

Advocate Meg Flanagan Discusses Special Education Services for Children In Military FamiliesAudio Information Session from CSNLG  Overview As we all know, having a child with special needs may require a lot of effort at home and a ton of effort working with schools to ensure your son or daughter is receiving the services they need. If you are a military family, those efforts may need to be repeated on a regular basis as you move and redeploy to a new location within or even outside of the United States. Advocate Meg Flanagan is currently living in Okinawa where her husband is based. She understands the unique circumstances military families face and is here to share those experiences and strategies to help families who have a child with special needs. Bio Meg Flanagan has a passion for helping busy families find success and peace on the education journey. She has helped dozens of families feel better about the IEP or 504 Plan process, providing support and resources. Meg holds an M.Ed in special education and a BS in elementary education. She is currently certified in both areas in MA and VA, as well as by the DoDEA.  Meg has lived in the SoCal region on and off for the last decade, but currently calls Japan home. Connect  Facebook Megflanagan.com @megflanaganed (Twitter)   Listen Nowhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Meg-Flanagan.mp3

<ul><li><h2>Advocate Meg Flanagan Discusses Special Education Services for Children In Military Families</h2><p>Audio Information Session from CSNLG</p> </li></ul> <h1>Overview</h1> <p>As we all know, having a child with special needs may require a lot of effort at home and a ton of effort working with schools to ensure your son or daughter is receiving the services they need.</p> <p>If you are a military family, those efforts may need to be repeated on a regular basis as you move and redeploy to a new location within or even outside of the United States.</p> <p>Advocate Meg Flanagan is currently living in Okinawa where her husband is based. She understands the unique circumstances military families face and is here to share those experiences and strategies to help families who have a child with special needs.</p> <h1>Bio</h1> <p>Meg Flanagan has a passion for helping busy families find success and peace on the education journey. She has helped dozens of families feel better about the IEP or 504 Plan process, providing support and resources.</p> <p>Meg holds an M.Ed in special education and a BS in elementary education. She is currently certified in both areas in MA and VA, as well as by the DoDEA. </p> <p>Meg has lived in the SoCal region on and off for the last decade, but currently calls Japan home.</p> <h1>Connect</h1> <ul> <li><a href="http://facebook.com/megflanaganeducation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.megflanagan.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Megflanagan.com</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.twitter.com/megflanaganed" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@megflanaganed</a> (Twitter)</li> </ul> <p></p> <h3>Listen Now</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Meg-Flanagan.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Meg-Flanagan.mp3</a>

Advocate Meg Flanagan Discusses Special Education Services for Children In Military Families

Peter Attwood

About Peter Attwood Peter was hazed into the special education world in 2007, and has been working for others since 2010, and full time since 2014 when he was laid off from his systems maintenance programming job. He is still debugging, but special ed problems now instead of computer code. He emphasizes getting the kid’s real needs figured out and taken care of, especially overlooked processing problems. He will use the law and other such remedies if the district wants to do it that way, but prefers to rely on reason and win-win solutions if the district is willing.  Services  Attend IEP meetings Review records Draft letters Advise on educational placement and services Refer to outside attorneys as needed  Listen to Peter Attwood’s Podcast Interviewhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Peter-Attwood-2.mp3  Contact  AddressInland Empire, California  Emailpeter.attwood@hotmail.com  

<h3>About Peter Attwood</h3> <p>Peter was hazed into the special education world in 2007, and has been working for others since 2010, and full time since 2014 when he was laid off from his systems maintenance programming job. He is still debugging, but special ed problems now instead of computer code. He emphasizes getting the kid’s real needs figured out and taken care of, especially overlooked processing problems. He will use the law and other such remedies if the district wants to do it that way, but prefers to rely on reason and win-win solutions if the district is willing.</p> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Services</h3> <ul> <li>Attend IEP meetings</li> <li>Review records</li> <li>Draft letters</li> <li>Advise on educational placement and services</li> <li>Refer to outside attorneys as needed</li> </ul> <h3>Listen to Peter Attwood’s Podcast Interview</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Peter-Attwood-2.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Peter-Attwood-2.mp3</a> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Contact</h3> <ul> <li><h4>Address</h4><p>Inland Empire, California</p> </li> <li><h4><a href="mailto:peter.attwood@hotmail.com">Email</a></h4><p><a href="mailto:peter.attwood@hotmail.com">peter.attwood@hotmail.com</a></p> </li> </ul>

Special Education Advocate Peter Attwood

Amy Munera

About Amy Munera Amy Munera is the current president of Autism Society San Diego, and has served on the board of directors for the past seven years. She is the mother of three autistic boys, ages 11,14, and 17, and is an active volunteer in the local autism community in San Diego County.  Amy is passionate about advocating for autism acceptance and understanding, and promoting inclusion for disabled people. She believes it is important to listen to and include the voices of actually autistic people in disability related policy and non profits.  Services  Events Support groups Information Surf camps Summer camps Respite care  Listen to Amy Munera’s Podcast Interviewhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Amy-Munera-1.mp3  Contact  Address4699 Murphy Canyon Rd.  San Diego CA 92123   Phone858-715-0678  Websiteautismsocietysandiego.org  Emailinfo@autismsocietysandiego.org  

<h3>About Amy Munera</h3> <p>Amy Munera is the current president of Autism Society San Diego, and has served on the board of directors for the past seven years. She is the mother of three autistic boys, ages 11,14, and 17, and is an active volunteer in the local autism community in San Diego County. </p> <p>Amy is passionate about advocating for autism acceptance and understanding, and promoting inclusion for disabled people. She believes it is important to listen to and include the voices of actually autistic people in disability related policy and non profits.</p> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Services</h3> <ul> <li>Events</li> <li>Support groups</li> <li>Information</li> <li>Surf camps</li> <li>Summer camps</li> <li>Respite care</li> </ul> <h3>Listen to Amy Munera’s Podcast Interview</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Amy-Munera-1.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Amy-Munera-1.mp3</a> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Contact</h3> <ul> <li><h4>Address</h4><p>4699 Murphy Canyon Rd. </p> <p>San Diego CA 92123 </p> </li> <li><h4>Phone</h4><p>858-715-0678</p> </li> <li><h4><a href="http://www.autismsocietysandiego.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a></h4><p><a href="http://www.autismsocietysandiego.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">autismsocietysandiego.org</a></p> </li> <li><h4><a href="mailto:info@autismsocietysandiego.org">Email</a></h4><p><a href="mailto:info@autismsocietysandiego.org">info@autismsocietysandiego.org</a></p> </li> </ul>

Amy Munera, president of the Autism Society of San Diego

Protecting Individuals with Exceptional Needs

We need more podcasts to address the money driven school districts in the United States!

Well Done

This podcast answers questions for Parents new to Special Education and does a great job resourcing Advocates from around the State of California. I love the concise but informational nature of relevant advocacy trends. I have been an Advocate for more than 24 years and have recently shared this podcast with new parents. Thank you for your work.

Partners In Education Advocacy

Special Education Matters

Adrienne Oliviera

Special Education Teacher, Parent and Advocate, Adrienne Oliviera, Shares Her Stories From Both Sides of the TableAudio Information Session from CSNLG   Idealism and the desire to help people is often an overarching view of many young people fresh out of school and ready to contribute to the world. For Adrienne Oliveira, my guest today, she saw a career as a special education teacher as her chance to contribute. Adrienne reflects on her time working in three different schools in three different states and the dramatic differences she found in each district. All these experiences gave her a unique perspective after her son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Suddenly Adrienne was now a parent at an IEP instead of a teacher. Today Adrienne works as an advocate for children with special needs, combining her experience as a special education teacher and parent to help others. Bio Adrienne Special Education Teacher for ten years. She taught in Florida, Virginia and California. Her experience in the classroom has been everything from resource, co-teaching and self-contained classes in the mild/moderate settings. As a mother of two young boys, She also went through the IEP process because one of my sons was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. She has a strong passion for making sure all students have equal access to learning and will work closely with you in creating the best opportunities for your child to grow. Contact Information Contact Adrienne at her website.  Listen Nowhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Special-Education-Teacher-Parent-and-Advocate-Adrienne-Oliviera-Shares-Her-Stories-From-Both-Sides-of-the-Table.mp3

<ul><li><h2>Special Education Teacher, Parent and Advocate, Adrienne Oliviera, Shares Her Stories From Both Sides of the Table</h2><p>Audio Information Session from CSNLG</p> </li></ul> <p></p> <p>Idealism and the desire to help people is often an overarching view of many young people fresh out of school and ready to contribute to the world. For Adrienne Oliveira, my guest today, she saw a career as a special education teacher as her chance to contribute.</p> <p>Adrienne reflects on her time working in three different schools in three different states and the dramatic differences she found in each district. All these experiences gave her a unique perspective after her son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Suddenly Adrienne was now a parent at an IEP instead of a teacher.</p> <p>Today Adrienne works as an advocate for children with special needs, combining her experience as a special education teacher and parent to help others.</p> <h1>Bio</h1> <p>Adrienne Special Education Teacher for ten years. She taught in Florida, Virginia and California. Her experience in the classroom has been everything from resource, co-teaching and self-contained classes in the mild/moderate settings.</p> <p>As a mother of two young boys, She also went through the IEP process because one of my sons was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.</p> <p>She has a strong passion for making sure all students have equal access to learning and will work closely with you in creating the best opportunities for your child to grow.</p> <h1>Contact Information</h1> <p>Contact Adrienne <a href="https://www.advocateiep.com/contact" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">at her website.</a></p> <p></p> <h3>Listen Now</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Special-Education-Teacher-Parent-and-Advocate-Adrienne-Oliviera-Shares-Her-Stories-From-Both-Sides-of-the-Table.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Special-Education-Teacher-Parent-and-Advocate-Adrienne-Oliviera-Shares-Her-Stories-From-Both-Sides-of-the-Table.mp3</a>

Special Education Teacher, Parent and Advocate, Adrienne Oliviera, Shares Her Stories From Both Sides of the Table

Tips For Navigating The IEP With Attorney Richard IsaacsAudio Information Session from CSNLG  The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the key document, roadmap, etc. for a child securing special education services. Rich and I talk about the IEP and what important aspects you should know and understand as a parent or caregiver. Bio  Rich Isaacs is the founder of California Special Needs Law Group.  His small-town roots shaped his belief in the strength of a community-based approach to life and work. In law school, Rich quickly focused his studies on advocating and assisting some of our most vulnerable members of society. Children are a society’s most valuable asset and ensuring students have equal access to an education quickly became a calling for Rich. Rich leads the charge at CSNLG to ensure families receive fair, effective representation at mediations, hearings and appeals. He believes that all resolutions must focus on what is best for the child and their long-term future Contact Information Contact Rich by email: richard@csnlg.com Listen Nowhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Tips-for-Navigating-the-IEP.mp3 Transcript Tips for Navigating the IEP with Attorney Richard Isaacs. Michael Boll:  Hello everybody and welcome to another addition of Special Education Matters. I’m your host Michael Boll and I have an 18 year old son with autism. The Individualized Education Program or IEP is the key document, roadmap, etcetera for a child securing special education services. Rich and I will talk today about the IEP and what important aspects you should know and understand as a parent or a caregiver. Enjoy the conversation. Michael Boll: Richard Isaacs welcome back to the program. Rich Isaacs: Yeah it’s good to be here. Thanks.  Michael Boll: It’s great to talk with you again. We’re gonna take a step back to the beginning. Uh, we’re gonna talk about the IEP. And now as a parent, when you’re notified that your child has some special needs or maybe you’ve been the district of it that your child needs some assistance an IEP is where it comes together. Tell us what an IEP is and what we should know about it. Rich Isaacs: An IEP is an Individualized Education Program and it’s really just what the name says. It’s an individualized program set-up for students who need additional supports in school.  Michael Boll: Alright. Sounds pretty simple but this document isn’t necessarily so simple. Can I get an advance look at it before I go in? Rich Isaacs: So that’s a good…good question. Every school district runs their IEP process a little bit differently. To answer it, simply yes, you could always request a copy and they should have a draft. The draft can be provided to you. You can request it 5 days before the IEP meeting. If it’s an initial IEP meeting it probably not gonna have a draft yet because you have to go under the eligibility decision to determine if an IEP is necessary. But yes always request for a draft IEP prior to a meeting.  Michael Boll: Okay so I hopefully have this in advance. I’ve read some things. We’ve talked before the show is just highlighting anything that might be new to you which you know it’s got information from a lot of different people that you may not have your our expertise in. So certainly that would be a part of it but then you sit down and who is going to be there along with me? Do I bring my child? Should I go by myself? What do you think? Rich Isaacs: So often no, no to the student. If you have an older child, aged 16, it’s encouraged that they’d be there at least for a part of it to discuss secondary goals but for the most part especially if you’re in elementary or middle school, I don’t encourage the student to be there. It’s unnecessary and they’re not gonna understand.   Michael Boll: Okay. Rich Isaacs: The participants that are necessary, generally speaking, are gonna be the teacher- special education teacher. The different specialist who may have assessed or working with the child and that could be OT which is Occupational Therapists. Such as a language path, the school psychologist. And then really important person is the District Administrator. And the District Administrator usually gonna facilitate the meeting but they’re the person that can make the decision of what services and approved things. They can answer questions that the parent have about the different resources available in programs. Available that the district has. Michael Boll: Okay. So what is the point of view—So I walk in there and my goal is to perhaps get services for my child. What do you think the point of view is for the people on the other side of the table which it could be what 5 or 10 people there?  Rich Isaacs: Right. And this is where there is a divergence of the purpose. The parents is gonna go there to the IEP meeting and they’re gonna share the concerns of their student and they’re gonna want certain things in place that are gonna help their child be successful in school. The district, while that too is their goal. Often times they’re confined to the resources that they have. And there’s only a few options that they can provide to the family. So instead of looking at, say maximizing the students potential, the school district often times is gonna look at how little can we give to make sure that they’re making some educational progress. So the school and parents often are coming at it from two different angles which is okay as long as you understand that.   Michael Boll: Alright. So my first IEP I’m gonna be nervous, maybe for my third one I’ll be nervous too. My first question I’m gonna have is what’s the experience gonna be like? Is it gonna be a hostile environment or we both gonna have the same goal or we just wanna create a program that’s best for the child? Rich Isaacs: It should not ever be hostile. Sometimes when there’s litigation and down the road and years of back and forth, the relationship could definitely break down. But especially the initial meetings or the early meetings, most of the time the teachers, the specialists, they do generally care about their job and about each student. You should always go into the meeting with a positive outlook. I know it’s hard for families sometimes not to take things personally because we’re talking about their child, but you can’t take things personal and the same goes for the school district. It’s the IEP team meeting is a great place for all those who are working with the student to get together and discuss what the student needs to be successful. If you keep bringing it back to that, I think you’re setting yourself up to have a very positive IEP meeting. Michael Boll: Okay and I know when I went in IEP meetings I’d look at the people, I’d meet them and I got a quick sense of like who the leaders were. Who was the sharpest person in the room which is actually in my opinion usually the occupational therapist and it gave me a sense of who I could build relationships with and move things forward. Rich Isaacs: Exactly and that’s you know with a lot of things too, right? You’re working together so that its, you don’t want to make the other side angry. You don’t want to shout at them. You don’t want to take your frustration out of them because you do want them to provide your child with an education. So even if you’re frustrated, it’s okay. Share your frustrations. Communicate it clearly and then go home and think about it. Michael Boll: Okay. So what are some of the rules that are around the IEP in regards to how quickly does the district have to provide one after the meeting? How quickly do they have to give me the final version to sign? And lastly, if I don’t want to sign it, what should I do? Rich Isaacs: Very good questions and it really just depends. There’s no set time to get the IEP but generally speaking, you should ask for a draft IEP prior to the meeting. They should give you a copy of the IEP at the conclusion of the meeting. There are a lot of school districts now are waiting and tying up the loose ends and emailing it to the family or having— Michael Boll: Is that a better thing to do if they say “look I’d rather email you the final version?” Is that probably a better way to go? Rich Isaacs: I like it that way. I find that I just want a completed version. I don’t want them to give me an IEP at the end of the meeting and then a week later make adjustments to it because there were errors in it. I’d rather them just finish the IEP, give me a copy, and email works great. In terms of how much time they have, it’s a reasonable amount of time. So— Michael Boll: That’s the law. It’s reasonable, whatever that means. Rich Isaacs: It is because it’s individualized. And so the court really or the law is really clear not to put a specified time on this piece. How much time does a parent have to sign? As much time as a parent wants. Typically you should take it home and review it for about a week. You should never sign an IEP at the IEP meeting because you need to process everything. Take it home. Talk about it as a family. If you have any questions, you know you can obviously reach out to parent groups or advocates and then you can provide your consent to the IEP document. Michael Boll: Okay that’s interesting. I didn’t think about that not signing it at that time but yeah you can take a week. I guess if you give it a week then you’re also showing good faith that  you’re not hanging on to it for 30 days. You wanna work together as well and so here take it for a week or a few days. Read it and hand it back. Rich Isaacs: Right. You know sometimes depending on where you’re at on your IEP process, if you have an IEP that’s already in place and they’re changing it on a new one. you may not wanna sign the new one. You may wanna keep the old one in which case you may not sign for a year. It really just depends on the uniqueness of each person’s case and work out the process. Michael Boll: Alright thank you. So does Copper the Dog wanna add anything other than what he’s been saying? Rich Isaacs: There is the dog in the background, I apologize. Michael Boll: Hahaha it’s okay. Okay so let’s conclude this here and then let’s talk in the next podcast. When should I bring in an advocate or an attorney? Rich Isaacs: That sounds great. Michael Boll: Alright. Okay thank you.

<ul><li><h2>Tips For Navigating The IEP With Attorney Richard Isaacs</h2><p>Audio Information Session from CSNLG</p> </li></ul> <p>The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the key document, roadmap, etc. for a child securing special education services.</p> <p>Rich and I talk about the IEP and what important aspects you should know and understand as a parent or caregiver.</p> <h1>Bio</h1> <p></p> <p>Rich Isaacs is the founder of California Special Needs Law Group. </p> <p>His small-town roots shaped his belief in the strength of a community-based approach to life and work. In law school, Rich quickly focused his studies on advocating and assisting some of our most vulnerable members of society. Children are a society’s most valuable asset and ensuring students have equal access to an education quickly became a calling for Rich.</p> <p>Rich leads the charge at CSNLG to ensure families receive fair, effective representation at mediations, hearings and appeals. He believes that all resolutions must focus on what is best for the child and their long-term future</p> <h1>Contact Information</h1> <p>Contact Rich by email: <a href="mailto:richard@csnlg.com">richard@csnlg.com</a></p> <h3>Listen Now</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Tips-for-Navigating-the-IEP.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Tips-for-Navigating-the-IEP.mp3</a> <h2>Transcript</h2> <p>Tips for Navigating the IEP with Attorney Richard Isaacs.</p> <p>Michael Boll:  Hello everybody and welcome to another addition of Special Education Matters. I’m your host Michael Boll and I have an 18 year old son with autism. The Individualized Education Program or IEP is the key document, roadmap, etcetera for a child securing special education services. Rich and I will talk today about the IEP and what important aspects you should know and understand as a parent or a caregiver. Enjoy the conversation.</p> <p>Michael Boll: Richard Isaacs welcome back to the program.</p> <p>Rich Isaacs: Yeah it’s good to be here. Thanks. </p> <p>Michael Boll: It’s great to talk with you again. We’re gonna take a step back to the beginning. Uh, we’re gonna talk about the IEP. And now as a parent, when you’re notified that your child has some special needs or maybe you’ve been the district of it that your child needs some assistance an IEP is where it comes together. Tell us what an IEP is and what we should know about it.</p> <p>Rich Isaacs: An IEP is an Individualized Education Program and it’s really just what the name says. It’s an individualized program set-up for students who need additional supports in school. </p> <p>Michael Boll: Alright. Sounds pretty simple but this document isn’t necessarily so simple. Can I get an advance look at it before I go in?</p> <p>Rich Isaacs: So that’s a good…good question. Every school district runs their IEP process a little bit differently. To answer it, simply yes, you could always request a copy and they should have a draft. The draft can be provided to you. You can request it 5 days before the IEP meeting. If it’s an initial IEP meeting it probably not gonna have a draft yet because you have to go under the eligibility decision to determine if an IEP is necessary. But yes always request for a draft IEP prior to a meeting. </p> <p>Michael Boll: Okay so I hopefully have this in advance. I’ve read some things. We’ve talked before the show is just highlighting anything that might be new to you which you know it’s got information from a lot of different people that you may not have your our expertise in. So certainly that would be a part of it but then you sit down and who is going to be there along with me? Do I bring my child? Should I go by myself? What do you think?</p> <p>Rich Isaacs: So often no, no to the student. If you have an older child, aged 16, it’s encouraged that they’d be there at least for a part of it to discuss secondary goals but for the most part especially if you’re in elementary or middle school, I don’t encourage the student to be there. It’s unnecessary and they’re not gonna understand.  </p> <p>Michael Boll: Okay.</p> <p>Rich Isaacs: The participants that are necessary, generally speaking, are gonna be the teacher- special education teacher. The different specialist who may have assessed or working with the child and that could be OT which is Occupational Therapists. Such as a language path, the school psychologist. And then really important person is the District Administrator. And the District Administrator usually gonna facilitate the meeting but they’re the person that can make the decision of what services and approved things. They can answer questions that the parent have about the different resources available in programs. Available that the district has.</p> <p>Michael Boll: Okay. So what is the point of view—So I walk in there and my goal is to perhaps get services for my child. What do you think the point of view is for the people on the other side of the table which it could be what 5 or 10 people there? </p> <p>Rich Isaacs: Right. And this is where there is a divergence of the purpose. The parents is gonna go there to the IEP meeting and they’re gonna share the concerns of their student and they’re gonna want certain things in place that are gonna help their child be successful in school. The district, while that too is their goal. Often times they’re confined to the resources that they have. And there’s only a few options that they can provide to the family. So instead of looking at, say maximizing the students potential, the school district often times is gonna look at how little can we give to make sure that they’re making some educational progress. So the school and parents often are coming at it from two different angles which is okay as long as you understand that.  </p> <p>Michael Boll: Alright. So my first IEP I’m gonna be nervous, maybe for my third one I’ll be nervous too. My first question I’m gonna have is what’s the experience gonna be like? Is it gonna be a hostile environment or we both gonna have the same goal or we just wanna create a program that’s best for the child?</p> <p>Rich Isaacs: It should not ever be hostile. Sometimes when there’s litigation and down the road and years of back and forth, the relationship could definitely break down. But especially the initial meetings or the early meetings, most of the time the teachers, the specialists, they do generally care about their job and about each student. You should always go into the meeting with a positive outlook. I know it’s hard for families sometimes not to take things personally because we’re talking about their child, but you can’t take things personal and the same goes for the school district. It’s the IEP team meeting is a great place for all those who are working with the student to get together and discuss what the student needs to be successful. If you keep bringing it back to that, I think you’re setting yourself up to have a very positive IEP meeting.</p> <p>Michael Boll: Okay and I know when I went in IEP meetings I’d look at the people, I’d meet them and I got a quick sense of like who the leaders were. Who was the sharpest person in the room which is actually in my opinion usually the occupational therapist and it gave me a sense of who I could build relationships with and move things forward.</p> <p>Rich Isaacs: Exactly and that’s you know with a lot of things too, right? You’re working together so that its, you don’t want to make the other side angry. You don’t want to shout at them. You don’t want to take your frustration out of them because you do want them to provide your child with an education. So even if you’re frustrated, it’s okay. Share your frustrations. Communicate it clearly and then go home and think about it.</p> <p>Michael Boll: Okay. So what are some of the rules that are around the IEP in regards to how quickly does the district have to provide one after the meeting? How quickly do they have to give me the final version to sign? And lastly, if I don’t want to sign it, what should I do?</p> <p>Rich Isaacs: Very good questions and it really just depends. There’s no set time to get the IEP but generally speaking, you should ask for a draft IEP prior to the meeting. They should give you a copy of the IEP at the conclusion of the meeting. There are a lot of school districts now are waiting and tying up the loose ends and emailing it to the family or having—</p> <p>Michael Boll: Is that a better thing to do if they say “look I’d rather email you the final version?” Is that probably a better way to go?</p> <p>Rich Isaacs: I like it that way. I find that I just want a completed version. I don’t want them to give me an IEP at the end of the meeting and then a week later make adjustments to it because there were errors in it. I’d rather them just finish the IEP, give me a copy, and email works great. In terms of how much time they have, it’s a reasonable amount of time. So—</p> <p>Michael Boll: That’s the law. It’s reasonable, whatever that means.</p> <p>Rich Isaacs: It is because it’s individualized. And so the court really or the law is really clear not to put a specified time on this piece. How much time does a parent have to sign? As much time as a parent wants. Typically you should take it home and review it for about a week. You should never sign an IEP at the IEP meeting because you need to process everything. Take it home. Talk about it as a family. If you have any questions, you know you can obviously reach out to parent groups or advocates and then you can provide your consent to the IEP document.</p> <p>Michael Boll: Okay that’s interesting. I didn’t think about that not signing it at that time but yeah you can take a week. I guess if you give it a week then you’re also showing good faith that  you’re not hanging on to it for 30 days. You wanna work together as well and so here take it for a week or a few days. Read it and hand it back.</p> <p>Rich Isaacs: Right. You know sometimes depending on where you’re at on your IEP process, if you have an IEP that’s already in place and they’re changing it on a new one. you may not wanna sign the new one. You may wanna keep the old one in which case you may not sign for a year. It really just depends on the uniqueness of each person’s case and work out the process.</p> <p>Michael Boll: Alright thank you. So does Copper the Dog wanna add anything other than what he’s been saying?</p> <p>Rich Isaacs: There is the dog in the background, I apologize.</p> <p>Michael Boll: Hahaha it’s okay. Okay so let’s conclude this here and then let’s talk in the next podcast. When should I bring in an advocate or an attorney?</p> <p>Rich Isaacs: That sounds great.</p> <p>Michael Boll: Alright. Okay thank you.</p>

Tips For Navigating The IEP

Five Tips (Plus One) to Having a Successful IEP The IEP can be stressful at times. These five (plus one) tips will help you relax, prepare and feel good about your parental role before, during and after the IEP.    Listen Nowhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IEP-5-Five-Tips-Plus-One-For-Having-a-Successful-IEP.mp3 Summary Blog Post (Coming soon)We take the recorded interview and sum it up for you. Linaja Duncan Attorney  Linaja loves books. A self-proclaimed lifelong learner, she completed high school early and began college at the age of 16. In 2012, she became the first in her family to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Linaja believes that education—both formal and informal—is empowering for all people. She brings the core conviction that learning changes lives to her work as an attorney at the California Special Needs Law Group.  Linaja first felt called to special education law while participating in the Special Education Advocacy Clinic at the Pepperdine University School of Law. Linaja joined the CSNLG team in 2017. Since that time, Linaja has helped families obtain truly individualized education programs by attending IEP meetings, mediations, and due process hearings on behalf of individuals with exceptional needs.   Linaja currently resides in Iowa, where she spends her time reading, writing, and watching corn grow. 

<h1>Five Tips (Plus One) to Having a Successful IEP</h1> <p>The IEP can be stressful at times. These five (plus one) tips will help you relax, prepare and feel good about your parental role before, during and after the IEP.  </p> <h1></h1> <h3>Listen Now</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IEP-5-Five-Tips-Plus-One-For-Having-a-Successful-IEP.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IEP-5-Five-Tips-Plus-One-For-Having-a-Successful-IEP.mp3</a> <a href="manually" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><h3><a href="manually" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Summary Blog Post (Coming soon)</a></h3><p>We take the recorded interview and sum it up for you.</p> <h1>Linaja Duncan</h1> <h3>Attorney</h3> <h3><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Linaja2020.png?ssl=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a></h3> <p>Linaja loves books. A self-proclaimed lifelong learner, she completed high school early and began college at the age of 16. In 2012, she became the first in her family to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Linaja believes that education—both formal and informal—is empowering for <em>all</em> people.</p> <p>She brings the core conviction that <em>learning changes lives</em> to her work as an attorney at the California Special Needs Law Group. </p> <p>Linaja first felt called to special education law while participating in the Special Education Advocacy Clinic at the Pepperdine University School of Law. Linaja joined the CSNLG team in 2017. Since that time, Linaja has helped families obtain truly <em>individualized</em> education programs by attending IEP meetings, mediations, and due process hearings on behalf of individuals with exceptional needs.  </p> <p>Linaja currently resides in Iowa, where she spends her time reading, writing, and watching corn grow. </p>

A Beginner’s Guide | Five Tips (Plus One) to Having a Successful IEP

A Better Understanding of Our Sensory System and Sensory Integration With Dr. Susanne Smith RoleyAudio Information Session from CSNLG  Our sensory system has a profound impact on our everyday experiences and how we react to our world. Maybe a noise is annoying, a light too bright or an article of clothing feels just not right. For children with special needs such as autism, ADD and more, sensory struggles may be magnified to the point where they have a significant impact on their perception of the world. What may seem just fine to us, may be threatening to them. Understanding the sensory system and its roll in a child’s life is what I talk to Dr. Susanne Smith Roley about today. We cover a lot of exciting material including sensory seekers, sensory avoiders, body awareness and much, much more.  By the end of this podcast you may find yourself having a good understanding of terms such a proprioceptive, vestibular, temporal and spatial awareness. Wow! Bio  Susanne Smith Roley OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA is an occupational therapist with over 40 years of experience specializing in pediatrics. Susanne is in private practice in Orange County in Southern California and co-founder of the nonprofit, Collaborative for Leadership in Sensory Integration (CLASI). She obtained a BS in OT at Indiana University, a MS in Allied Health Sciences at Boston University and an OTD at University of Southern California. She had the privilege to study directly with Dr. A. Jean Ayres and continued her legacy through education, advocacy, and research in sensory integration, a theory and intervention, which meets external criteria, such as the Council for Exceptional Children, as an evidence-based method. Her dissertation focused on evidence in early identification and intervention 0-3 with autism and patterns of sensory integration and praxis in children with autism. She is a past chair of the Commission on Practice and the Sensory Integration Special Interest Section for AOTA; and a contributing author of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process, 2002 and 2nd Editions. She is an internationally recognized author and lecturer on the theory and application of sensory integration. She is co-editor of the books, Understanding the Nature of Sensory Integration with Diverse Populations and Sensory Integration: Applying Clinical Reasoning to Diverse Populations. She is a fellow of the AOTA and recipient of the AOTF Virginia Scardina Award of Excellence and the AOTF A. Jean Ayres Award. Contact Information Reach out to Dr. Smith Roley through her clinic website.  Listen Nowhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Dr.-Susanne-Smith-Roley.mp3

<ul><li><h2>A Better Understanding of Our Sensory System and Sensory Integration With Dr. Susanne Smith Roley</h2><p>Audio Information Session from CSNLG</p> </li></ul> <p>Our sensory system has a profound impact on our everyday experiences and how we react to our world. Maybe a noise is annoying, a light too bright or an article of clothing feels just not right. For children with special needs such as autism, ADD and more, sensory struggles may be magnified to the point where they have a significant impact on their perception of the world. What may seem just fine to us, may be threatening to them.</p> <p>Understanding the sensory system and its roll in a child’s life is what I talk to <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-smith-roley-2a964218/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Susanne Smith Roley</a> about today. We cover a lot of exciting material including sensory seekers, sensory avoiders, body awareness and much, much more.  By the end of this podcast you may find yourself having a good understanding of terms such a proprioceptive, vestibular, temporal and spatial awareness. Wow!</p> <h1>Bio</h1> <p></p> <p>Susanne Smith Roley OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA is an occupational therapist with over 40 years of experience specializing in pediatrics. Susanne is in private practice in Orange County in Southern California and co-founder of the nonprofit, Collaborative for Leadership in Sensory Integration (CLASI). She obtained a BS in OT at Indiana University, a MS in Allied Health Sciences at Boston University and an OTD at University of Southern California. She had the privilege to study directly with Dr. A. Jean Ayres and continued her legacy through education, advocacy, and research in sensory integration, a theory and intervention, which meets external criteria, such as the Council for Exceptional Children, as an evidence-based method. Her dissertation focused on evidence in early identification and intervention 0-3 with autism and patterns of sensory integration and praxis in children with autism. She is a past chair of the Commission on Practice and the Sensory Integration Special Interest Section for AOTA; and a contributing author of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process, 2002 and 2nd Editions. She is an internationally recognized author and lecturer on the theory and application of sensory integration. She is co-editor of the books, Understanding the Nature of Sensory Integration with Diverse Populations and Sensory Integration: Applying Clinical Reasoning to Diverse Populations. She is a fellow of the AOTA and recipient of the AOTF Virginia Scardina Award of Excellence and the AOTF A. Jean Ayres Award.</p> <h1>Contact Information</h1> <p>Reach out to Dr. Smith Roley through her clinic website.</p> <p></p> <h3>Listen Now</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Dr.-Susanne-Smith-Roley.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Dr.-Susanne-Smith-Roley.mp3</a>

A Better Understanding of Our Sensory System and Sensory Integration With Dr. Susanne Smith Roley

ABA and Verbal Behavior with Dr. Denise EckmanAudio Information Session from CSNLG  If you have a child with special needs such as autism, you may quickly start hearing about Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior (VB) as therapies that are helpful to children.  Today I talk with Dr. Denise Eckman president and executive director of Creative Behavior Interventions. We discuss an overview of what ABA is and which types of children, and even adults, benefit from this type of intervention. We go a little deep and by the end of this show, you will have a functional understanding of behaviors, their antecedents and a breakdown of different types of communication we find in language.  In fact, if you listen carefully, you may be able to discuss Mands, Tacts, Intraverbal and Echoic communication!  Interesting Fact: Forbes lists ABA therapists as one of the most rewarding jobs. Hat tip to Dr. Eckman for pointing that out.  Bio Dr. Denise Eckman, PsyD, BCBA-D is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the founder and President of Creative Behavior Interventions, Inc. (CBI). She has provided Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and supervision for nearly two decades to families throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Colorado, and other countries outside of the U.S. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California-Irvine in 1997 and her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 1999.  In 2005, Dr. Eckman earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver, where she specialized in Behavior Analysis and Assessments. While completing her doctorate, Dr. Eckman gained extensive training and experience in supervising and developing programs for children with Autism – utilizing the principles and methodologies of ABA, in particular, “Verbal Behavior”.  As part of her doctoral training, Dr. Eckman focused on psychological services, including assessment for children and families with chronic mental disorders of various ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Dr. Eckman is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral Level (BCBA-D), and oversees program development and implementation to all clients at CBI.  In addition to serving as the Executive Director for CBI, Dr. Eckman performs functional behavior assessments (FBA) across the country and conducts presentations on in-services and workshops for various organizations throughout southern California. Throughout her graduate education and beyond, Dr. Eckman continues to develop her passion and commitment to providing quality, innovative and creative individualized services for children diagnosed with Autism or related disorders.  Contact Information  Website: Creative Behavior Interventions Instagram: @cbibelieves Facebook: cbibelieves Phone: 949.328.7688   Listen Nowhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Dr.-Denise-Eckman.mp3

<ul><li><h2>ABA and Verbal Behavior with Dr. Denise Eckman</h2><p>Audio Information Session from CSNLG</p> </li></ul> <p>If you have a child with special needs such as autism, you may quickly start hearing about Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior (VB) as therapies that are helpful to children. </p> <p>Today I talk with Dr. Denise Eckman president and executive director of <a href="http://www.cbibelieves.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Behavior Interventions</a>. We discuss an overview of what ABA is and which types of children, and even adults, benefit from this type of intervention. We go a little deep and by the end of this show, you will have a functional understanding of behaviors, their antecedents and a breakdown of different types of communication we find in language.  In fact, if you listen carefully, you may be able to discuss Mands, Tacts, Intraverbal and Echoic communication! </p> <p><b>Interesting</b><b> Fact: </b>Forbes lists <a href="https://www.forbes.com/pictures/fjle45lhem/no-6-most-meaningful-job/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ABA therapists</a> as one of the most rewarding jobs. Hat tip to Dr. Eckman for pointing that out. </p> <h1>Bio</h1> <p>Dr. Denise Eckman, PsyD, BCBA-D is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the founder and President of Creative Behavior Interventions, Inc. (CBI). She has provided Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and supervision for nearly two decades to families throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Colorado, and other countries outside of the U.S. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California-Irvine in 1997 and her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 1999. </p> <p>In 2005, Dr. Eckman earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver, where she specialized in Behavior Analysis and Assessments. While completing her doctorate, Dr. Eckman gained extensive training and experience in supervising and developing programs for children with Autism – utilizing the principles and methodologies of ABA, in particular, “Verbal Behavior”. </p> <p>As part of her doctoral training, Dr. Eckman focused on psychological services, including assessment for children and families with chronic mental disorders of various ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Dr. Eckman is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral Level (BCBA-D), and oversees program development and implementation to all clients at CBI. </p> <p>In addition to serving as the Executive Director for CBI, Dr. Eckman performs functional behavior assessments (FBA) across the country and conducts presentations on in-services and workshops for various organizations throughout southern California. Throughout her graduate education and beyond, Dr. Eckman continues to develop her passion and commitment to providing quality, innovative and creative individualized services for children diagnosed with Autism or related disorders. </p> <h1>Contact Information</h1> <ul> <li><strong>Website</strong>: <a href="http://www.cbibelieves.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Behavior Interventions</a></li> <li><strong>Instagram: </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cbibelieves/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@cbibelieves</a></li> <li><strong>Facebook</strong>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cbibelieves/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cbibelieves</a></li> <li><strong>Phone</strong>: 949.328.7688</li> </ul> <p></p> <h3>Listen Now</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Dr.-Denise-Eckman.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Dr.-Denise-Eckman.mp3</a>

Understanding ABA and Verbal Behavior

Can a Functional Behavioral Assessment Help Your Child?Audio Information Session from CSNLG  If you have a child with special needs such as autism, you may quickly start hearing about Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior (VB) as therapies that are helpful to children.  Today I talk with Dr. Denise Eckman president and executive director of Creative Behavior Interventions. We discuss an overview of what ABA is and which types of children, and even adults, benefit from this type of intervention. We go a little deep and by the end of this show, you will have a functional understanding of behaviors, their antecedents and a breakdown of different types of communication we find in language.  In fact, if you listen carefully, you may be able to discuss Mands, Tacts, Intraverbal and Echoic communication!  Interesting Fact: Forbes lists ABA therapists as one of the most rewarding jobs. Hat tip to Dr. Eckman for pointing that out.  Bio Dr. Denise Eckman, PsyD, BCBA-D is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the founder and President of Creative Behavior Interventions, Inc. (CBI). She has provided Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and supervision for nearly two decades to families throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Colorado, and other countries outside of the U.S. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California-Irvine in 1997 and her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 1999.  In 2005, Dr. Eckman earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver, where she specialized in Behavior Analysis and Assessments. While completing her doctorate, Dr. Eckman gained extensive training and experience in supervising and developing programs for children with Autism – utilizing the principles and methodologies of ABA, in particular, “Verbal Behavior”.  As part of her doctoral training, Dr. Eckman focused on psychological services, including assessment for children and families with chronic mental disorders of various ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Dr. Eckman is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral Level (BCBA-D), and oversees program development and implementation to all clients at CBI.  In addition to serving as the Executive Director for CBI, Dr. Eckman performs functional behavior assessments (FBA) across the country and conducts presentations on in-services and workshops for various organizations throughout southern California. Throughout her graduate education and beyond, Dr. Eckman continues to develop her passion and commitment to providing quality, innovative and creative individualized services for children diagnosed with Autism or related disorders.  Contact Information  Website: Creative Behavior Interventions Instagram: @cbibelieves Facebook: cbibelieves Phone: 949.328.7688  Listen Nowhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Dr-Denise-Eckman.mp3

<ul><li><h2>Can a Functional Behavioral Assessment Help Your Child?</h2><p>Audio Information Session from CSNLG</p> </li></ul> <p>If you have a child with special needs such as autism, you may quickly start hearing about Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior (VB) as therapies that are helpful to children. </p> <p>Today I talk with Dr. Denise Eckman president and executive director of <a href="http://www.cbibelieves.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Behavior Interventions</a>. We discuss an overview of what ABA is and which types of children, and even adults, benefit from this type of intervention. We go a little deep and by the end of this show, you will have a functional understanding of behaviors, their antecedents and a breakdown of different types of communication we find in language.  In fact, if you listen carefully, you may be able to discuss Mands, Tacts, Intraverbal and Echoic communication! </p> <p><b>Interesting</b><b> Fact: </b>Forbes lists <a href="https://www.forbes.com/pictures/fjle45lhem/no-6-most-meaningful-job/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ABA therapists</a> as one of the most rewarding jobs. Hat tip to Dr. Eckman for pointing that out. </p> <h1>Bio</h1> <p>Dr. Denise Eckman, PsyD, BCBA-D is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the founder and President of Creative Behavior Interventions, Inc. (CBI). She has provided Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and supervision for nearly two decades to families throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Colorado, and other countries outside of the U.S. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California-Irvine in 1997 and her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 1999. </p> <p>In 2005, Dr. Eckman earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver, where she specialized in Behavior Analysis and Assessments. While completing her doctorate, Dr. Eckman gained extensive training and experience in supervising and developing programs for children with Autism – utilizing the principles and methodologies of ABA, in particular, “Verbal Behavior”. </p> <p>As part of her doctoral training, Dr. Eckman focused on psychological services, including assessment for children and families with chronic mental disorders of various ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Dr. Eckman is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral Level (BCBA-D), and oversees program development and implementation to all clients at CBI. </p> <p>In addition to serving as the Executive Director for CBI, Dr. Eckman performs functional behavior assessments (FBA) across the country and conducts presentations on in-services and workshops for various organizations throughout southern California. Throughout her graduate education and beyond, Dr. Eckman continues to develop her passion and commitment to providing quality, innovative and creative individualized services for children diagnosed with Autism or related disorders. </p> <h1>Contact Information</h1> <ul> <li><strong>Website</strong>: <a href="http://www.cbibelieves.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Behavior Interventions</a></li> <li><strong>Instagram: </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cbibelieves/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@cbibelieves</a></li> <li><strong>Facebook</strong>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cbibelieves/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cbibelieves</a></li> <li><strong>Phone</strong>: 949.328.7688</li> </ul> <h3>Listen Now</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Dr-Denise-Eckman.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Dr-Denise-Eckman.mp3</a>

Can a Functional Behavioral Assessment Help Your Child?

What Is Attending an IEP Meeting Like? Michael Boll, father to a son with autism and CSNLG team member, talks with attorney Linaja Murray about what happens during the actual IEP meeting and what it feels like to be there.  Listen Nowhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IEP-What-is-an-IEP-Meeting-Like-.mp3 Summary Blog Post We take the recorded interview and sum it up for you.  Linaja Murray Attorney and Advocate, BA, MA, JD  The call to advocate and protect the educational rights of students with special needs comes from different places. For Linaja, her stepson’s autism diagnoses ignited her drive to take every special education course and clinic offered during her time at Pepperdine law school.  Linaja leveraged her transformed understanding of special education law to successfully win independent evaluations for her stepson and develop an individualized education program (IEP) that genuinely addresses his unique needs. Linaja understands our “solution-focused” core value and works to cultivate healthy relationships between families and educators while obtaining needed services for students. Linaja also practices estate planning law with an emphasis in special needs planning, trusts and limited conservatorships.

<h1>What Is Attending an IEP Meeting Like?</h1> <p>Michael Boll, father to a son with autism and CSNLG team member, talks with attorney Linaja Murray about what happens during the actual IEP meeting and what it feels like to be there.</p> <h1></h1> <h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IEP-What-is-an-IEP-Meeting-Like-.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Listen Now</a></h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IEP-What-is-an-IEP-Meeting-Like-.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IEP-What-is-an-IEP-Meeting-Like-.mp3</a> <a href="https://www.csnlg.com/what-is-attending-an-iep-meeting-like1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/what-is-attending-an-iep-meeting-like1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Summary Blog Post </a></h3><p>We take the recorded interview and sum it up for you.</p> <p></p> <h3>Linaja Murray</h3> <h3>Attorney and Advocate, BA, MA, JD</h3> <h3></h3> <p>The call to advocate and protect the educational rights of students with special needs comes from different places. For Linaja, her stepson’s autism diagnoses ignited her drive to take every special education course and clinic offered during her time at Pepperdine law school. </p> <p>Linaja leveraged her transformed understanding of special education law to successfully win independent evaluations for her stepson and develop an individualized education program (IEP) that genuinely addresses his unique needs.</p> <p>Linaja understands our “solution-focused” core value and works to cultivate healthy relationships between families and educators while obtaining needed services for students.</p> <p>Linaja also practices estate planning law with an emphasis in special needs planning, trusts and limited conservatorships.</p>

A Beginner’s Guide | What Is an IEP Meeting Like?

Bonnie Landau

About Bonnie Landau Bonnie is a special education advocate and parenting coach who helps parents find solutions to help their children overcome their special ed challenges.  As a special ed mom herself, Bonnie has dedicated the last 11 years to researching solutions to help her oldest son who was diagnosed PDD-NOS in 2009.  She is the author of Special Ed Mom Survival Guide: How to prevail in the special ed process while discovering life-long strategies for both you and your child. She has a masters in educational counseling and another in spiritual psychology.  She is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor and PPS credentialed School Counselor.  Services  Attend IEP and 504 meetings Parent training Workshops Parent counseling Review educational records School/classroom observations Draft letters and written requests to school Advise on educational placement and services Recommend a list of attorneys as needed  Listen to Bonnie Landau’s Podcast Interviewhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Bonnie-Landau-Raw-1.mp3  Contact  AddressPost Office Box 462, Ojai,  California 93024  Phone310.871.9701  Websitespecialmomadvocate.com  Emailhello@specialmomadvocate.com  

<h3>About Bonnie Landau</h3> <p>Bonnie is a special education advocate and parenting coach who helps parents find solutions to help their children overcome their special ed challenges.</p> <p> As a special ed mom herself, Bonnie has dedicated the last 11 years to researching solutions to help her oldest son who was diagnosed PDD-NOS in 2009. </p> <p>She is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Special-Mom-Survival-Guide-strategies/dp/0999531603" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Special Ed Mom Survival Guide: How to prevail in the special ed process while discovering life-long strategies for both you and your child</a>.</p> <p>She has a masters in educational counseling and another in spiritual psychology. </p> <p>She is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor and PPS credentialed School Counselor.</p> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Services</h3> <ul> <li>Attend IEP and 504 meetings</li> <li>Parent training</li> <li>Workshops</li> <li>Parent counseling</li> <li>Review educational records</li> <li>School/classroom observations</li> <li>Draft letters and written requests to school</li> <li>Advise on educational placement and services</li> <li>Recommend a list of attorneys as needed</li> </ul> <h3>Listen to Bonnie Landau’s Podcast Interview</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Bonnie-Landau-Raw-1.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Bonnie-Landau-Raw-1.mp3</a> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Contact</h3> <ul> <li><h4>Address</h4><p>Post Office Box 462, Ojai, </p> <p>California 93024</p> </li> <li><h4>Phone</h4><p>310.871.9701</p> </li> <li><h4><a href="http://www.specialmomadvocate.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a></h4><p><a href="https://www.specialmomadvocate.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">specialmomadvocate.com</a></p> </li> <li><h4><a href="mailto:hello@specialmomadvocate.com">Email</a></h4><p><a href="mailto:hello@specialmomadvocate.com">hello@specialmomadvocate.com</a></p> </li> </ul>

Special Education Advocate Bonnie Landau

Rebecca Diddams

Understanding Important Special Education Court Rulings with Attorney Rebecca Diddams The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) calls for “Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)” that is tailored to an individual’s needs.  Yet what does that really mean from a legal perspective?  What are its limits? Over time, the courts helped define the boundaries of the IDEA through various cases. Today, I speak with Attorney Rebecca Diddams about two specific court cases: Timothy W. v. Rochester and Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District. These cases helped set a standard for what services a student with more severe needs is eligible to receive.  Listen Nowhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Rebecca-Diddams.mp3 Summary Blog Post (Coming soon)We take the recorded interview and sum it up for you. Bio Rebecca Diddams Attorney  Rebecca Diddams, Esq. received her bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Justice Studies from Arizona State University, and her Juris Doctorate from UCLA School of Law.  During law school, she began interning with the Lanterman Regional Center’s Special Education Law Clinic in Los Angeles, CA, working as an advocate for families of children with developmental disabilities. After law school, she continued with the law clinic as a fellow and grant recipient from the Department of Developmental Services to reduce disparity in access of services. She has been working towards this goal by providing multilingual training to families, social workers, and community members about Special Education law and families’ rights.

<h1>Understanding Important Special Education Court Rulings with Attorney Rebecca Diddams</h1> <p>The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individuals_with_Disabilities_Education_Act" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA)</a> calls for “Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)” that is tailored to an individual’s needs. </p> <p>Yet what does that really mean from a legal perspective?  What are its limits?</p> <p>Over time, the courts helped define the boundaries of the IDEA through various cases. Today, I speak with Attorney Rebecca Diddams about two specific court cases: <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Timothy-W-v-Rochester-New-Hampshire-School-District" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Timothy W. v. Rochester</a> and <a href="https://www.understood.org/en/community-events/blogs/in-the-news/2017/03/22/endrew-f-case-decided-supreme-court-rules-on-how-much-benefit-ieps-must-provide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District.</a> These cases helped set a standard for what services a student with more severe needs is eligible to receive.</p> <h1></h1> <h3>Listen Now</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Rebecca-Diddams.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Rebecca-Diddams.mp3</a> <h3>Summary Blog Post (Coming soon)</h3><p>We take the recorded interview and sum it up for you.</p> <h2>Bio</h2> <h2>Rebecca Diddams</h2> <h3>Attorney</h3> <p></p> <p>Rebecca Diddams, Esq. received her bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Justice Studies from Arizona State University, and her Juris Doctorate from UCLA School of Law. </p> <p>During law school, she began interning with the<a href="https://lanterman.org/contact_us" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Lanterman Regional Center’s Special Education Law Clinic </a>in Los Angeles, CA, working as an advocate for families of children with developmental disabilities. After law school, she continued with the law clinic as a fellow and grant recipient from the Department of Developmental Services to reduce disparity in access of services. She has been working towards this goal by providing multilingual training to families, social workers, and community members about Special Education law and families’ rights.</p>

Understanding Important Special Education Court Rulings with Attorney Rebecca Diddams

John Lansing

About Attorney John Lansing John is an Elder Law attorney practicing in Pasadena, California. He became an Elder Law attorney in large part due to his experience caring for his mother. She was afflicted with a neurodegenerative disease in early middle age. John’s practice focuses on long-term care, estate planning, conservatorships, probates, special needs trusts, Medi-Cal, and Medi-Cal appeals. John enjoys speaking and writing on Elder Law topics, has been featured on NPR, and is on the faculty of the American Institute of Philanthropic Studies. John is married and has two boys. B.A. Wesleyan University 1999 J.D. Loyola Law School 2006  Services  PROBATE ELDER LAW MEDI-CAL PLANNING CONSERVATORSHIPS SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS LIMITED CONSERVATORSHIPS    Listen to Attorney John Lansing’s Podcast Interviewhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/John-Lansing-1.mp3  Contact  Address301 E. Colorado Blvd.,  Suite 450 Pasadena, CA 91101  Phone626.795.7400  Websitepasadenatrust.com  Emailjcl@pasadenatrust.com  

<h3>About Attorney John Lansing</h3> <p>John is an Elder Law attorney practicing in Pasadena, California. He became an Elder Law attorney in large part due to his experience caring for his mother. She was afflicted with a neurodegenerative disease in early middle age.</p> <p>John’s practice focuses on long-term care, estate planning, conservatorships, probates, special needs trusts, Medi-Cal, and Medi-Cal appeals. John enjoys speaking and writing on Elder Law topics, has been featured on NPR, and is on the faculty of the American Institute of Philanthropic Studies.</p> <p>John is married and has two boys.</p> <p>B.A. Wesleyan University 1999</p> <p>J.D. Loyola Law School 2006</p> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Services</h3> <ul> <li>PROBATE</li> <li>ELDER LAW</li> <li>MEDI-CAL PLANNING</li> <li>CONSERVATORSHIPS</li> <li>SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS</li> <li>LIMITED CONSERVATORSHIPS<p> </p> </li> </ul> <h3>Listen to Attorney John Lansing’s Podcast Interview</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/John-Lansing-1.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/John-Lansing-1.mp3</a> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Contact</h3> <ul> <li><h4>Address</h4><p>301 E. Colorado Blvd., </p> <p>Suite 450 Pasadena, CA 91101</p> </li> <li><h4>Phone</h4><p>626.795.7400</p> </li> <li><h4><a href="http://www.pasadenatrust.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a></h4><p><a href="http://www.pasadenatrust.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pasadenatrust.com</a></p> </li> <li><h4><a href="mailto: jcl@pasadenatrust.com">Email</a></h4><p><a href="mailto:jcl@pasadenatrust.com">jcl@pasadenatrust.com</a></p> </li> </ul>

Understanding Special Needs Trusts With Attorney John Lansing

Valerie Aprahamian

About Valerie Aprahamian Valerie Aprahamian, Founder of Advocates For Angels, is a Non-Attorney Advocate, Author, Teacher of Special Education Law, and Speaker. Valerie’s life work has been to assist parents of special needs children in the development of their child’s Individual Education Program (IEP)—to enable each child to reach the highest expression of themselves and fulfill their potential in living a meaningful life.  As a mother of a special needs child, Valerie has been called to work with families, not only in education but also in awakening to the gifts these special angels can bring into their lives.  In Valerie’s experience as a non-attorney advocate for more than twenty years, she has represented hundreds of families with special needs children, attending more than two thousand IEP meetings. She holds a credential from William and Mary Law School at the Institute of Special Education Advocacy.  Valerie resides in Southern California with her husband Michael and her adult daughter, Chanel, who has the diagnosis of autism and seizure disorder. She has 2 other adult children, Michael-John and Celeste. Valerie is a credentialed Yoga Alliance teacher, as yoga practice is a major component in maintaining balance in her life. She enjoys painting and drawing, gardening and reading, and is an avid beach lover. Check out Valerie’s book Advocating for your Special Needs Angel: A Mother and Special Education Advocate’s Practical Guide to Helping Children Find Their Wings on Amazon.com  Services  Obtaining school records Evaluating your child’s present school program Helping you to have a clear understanding of the problems you are currently experiencing and what to do to solve them Helping you to plan your IEP meetings and development of IEP parent agenda Attending IEP meetings with you to assist and advocate for you and your child Following up after the IEP meeting to make sure the plan is working which includes legal letters to document a time-line of events Writing measurable and obtainable goals and objectives Assist in developing appropriate modifications and accommodations Development of Medical Health Plan Assistance in determining appropriate educational placement Coordinating services between agencies, doctors, service providers and school district staff Act as liaison between parents and district administration File Compliance Complaints with State Board of Education  Listen to Valerie Aprahamian’s Podcast Interviewhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Valerie-Aprahamian-1.mp3  Contact  AddressCorona, California  Phone909.841.2600  WebsiteAdvocatesForAngels.com  Emailvasped@sbcglobal.net  Facebook Groupfacebook.com/AdvocatesForAngels  

<h3>About Valerie Aprahamian</h3> <p>Valerie Aprahamian, Founder of <a href="http://advocatesforangels.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Advocates For Angels</a>, is a Non-Attorney Advocate, Author, Teacher of Special Education Law, and Speaker. Valerie’s life work has been to assist parents of special needs children in the development of their child’s Individual Education Program (IEP)—to enable each child to reach the highest expression of themselves and fulfill their potential in living a meaningful life. </p> <p>As a mother of a special needs child, Valerie has been called to work with families, not only in education but also in awakening to the gifts these special angels can bring into their lives.<br/> <br/> In Valerie’s experience as a non-attorney advocate for more than twenty years, she has represented hundreds of families with special needs children, attending more than two thousand IEP meetings. She holds a credential from William and Mary Law School at the Institute of Special Education Advocacy.<br/> <br/> Valerie resides in Southern California with her husband Michael and her adult daughter, Chanel, who has the diagnosis of autism and seizure disorder. She has 2 other adult children, Michael-John and Celeste. Valerie is a credentialed Yoga Alliance teacher, as yoga practice is a major component in maintaining balance in her life. She enjoys painting and drawing, gardening and reading, and is an avid beach lover.</p> <p>Check out Valerie’s book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Advocating-your-Special-Needs-Angel/dp/1530497973/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1535590446&amp;sr=8-3-fkmr1&amp;keywords=advocating+for+special+needs+angles" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Advocating for your Special Needs Angel: A Mother and Special Education Advocate’s Practical Guide to Helping Children Find Their Wings</a> on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Advocating-your-Special-Needs-Angel/dp/1530497973/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1535590446&amp;sr=8-3-fkmr1&amp;keywords=advocating+for+special+needs+angles" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a></p> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Services</h3> <ul> <li>Obtaining school records</li> <li>Evaluating your child’s present school program</li> <li>Helping you to have a clear understanding of the problems you are currently experiencing and what to do to solve them</li> <li>Helping you to plan your IEP meetings and development of IEP parent agenda</li> <li>Attending IEP meetings with you to assist and advocate for you and your child</li> <li>Following up after the IEP meeting to make sure the plan is working which includes legal letters to document a time-line of events</li> <li>Writing measurable and obtainable goals and objectives</li> <li>Assist in developing appropriate modifications and accommodations</li> <li>Development of Medical Health Plan</li> <li>Assistance in determining appropriate educational placement</li> <li>Coordinating services between agencies, doctors, service providers and school district staff</li> <li>Act as liaison between parents and district administration</li> <li>File Compliance Complaints with State Board of Education</li> </ul> <h3>Listen to Valerie Aprahamian’s Podcast Interview</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Valerie-Aprahamian-1.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Valerie-Aprahamian-1.mp3</a> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Contact</h3> <ul> <li><h4>Address</h4><p>Corona, California</p> </li> <li><h4>Phone</h4><p>909.841.2600</p> </li> <li><h4><a href="http://www.AdvocatesForAngels.com " rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a></h4><p><a href="http://www.advocatesforangels.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AdvocatesForAngels.com</a></p> </li> <li><h4><a href="mailto:vasped@sbcglobal.net">Email</a></h4><p><a href="mailto:vasped@sbcglobal.net">vasped@sbcglobal.net</a></p> </li> <li><h4><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AdvocatesForAngels" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook Group</a></h4><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AdvocatesForAngels" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">facebook.com/AdvocatesForAngels</a></p> </li> </ul>

Special Education Advocate Valerie Aprahamian

Paul Eisenberg

About Paul Eisenberg Mr. Eisenberg has provided advocacy assistance and representation to over 1,000 families with special needs since 1984. He has represented families in the education process at Individual Education Planning meetings, Mediations, and Resolution meetings; Individual Program Planning meetings, Mediations, Informal Meetings and Fair Hearings for Regional Center services and Eligibility. He has facilitated workshops for support groups on special education issues and the Lanterman Act. He specializes in working with families using interest based negotiations in a non-adversarial relationship. Mr. Eisenberg is also a parent of special needs children. He has a Masters in Management, a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, and a background of working with autistic children and adults as a behaviorist. He also has worked for two different Regional Centers and was an advocate for the Developmental Disabilities Area Board, a state agency under the State Council on Developmental Disabilities. He has experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Behavior Management &amp; IEP Development.  Services  In home consultations Attend IEP meetings Discipline issues including expulsion hearings, suspensions, etc. Assistance with compliance complaints, mediations and resolution hearings  Assistance with regional center services Draft letters and written requests to school Speaker for support groups on issues specific to special needs children and adults  Listen to Paul Eisenberg’s Podcast Interviewhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Special-Education-Advocate-Paul-Eisenberg.mp3  Contact  Phone714.235.3319  Websiteadvocate4mykids.com  Emailpauleisenberg123@yahoo.com  

<h3>About Paul Eisenberg</h3> <p>Mr. Eisenberg has provided advocacy assistance and representation to over 1,000 families with special needs since 1984. He has represented families in the education process at Individual Education Planning meetings, Mediations, and Resolution meetings; Individual Program Planning meetings, Mediations, Informal Meetings and Fair Hearings for Regional Center services and Eligibility. He has facilitated workshops for support groups on special education issues and the Lanterman Act. He specializes in working with families using interest based negotiations in a non-adversarial relationship. Mr. Eisenberg is also a parent of special needs children.</p> <p>He has a Masters in Management, a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, and a background of working with autistic children and adults as a behaviorist. He also has worked for two different Regional Centers and was an advocate for the Developmental Disabilities Area Board, a state agency under the State Council on Developmental Disabilities. He has experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Behavior Management &amp; IEP Development.</p> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Services</h3> <ul> <li>In home consultations</li> <li>Attend IEP meetings</li> <li>Discipline issues including expulsion hearings, suspensions, etc.</li> <li>Assistance with compliance complaints, mediations and resolution hearings </li> <li>Assistance with regional center services</li> <li>Draft letters and written requests to school</li> <li>Speaker for support groups on issues specific to special needs children and adults</li> </ul> <h3>Listen to Paul Eisenberg’s Podcast Interview</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Special-Education-Advocate-Paul-Eisenberg.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Special-Education-Advocate-Paul-Eisenberg.mp3</a> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Contact</h3> <ul> <li><h4>Phone</h4><p>714.235.3319</p> </li> <li><h4><a href="http://www.advocate4mykids.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a></h4><p><a href="http://www.advocate4mykids.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">advocate4mykids.com</a></p> </li> <li><h4><a href="mailto: pauleisenberg123@yahoo.com">Email</a></h4><p><a href="mailto:pauleisenberg123@yahoo.com">pauleisenberg123@yahoo.com</a></p> </li> </ul>

Special Education Advocate Paul Eisenberg

Lynda Zussman

About Lynda Zussman Lynda is an Educational Consultant and Advocate who helps families with the Special Education process to receive the best placement and services for their special needs child. She maintains a credential in the State of California in Regular and Special Education and works in three different school districts. She is an expert at conducting IEP meetings and now consults privately to families.  Lynda believes there are no learning disabled students, only learning disabled teaching methods. All students can learn and be successful.  Services  Personal History and Assessment Classroom Observation School/classroom observations Home Visit S.S.T. Meeting – Student Study Team I.E.P. – Individual Educational Plan 504 Plan – Modifications and Accommodations Goals and Objectives Woodcock-Johnson Testing Private Tutoring  Listen to Lynda Zussman’s Podcast Interviewhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Lynda-Zussman-Raw-1.mp3  Contact  Address Newport Beach, Orange County, CA.  Phone949-636-6690  Website abcspecialeducationconsulting.com  Email LZ28@cox.net  

<h3>About Lynda Zussman</h3> <p>Lynda is an Educational Consultant and Advocate who helps families with the Special Education process to receive the best placement and services for their special needs child.</p> <p>She maintains a credential in the State of California in Regular and Special Education and works in three different school districts. She is an expert at conducting IEP meetings and now consults privately to families. </p> <p>Lynda believes there are no learning disabled students, only learning disabled teaching methods. All students can learn and be successful.</p> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Services</h3> <ul> <li>Personal History and Assessment</li> <li>Classroom Observation</li> <li>School/classroom observations</li> <li>Home Visit</li> <li>S.S.T. Meeting – Student Study Team</li> <li>I.E.P. – Individual Educational Plan</li> <li>504 Plan – Modifications and Accommodations</li> <li>Goals and Objectives</li> <li>Woodcock-Johnson Testing</li> <li>Private Tutoring</li> </ul> <h3>Listen to Lynda Zussman’s Podcast Interview</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Lynda-Zussman-Raw-1.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Lynda-Zussman-Raw-1.mp3</a> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Contact</h3> <ul> <li><h4>Address</h4><p> Newport Beach, Orange County, CA.</p> </li> <li><h4>Phone</h4><p>949-636-6690</p> </li> <li><h4><a href="http://abcspecialeducationconsulting.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a></h4><p><a href="http://www.abcspecialeducationconsulting.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> abcspecialeducationconsulting.com</a></p> </li> <li><h4><a href="mailto:LZ28@cox.net">Email</a></h4><p><a href="mailto:LZ28@cox.net"> LZ28@cox.net</a></p> </li> </ul>

Special Education Advocate Lynda Zussman

About Barbara Major Barbara Major is mom to 2 kids, one of whom has autism. She has a corporate background in educational technology where she worked over 10 years with educators to ensure student achievement. She transitioned out of corporate work to concentrate on helping her child with autism. Like many parents of children with special needs she was led into advocacy when she needed to advocate for her own child. Barbara received her certification as a Special Education Advocate from the University of San Diego. She worked as an independent special education advocate, worked for a special education law firm doing paralegal work and advocacy and is currently the lead advocate at the San Diego Special Education Advocate Team. This small group of advocate moms serve families throughout San Diego County. Barbara has been doing advocacy and outreach for over 12 years. She is the founder and facilitator of Parents as Peer Advocates – a group of parents in San Diego who gather to learn and support each other in their children’s special education. She is a member of COPAA, the council of parents, advocates and attorneys and participates in other law, advocacy and special needs groups. She is a highly rated speaker and enjoys sharing her humor and experience at parent groups and community events. Barbara also enjoys fun time with her teen sons, (yes teenage boys can be fun!) photography, writing, book club with the girls, football season and quiet time with her husband.  Services  Review educational records Attend IEP and 504 meetings School/classroom observations  Review private and/or school Assessment Reports (can do review of assessments as a standalone service) In preparation for IEP advocates will propose goals, review supportive evidence and materials. Draft letters and written requests to school Draft complaints to the State Department of Education Recommend a list of attorneys as needed  Listen to Barbara Major’s Podcast Interviewhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Barbara-Major.mp3  Contact  Address3505 Camino Del Rio S Suite 340 San Diego, 92108  Phone619-872-2511  Websitesdseat.com  Email Barbara@sdseat.com  

<h3>About Barbara Major</h3> <p>Barbara Major is mom to 2 kids, one of whom has autism. She has a corporate background in educational technology where she worked over 10 years with educators to ensure student achievement. She transitioned out of corporate work to concentrate on helping her child with autism.</p> <p>Like many parents of children with special needs she was led into advocacy when she needed to advocate for her own child.</p> <p>Barbara received her certification as a Special Education Advocate from the University of San Diego. She worked as an independent special education advocate, worked for a special education law firm doing paralegal work and advocacy and is currently the lead advocate at the San Diego Special Education Advocate Team. This small group of advocate moms serve families throughout San Diego County.</p> <p>Barbara has been doing advocacy and outreach for over 12 years.</p> <p>She is the founder and facilitator of Parents as Peer Advocates – a group of parents in San Diego who gather to learn and support each other in their children’s special education. She is a member of COPAA, the council of parents, advocates and attorneys and participates in other law, advocacy and special needs groups. She is a highly rated speaker and enjoys sharing her humor and experience at parent groups and community events.</p> <p>Barbara also enjoys fun time with her teen sons, (yes teenage boys can be fun!) photography, writing, book club with the girls, football season and quiet time with her husband.</p> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Services</h3> <ul> <li>Review educational records</li> <li>Attend IEP and 504 meetings</li> <li>School/classroom observations</li> <li> Review private and/or school Assessment Reports (can do review of assessments as a standalone service)</li> <li>In preparation for IEP advocates will propose goals, review supportive evidence and materials.</li> <li>Draft letters and written requests to school</li> <li>Draft complaints to the State Department of Education</li> <li>Recommend a list of attorneys as needed</li> </ul> <h3>Listen to Barbara Major’s Podcast Interview</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Barbara-Major.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Barbara-Major.mp3</a> <p></p> <p></p><h3>Contact</h3> <ul> <li><h4>Address</h4><p>3505 Camino Del Rio S<br/> Suite 340<br/> San Diego, 92108</p> </li> <li><h4>Phone</h4><p>619-872-2511</p> </li> <li><h4><a href=" www.sdseat.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a></h4><p><a href="http://www.sdseat.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sdseat.com</a></p> </li> <li><h4><a href="mailto: Barbara@sdseat.com">Email</a></h4><p><a href="mailto:Barbara@sdseat.com"> Barbara@sdseat.com</a></p> </li> </ul>

Special Education Advocate Barbara Major

Deciding to File a Lawsuit Michael Boll, father to a son with autism and CSNLG team member, talks with attorney Richard Isaacs about the choice to file a lawsuit.  Listen Nowhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Show-4-Deciding-to-File-a-Lawsuit.mp3 Summary Blog PostWe take the recorded interview and sum it up for you. TranscriptRead the transcript of the interview here. Bio Richard Isaacs Founder, Attorney, Advocate, JD Rich Isaacs is the founder of California Special Needs Law Group.  His small town roots shaped his belief in the strength of a community-based approach to life and work. In law school, Rich quickly focused his studies on advocating and assisting some of our most vulnerable members of society. Children are a society’s most valuable asset and ensuring students have equal access to an education quickly became a calling for Rich. Rich leads the charge at CSNLG to ensure families receive fair, effective representation at mediations, hearings and appeals. He believes that all resolutions must focus on what is best for the child and their long term future. “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

<h1>Deciding to File a Lawsuit</h1> <p>Michael Boll, father to a son with autism and CSNLG team member, talks with attorney <a href="https://www.csnlg.com/richard/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richard Isaacs</a> about the choice to file a lawsuit.</p> <h1></h1> <h3>Listen Now</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Show-4-Deciding-to-File-a-Lawsuit.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Show-4-Deciding-to-File-a-Lawsuit.mp3</a> <a href="https://www.csnlg.com/a-beginners-guide-to-the-special-education-legal-process-deciding-to-file-a-lawsuit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/a-beginners-guide-to-the-special-education-legal-process-deciding-to-file-a-lawsuit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Summary Blog Post</a></h3><p>We take the recorded interview and sum it up for you.</p> <a href="https://www.csnlg.com/transcript-for-a-beginners-guide-to-the-special-education-legal-process-4-deciding-to-file-a-lawsuit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/transcript-for-a-beginners-guide-to-the-special-education-legal-process-4-deciding-to-file-a-lawsuit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Transcript</a></h3><p>Read the transcript of the interview here.</p> <h1>Bio</h1> <h2>Richard Isaacs</h2> <h3>Founder, Attorney, Advocate, JD</h3> <p>Rich Isaacs is the founder of California Special Needs Law Group. </p> <p>His small town roots shaped his belief in the strength of a community-based approach to life and work. In law school, Rich quickly focused his studies on advocating and assisting some of our most vulnerable members of society. Children are a society’s most valuable asset and ensuring students have equal access to an education quickly became a calling for Rich.</p> <p>Rich leads the charge at CSNLG to ensure families receive fair, effective representation at mediations, hearings and appeals. He believes that all resolutions must focus on what is best for the child and their long term future.</p> <p><em>“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”</em></p>

A Beginner’s Guide to the Special Education Legal Process #4 Deciding to File a Lawsuit

 An Overview of the IEP Michael Boll, father to a son with autism and CSNLG team member, talks with attorney Linaja Murray about the IEP.  We cover a general overview of the IEP itself.  Listen Nowhttps://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IEP-Overview.mp3 Summary Blog PostWe take the recorded interview and sum it up for you. Linaja Murray Attorney and Advocate, BA, MA, JD  The call to advocate and protect the educational rights of students with special needs comes from different places. For Linaja, her stepson’s autism diagnoses ignited her drive to take every special education course and clinic offered during her time at Pepperdine law school.  Linaja leveraged her transformed understanding of special education law to successfully win independent evaluations for her stepson and develop an individualized education program (IEP) that genuinely addresses his unique needs. Linaja understands our “solution-focused” core value and works to cultivate healthy relationships between families and educators while obtaining needed services for students. Linaja also practices estate planning law with an emphasis in special needs planning, trusts and limited conservatorships.

<h1> An Overview of the IEP</h1> <p>Michael Boll, father to a son with autism and CSNLG team member, talks with attorney <a href="https://www.csnlg.com/linaja/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Linaja Murray</a> about the IEP.  We cover a general overview of the IEP itself.</p> <h1></h1> <h3>Listen Now</h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IEP-Overview.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.csnlg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IEP-Overview.mp3</a> <a href="https://www.csnlg.com/an-overview-of-the-iep-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><h3><a href="https://www.csnlg.com/an-overview-of-the-iep-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Summary Blog Post</a></h3><p>We take the recorded interview and sum it up for you.</p> <h3>Linaja Murray</h3> <h3>Attorney and Advocate, BA, MA, JD</h3> <h3></h3> <p>The call to advocate and protect the educational rights of students with special needs comes from different places. For Linaja, her stepson’s autism diagnoses ignited her drive to take every special education course and clinic offered during her time at Pepperdine law school. </p> <p>Linaja leveraged her transformed understanding of special education law to successfully win independent evaluations for her stepson and develop an individualized education program (IEP) that genuinely addresses his unique needs.</p> <p>Linaja understands our “solution-focused” core value and works to cultivate healthy relationships between families and educators while obtaining needed services for students.</p> <p>Linaja also practices estate planning law with an emphasis in special needs planning, trusts and limited conservatorships.</p>

A Beginner’s Guide | An Overview of the IEP

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