Calendar of Events
2026

November 10

Supporting the Next Chapter (Transition Fair)
For more information

WSWHE BOCES
Conference Center
267 Ballard Road
Wilton, NY 12821

6:00pm-8:00pm

November 14

Welcome to the Den!
Register here

Virtual

10:00am

November 16

NYDA Capitol Rally

For more information

NYS Capitol Building
War Room, 2nd Floor
State St. and Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12224

11:30am

November 17

Welcome to the Den!
Register Here

Virtual

6:00pm

November 21

Polished & Thankful
Register Here

Shapes of Yoga
765 Saratoga Road

10:00am - 12:00pm

November 30

Everything Families Need to Know About Medicaid Eligibility
Register Here

Virtual

6:00pm

December 1

Welcome to the Den!

Virtual

6:30pm

December 11

Debuts Theater
93 W Campbell Road
Schenectady, NY 12306

7:00pm

December 12

Debuts Theater
93 W Campbell Road
Schenectady, NY 12306

1:00pm

December 12

Debuts Theater
93 W Campbell Road
Schenectady, NY 12306

7:00pm

December 13

Debuts Theater
93 W Campbell Road
Schenectady, NY 12306

1:00pm

December 19

Deck the Nails!

Shapes of Yoga
765 Saratoga Road

10:00am - 12:00pm

December 19

Hand Sewn Ornaments
with Cassie

ViaPort

4:00pm - 6:00pm

About Michelle

Michelle isn’t doing this work from the sidelines—she’s doing it because she’s lived it.

When her daughter, who happens to have Down syndrome, was going through school, Michelle experienced how terrifying it is to love your child fiercely… and still feel completely alone inside a system you don’t understand. The meetings were overwhelming.

The answers were vague. The support was minimal. And every step forward felt like it required ten more forms, ten more calls, and ten more moments of wondering: “Am I missing something? Is there more help available? Why does this feel so hard?”

She knows what it’s like to walk into a meeting with hope—and walk out with fear in your stomach.

That experience is exactly why Michelle now supports other families. She brings clarity, strategy, and calm to a process that often feels intimidating and stacked against parents—so you don’t have to fight confusion and bureaucracy by yourself.

Because your child deserves to be supported, included, and treated like a whole person.
And you deserve to feel confident walking into every conversation about their education.

She’s known for being:

  • clear and direct (without being harsh)

  • supportive and empowering

  • focused on solutions and next steps

  • fiercely committed to children being treated with dignity

(Add credentials later: years of experience, background, personal story, etc.)

FAQ

How do I know if my child’s IEP is “good enough”?

If it feels vague, hard to understand, or doesn’t reflect your child’s real needs and strengths, an IEP review can help you spot gaps and clarify next steps.

Will this make the school mad at me?

Advocating doesn’t have to be aggressive. The goal is a collaborative plan—clear, specific, and supportive—so everyone knows what success looks like.

Do you only work with families of students with Down syndrome?

Michelle supports families navigating a range of learning needs and impediments affecting a child’s education experience.

Do you work across New York State?

Yes—Michelle works with families across New York.

What if I’m overwhelmed and don’t even know what to ask for?

That’s exactly why the IEP Audit exists. You’ll leave with clarity on what things mean and what to do next.

You don’t have to sit back

at the mercy of the system.

You can get answers.

You can get clarity. You can walk into meetings prepared—and make sure

your child is supported, included, and respected.

Special Education Advocacy &
Self Care Services

Quick Links

Location: New York

Phone: (518) 757-0518

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