Unlike many advocates, I’m a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP #4660) who’s worked within public schools...and I’m also a parent who’s been through the IEP process myself.

That means I understand not just the legal requirements, but how teams think, what they look for in evaluations, and how to prepare parents for a collaborative (not combative) meeting. My guidance combines deep knowledge of Ed Code, assessments, and team dynamics—so you can walk in prepared and confident, without having to learn the whole system yourself.

You shouldn't have to be a lawyer, therapist, and educator to get your child the support they need. Prepared Parent Advocate is here to help you advocate smarter, not harder. Let's talk about where things stand - and where we can go from here.

I speak the language schools use, knowledgeable of psych-educational assessments, and can ask the right questions - giving you a strategic edge that most parents (and even some advocates) miss. I help you build airtight arguments using your child's assessments, progress reports, and documentation to hold schools accountable with evidence - and not just emotions.

A wonderful school team that communicates and supports your child is a dream - but also replaceable. New school teams are formed, and there is no guarantee that your team will stay the same as your child moves up a grade. Also, while a school team may have the best of intentions, sometimes they need support finding creative solutions so that your child is able to access the supports they need.

Navigating the special education process and understanding your child’s IEP can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. I offer personalized support to help you feel confident and prepared at every step. Together we’ll break down the special education process, review your child’s IEP paperwork, and/or discuss strategies for advocating effectively. I offer consultation and role-playing opportunities, so you’re fully equipped to communicate with your child’s school team with clarity and confidence.

While I don't attend IEP meetings with you, my goal is to empower you with the skills and knowledge you need to advocate for your child, no matter what challenges may come up. You’ll feel more prepared and confident in each conversation, knowing you have the tools to ensure your child gets the support they deserve.

Advocacy services can be conducted online or in-person at my business location.

Reach out today to start building your advocacy skills and ensure your child’s educational needs are met.

A skilled advocate can prepare a parent before the meeting by reviewing IEP documents, drafting questions, helping identify gaps, and organizing data to bring to the team. That preparation can empower a parent to be more assertive and effective - even without the advocate in the room. Also, not attending meetings is a strategic choice - some districts become more defensive when advocates attend. In these cases, advocates empower parents to lead the meeting while staying in the background to preserve collaboration. Many parents have secured services and placement changes based purely on strong prep.

While social media groups and Google can offer general advice, they can't provide personalized, strategic, and legally sound support. Monica Trost is a trained advocate who understands federal and California state laws, local school district practices, and how to interpret evaluations - something crowd-sourced advice rarely does accurately. Misinformation can actually hurt your child's case.

I currently support families with children from preschool through high school - typically 2.5 years old to 17 years old. That includes early intervention transitions, preschool special education, elementary, middle, and high school support.

If you have questions about whether your situation falls within that range, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to point you in the right direction, even if I'm not the right fit.

Monica Trost is licensed and practices as an Educational Psychologist within the state of California. Information shared is based on federal and California laws and practices. Because other states may have different laws pertaining to special education, it would be best for those outside of California to seek support within the state your child is attending school.

I believe in being upfront about costs, so you can make an informed decision before scheduling a consultation. My services are designed to provide clarity, peace of mind, and guidance that can save families significant time, stress, and uncertainty during the special education process.

Current Fees:

IEP Advocacy Support Package: $750

Comprehensive, one-on-one support to help you feel prepared and empowered through the IEP process - without needing a full-time advocate at the meeting (virtual or in person at Walnut Creek office, as agreed). Includes:

• Thorough review of your child’s IEP or assessment documents

• Written summary of key concerns + specific, actionable recommendations

• One 60-minute parent coaching session before the IEP meeting to clarify goals, questions, and talking points

• One 60-minute debrief/coaching session after the meeting to process outcomes and plan next steps

Approximate 3 hours of support at $250/hour. Packages are based on estimated time and may be adjusted with notice if more support is needed.

Mini Parent Coaching Session: $300

A 1-hour meeting (virtual or in person at Walnut Creek office, as agreed) to review your concerns, clarify your next steps, and determine whether advocacy supports and/or a child evaluation is needed. 

Includes:

• Review your top concerns

• Answer questions about the IEP process

• Help you decide next steps

• Ideal for first-time IEP questions or quick parent check-ins

If you choose to move forward with a full advocacy package or child evaluation within 30 days, the $300 fee will be applied toward your next invoice. 

Advocacy Retainer - Annual Support: $1,800 (August-June)

For families who want ongoing access to steady support without needing to schedule a full session each time something comes up.

Includes:

• Two 30-minute parent coaching sessions (Zoom or in person, as agreed)

• Priority access to schedule additional services

• Light review of up to four documents per year (e.g., IEP drafts, assessment plans, school emails)

• Occasional check-ins via email or secure message for quick questions or brief updates.*

“Within reason” means you’re welcome to reach out occasionally with focused questions — like help wording an email, deciding whether to request a meeting, or getting clarity on what to ask for. If your concern needs more time, review, or support than what’s included, I’ll let you know and we can schedule a session at my standard rate.

*Services are available on a limited basis; early scheduling is recommended.

*Payment is due at time of booking unless other arrangements are made.

Many families find that an investment in advocacy services can help them:

-Understand their child's needs sooner

-Feel more prepared during school meetings

-Avoid delays or confusion in the eligibility process

-Advocate more effectively with confidence and clarity

If you'd like to learn more, I offer a free 15-minute consultation with no pressure or obligation.

Fees are subject to change; all costs are confirmed before services begin. You can see the fee linked here.

Yes—it absolutely is. My rate reflects the specialized expertise I bring as a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP #4660) who’s worked on school teams, conducted assessments, and supported families like yours for over a decade.

Families are often surprised by how much they accomplish in just one session. We cut through months of confusion, prepare strong input for school teams, and often avoid the need for costly outside interventions or legal escalation.

While I don’t bill insurance, many families have told me that a single IEP meeting—prepared well—made more impact than months of generalized advice or tutoring.

If you're weighing whether it’s worth it, consider this: what is clarity, confidence, and the right services for your child now worth to your family?

No. Advocacy services, including IEP and 504 plan support or parent coaching, are not considered medical services and cannot be billed to insurance. Because of this, I cannot provide a superbill for advocacy work.

However, families often find that advocacy support can save time, reduce stress, and help secure appropriate school services - even though it's not reimbursable through insurance. Despite no insurance billing, clients tell me the time saved and improved educational outcomes pay for the investment in just one school year.