PreK-12th grade: Advocacy Support Service
1:1 Parent Advocacy for Special Education | California-Based Support
Clarity. Confidence. Support that lasts longer than the meeting.
Not sure what to ask for, or how to speak up without burning bridges?
Whether you’re brand new to the IEP process or feeling burned out from years of navigating it, you don’t have to do this alone. I help parents understand their options, clarify their priorities, and move forward with a clear plan—so you can stop second-guessing yourself and start advocating with confidence.
Not just help for this meeting. Skills that last.
My advocacy support is individualized, strength-based, and rooted in real-world experience—as both a Licensed Educational Psychologist and a parent who’s sat in your chair.
Yes, we’ll talk about timelines, documentation, legal rights, and what the school can (and can’t) do.
But you’ll also gain something more lasting:
Clarity about what your child actually needs
Tools to communicate more effectively with your IEP team
Confidence to trust your gut and speak up without second-guessing
A stronger, more grounded presence as your child’s advocate—now and in the years ahead
What if you could slow down just enough to get it right?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or under pressure, you’re not alone. Many families come to me in moments of urgency—worried about an upcoming meeting, a decision that doesn’t sit right, or whether they’re missing something important.
That’s exactly why my process is intentional—not slow for the sake of slow, but strategic. Grounded. Focused on what really matters.
We’ll take just enough space to breathe, get clear, and build a plan that actually works—for your child and your peace of mind.
Because rushing without clarity leads to burnout and regrets.
But with calm, focused support, you can move forward in a way that feels steady, empowered, and effective.
What Makes This Different?
You might have seen other advocates or IEP consultants who offer to join meetings, draft scripts, or push for specific services. And for some families, that works.
But what I offer is something more intentional—and more lasting.
As a Licensed Educational Psychologist, I don’t just help you prepare for this meeting. I help you grow the skills, insight, and clarity to advocate for your child at every stage.
I stay behind the scenes on purpose—because my goal is to strengthen your voice, not speak over it.
What I offer is something meaningful: a space to slow down, get clear, and feel steady before you walk into a meeting that really matters.
Because advocacy isn’t just about paperwork and policies.
It’s also about you.
Your nervous system. Your voice. Your ability to hold your ground when things feel hard.
When we work together, I help you:
Build emotional stamina before tough conversations
Clarify what matters most—so you can speak with purpose
Untangle grief, guilt, and uncertainty (without getting stuck there)
Show up as a more grounded, confident version of yourself
This is advocacy that centers your values, honors your intuition, and builds your long-term capacity—not just your case file.
It’s grounded in:
Clinical insight into how kids grow, learn, and communicate
A deep respect for your lived experience as a parent
A calm, steady space to sort through decisions without panic
The belief that you already know your child best—I’m just here to help you speak that truth clearly
More than Just a Checklist
IEP meetings come with a lot of paperwork, timelines, and procedures - and while those matter, they don't tell the whole story. I don't just check boxes. I help families uncover and address substantive gaps - the places where a plan might technically follow the rules but still fall short of truly supporting your child.
Maybe the goals don't reflect your child's strengths.
Maybe the service don't match what the data shows.
Maybe things look "fine" on paper, but your child isn't making meaningful progress.
That's where I come in.
Need help with IEPs or school communication? Work with Monica Trost at Prepared Parent Advocate for hands-on support tailored to your child’s needs and your rights as a parent in California. IEP/504 Plan Prep: Advocacy Skill Building for Sustainable Support.
Why I Don't Typically Attend IEP Meetings - And What I Do Instead
Many families expect an advocate to attend school meetings and speak on their behalf. That’s one model of advocacy—but not the only one.
My approach is different by design. My services focus on advocacy skill building: helping you prepare, plan, and show up with clarity and confidence, so you feel ready to speak up on behalf of your child - again and again.
I work closely with you behind the scenes to review documents, clarify your priorities, and prepare you to walk into the meeting clear, calm, and confident. I don’t typically attend meetings because my focus is on helping you show up as your child’s strongest advocate, not replacing your voice.
This kind of behind-the-scenes advocacy isn’t new—it’s just less visible. But it’s powerful. And for many families, it leads to stronger relationships with school teams, better outcomes, and a deep sense of ownership over the process.
I’m not just guiding you. I’m helping you reclaim your role.
Because advocacy doesn’t have to mean being loud. Sometimes, it means being ready.
Is This the Right Kind of Support for You?
Not every family needs someone to sit in the IEP meeting and speak for them. And not every advocate needs to be at the table to make a meaningful impact.
If you’re looking for someone to:
Help you prep and plan behind the scenes
Build your advocacy skills
Keep you grounded and clear
And empower you to lead your child’s support journey...
Then this model might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
It’s not the most common approach—but for many families, it’s the most sustainable.
If you are looking for expert guidance at the IEP table sitting with you, please schedule a consult call to discuss more.
Want to see what advocacy looks like in real life?