Learn How to Navigate the IEP Process With Confidence
Prepared Parent Advocate offers workshops, talks, and trainings designed to help families understand the special education process and advocate effectively for their children.
Led by Monica Trost, Licensed Educational Psychologist and non-attorney parent advocate, these sessions break down complex IEP topics into clear, practical strategies parents can actually use.
Want to Know About Future Workshops?
We announce new workshops and trainings throughout the year. Join the newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming events and registration.
Meet Monica Trost, Licensed Educational Psychologist & Parent Advocate
Monica Trost is a Licensed Educational Psychologist who brings a rare dual perspective to her work: the clinical expertise of a school psychologist and the lived experience of a parent navigating the IEP system.
She has worked extensively within the school system and understands how decisions are made behind the scenes. At the same time, as a parent of children with disabilities, she understands how overwhelming, confusing, and high-stakes the process can feel for families.
Monica specializes in helping parents make sense of evaluations, understand eligibility and services, and participate meaningfully in IEP meetings. Her approach is grounded in data, best practices, and clear communication, while remaining deeply supportive of each family's experience.
Her IEP workshops are known for being practical, easy to follow, and immediately actionable. Parents leave with a clearer understanding of their rights, stronger questions to ask, and more confidence going into their next meeting.
Available for Workshops & Trainings
Monica is available to provide customized workshops and trainings for:
School districts
PTA's and Parent Clubs
Community organizations
Therapy and clinical practices
Nonprofit groups supporting families
Monica can deliver sessions virtually or in person and tailor them to your audience's needs.
Each training focuses on breaking down complex special education concepts into clear, practical guidance that parents and professionals can actually use.
Past Workshops & Speaking Engagements
Monica regularly provides training for parent groups, advocacy organizations, and professionals who support children with disabilities. Past events include parent workshops, podcast guest appearances, and collaborative trainings with mental health and education professionals.
Guest Speaker on Teens: No Cap
Teens: No Cap, host Charity Chaffee sits down with Monica Trost—a school psychologist, educational psychologist, and parent advocate—for a raw, honest conversation about the fine line between support and enabling in special education.
Guest Speaker at My LiLeigh Pad
Monica discusses how to access special education for our youngest learners.
Guest Speaker on The Multicultural Psychologist
Host Dr. Linda Fleming McGhee chats with special guest Monica Trost about assessing pre-schoolers and negotiating public school entry.
Featured in the Rittenour Counseling Newsletter
Michelle Ritenour chats with Monica Trost about how perfectionism doesn't just live inside us; it shapes how families navigate some of the most high-stakes systems in their children's lives, including school.
Featured in the Spirited Play Lab Blog Post
Worried about losing Early Start services at age 3? Here’s how the transition to preschool works in the Bay Area. Join Allie and Monica, two specialists and members of our Therapist Collective, serving the SF Bay Area during this crucial period of transition.