Mooresville, North Carolina Mar 15, 2021 (Issuewire.com) - My name is Sri Hatharasinghe-Gerschler, MA and I offer IEP and parent coaching services for you! I know exactly how it feels to have an IEP! I endured through my own Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) for over 11 years (elementary through high school). My IEP was hell on me as a student. I lost contact with my general education friends, was verbally and physically accosted by fellow students, and most importantly not given a chance at a free and appropriate education. This is why I have chosen to help parents, students, and schools to create meaningful IEP goals! It comes down to this, "I don't want my story to be your child's story!"
When I was 6 years old I was placed into special education. This was back in 1989, about 14 years after two federal laws were passed, The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) both in 1975; that set the foundation for special needs education. I was placed in special education without a formal diagnosis as well! It was burned into my mind that I would never go to college; that all I was being trained to do was work at McDonald's! It was a horrible experience, as I didn't even meet the basic standards of education. I failed to meet the basic math, writing, and spelling standards and was placed in a non-degree program. As a child of first-generation immigrants, a mismanaged IEP and a special education system that was still in its cultural infancy were tough, to say the least! Given all this, it was not impossible to work through! Thankfully, I have found a way to take that pain and transfer it into a passion to serve the present and future parents, students, and educators in advancing IEPS!
I was fortunate that in my freshman year of high school my psychology teacher told me that I was smart, and didn't think like the other kids. He helped me figure out how I learned and convinced me to fight my way out of my IEP and to advocate for myself. He helped me win my fight and I graduated with my high school diploma, not the GED that was planned for me.
After high school, I decided to go to a junior college. I had to work harder than ever before, but I graduated with straight A's and an Associate of Arts. I took a year off to recover from spinal surgery to save me from my scoliosis (and now live with two titanium rods that span nearly my entire spine)! Once healed, I transferred to the University of California San Diego Revelle College. I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (with honors) and continued my education at National University, where I completed my Masters of Arts in Human Behavior. I then moved into the field of applied behavior analysis; where I worked, grew, and thrived for more than a decade! I loved every moment! I worked in the classroom, in homes, and out in the community. I wrote plans for my clients to become independent. In 2014, I started a coaching business, advocating for parents and working with schools to help them create the best IEPS possible for kids.
The special education system is broken for those kids that don't fit in the standard box. My issues were mild, I had a reading comprehension problem which led to my IEP, my parents hired tutors to help me, but nonetheless, the system almost ate me alive! With all that being said, I believe that all students have the right to a fair and appropriate education! I believe if a child has an IEP, they must also plan for life after high school. It must be streamlined, adaptable, and uniquely tailored. That is where I can play a crucial part in your child's educational trajectory, for the betterment of the child!
My Why
When my son was born he had a speech delay and I had to fight for an elevation and services. It turned out that my son had excessive ear wax that was affecting his hearing. We taught him signs and now he speaks fine now. He is currently struggling in school and I just asked for testing. I will update you on his process.
My son is one of many kids that don't fit the typical IEP boxes, but he needs help. He is one of the reasons I work with other parents and students. He is the reason I walk in your shoes every day. I know your pain, frustrations, hopes, and dreams for your child.
My method: I use my 14 years of applied behavioral analytic training to help parents and schools create effective solutions for IEPs. I have a core understanding of how executive functioning skills work and how to fill in the gaps. I view children from where they are currently and see them three years from now, then as a middle schooler, a high schooler, and finally an adult. I make sure they are working towards independence and meaningful lives.
I needed one person to be my cheerleader(Mr. Bushner was mine). I believe that everyone is placed on this earth with a purpose and they need to find their passion. I believe that every child will be successful and can live an independent successful life when given the right tools. I have been in the IEP system as a student, as a professional, and as a parent. I understand the limited resources schools have, I understand the staff turnover rates and I know how schools work. I will be your child's cheerleader, I will be your shoulder to cry on, I will have the difficult conversions with you. I will help you resolve issues. I see the bigger picture and I will share my insight with you.
You can benefit from the parent or IEP coaching if:
If you need help potty training your child (I teach you how to avoid the pitfalls of potty training and why explain why naked training doesn't work for most kids, I give you a plan that is customized for your own child and their needs. )
If you need help understanding your child's behavior (kids having tantrums, don't understand certain rules, kids aren't sitting at the dinner table?) receive virtual help in your hardest moments.
If you need help understanding milestones (I do milestone checks to make sure your kids are on the right path of development, I specifically look at the fine motor, gross motor, behavior, and language to see if your child is at risk for autism, add, ADHD, or a speech delay) then I give you a plan and work with your pediatrician and help you get services if needed.
If you need help understanding IEP/504 plans
End the struggle now: with over fourteen years of experience, Sri Gerschler conducts private consultations with families, doctors, and schools. You can book an appointment by email.
Media Contact
Sri Gerschler
https://www.facebook.com/iepsaremyjam/
Source :Sri Hatharasinghe-Gerschler: IEP’s Are My Jam
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