Empowering Families. Advocating for Students.

Our mission is to provide exceptional help for families confidently navigate IEPs, 504 Plans, and student supports with expert guidance and lived experience.

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Let’s work together

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!

I am an non-attorney advocate. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advise. If you are need of legal advise please contact an attorney.

— Samantha Rutherford

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“I know how hard it is to fight for the right support—it can feel like a full-time job. But those services and accommodations? They can make all the difference in helping your child feel capable, included, and successful in school.”

“Advocating for your child can be exhausting—but it’s also one of the most powerful ways you can shape their future. When students get the right supports, they thrive—not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.”

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    IEP & 504 Advocacy & Consultation

    Support at any stage of the special education journey—from first concerns to formal plans.

    Initial Consultation & Case Review
    A comprehensive review of your child’s current supports, evaluations, and concerns.

    Pre-Meeting Strategy Sessions
    We’ll clarify your goals, prep key questions, and draft a strong parent input statement.


    Meeting Outcome Review & Next Steps Planning
    While I do not attend school meetings, I help families prepare in advance and then debrief afterward. We’ll review what was discussed, clarify outcomes, and create a clear plan for next steps so you feel confident moving forward.

    Post-Meeting Debrief
    A follow-up session to break down what happened, next steps, and any lingering questions.

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    Document Review & Recommendations

    Professional insight from an educator’s perspective to help you understand and improve your child’s support plan.

    IEP Reviews: Are goals appropriate? Are services sufficient? Are accommodations clear?

    504 Plan Reviews: Ensuring accessibility and classroom support are truly meeting your child’s needs

    Evaluation Reports (ERs, Psych Evals)
    I help you interpret your child’s evaluation results through the lens of my educational experience and background. While I am not a licensed psychologist or therapist, I can help you understand the educational implications and what steps to consider next.

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    Ongoing Parent Coaching & Support

    Continued support for parents who want a trusted guide throughout the school year.

    Monthly Coaching Packages
    Regular virtual check-ins to monitor progress, troubleshoot challenges, and plan for upcoming meetings.

    Between-Session Email & Messaging Support
    For those moments you need reassurance or clarity in real time.

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    School Communication & Advocacy Planning

    Helping you build strong, effective communication with your child’s school—without conflict.

    Help drafting effective emails, meeting requests, and follow-ups

    Guidance navigating school pushback or delays

    Support with understanding dispute resolution pathways (e.g., mediation, PWN)

    Referrals to legal professionals when necessary (I do not provide legal advice)

“Why I Do This Work”

This Is More Than a Career—It’s My Mission :

With nearly 20 years in education—as a teacher, administrator, and now a principal for at-risk youth—I’ve helped hundreds of students get the support they need. And when my own daughter needed help, I became the advocate I once was for so many others.

Now I support families like yours—because no one should have to do this alone.

This Is My Life’s Work

I hold a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, and Administrative Certification. For nearly 20 years, I’ve worked across K–12 education—primarily in urban public schools—with a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and access for all students.

I’ve taught students who needed an advocate—kids struggling long before a diagnosis was ever made. I was often the first adult in the building to recognize the signs and initiate support, even before families knew what to ask for. I’ve sat at the IEP table, led data-driven intervention meetings, and worked hand in hand with specialists to make sure no child was overlooked.

I currently serve as the Educational Director of a school for students with emotional and behavioral impairments. Every student I work with has an IEP and is here because they need specialized support to succeed. Previously, I was a principal in an alternative education program for youth who had been suspended, expelled, or pushed out of traditional schools—students often overlooked but never without potential. In both roles, my mission has remained the same: to ensure every student receives the education, services, and opportunities they deserve, no matter their circumstances.

As an administrator for the past four years, I’ve made it my mission to ensure that every student receives the support they need—and that every parent is heard, respected, and fully informed. This isn’t just a job for me. It’s the work of my heart and soul.

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From Overwhelmed Parent to Relentless Advocate

My drive to advocate became even more personal when my own daughter was diagnosed. I remember the feeling vividly: total overwhelm. Therapies of all kinds. Doomscrolling on Instagram. Reading every book. Questioning if I’d have to homeschool. Working desperately to get her evaluated by the school district so she could access her legal right to a free and appropriate public education.

Eventually, I successfully advocated for the supports she needed—and other parents began to reach out. They needed help. They needed someone who could translate the system, calm the panic, and help them ask the right questions. That’s when I realized: I could be that person. I could guide families through this process and give them the tools I wish I had from the start.

Now, as a non-attorney advocate and consultant, I work directly with families of children in kindergarten through middle school, because those foundational years are critical for long-term success. I help parents:

  • Understand their rights under IDEA and Section 504

  • Navigate IEP and 504 processes with clarity and confidence

  • Know what to look for and how to advocate for the right supports

  • Build meaningful, collaborative relationships with schools

  • And above all—feel empowered to advocate for their child’s success

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. I’ve been where you are. And I bring not only my training—but also my heart—to every family I support.

Let’s get started—together.

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“Middle school was a nightmare until we found her. She helped us rebuild a plan from the ground up and coached me through every meeting and email. My son is finally making progress and believes in himself again. That’s priceless.”
— Danielle K., Parent of a 6th Grader with an IEP

“I came into the IEP process feeling completely lost, but after working with her, I felt empowered and prepared. She helped me understand what to ask for, how to speak up, and what my child truly needed. Thanks to her guidance, my child now has a support plan that actually works—and I finally feel like someone is listening.”
— Amanda G., Parent of a 2nd Grader

Our Values

  • Families First

    Every decision, recommendation, and conversation begins with one priority: what’s best for the child and their family. I honor your role as the expert on your child and work to ensure your voice leads the process.

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  • Focused on the Individual

    No two children are the same. I take a personalized approach—looking at each child’s strengths, needs, and circumstances—to make sure supports are tailored, meaningful, and effective.

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  • Realistic & Respectful

    I believe in setting high expectations and advocating with purpose—but always with respect for what’s practical and possible in your unique situation. I meet families where they are, without judgment.

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Contact Us

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