Testimonials

 
Testimonials Kids First Collaborative Special Education Advocate IEP Consultant Chicago Illinois
 

"Knowledgeable. Compassionate. Results Driven.

As first time parents with a developmentally delayed preschooler, Kim was instrumental in protecting our little one by advocating for his individualized needs when a new school district started taking steps to pull back resources from parents who did not understand the process. 

My wife and I met Kim in a moment of desperation. We had just walked out from an initial IEP meeting in a new school district, stunned and blindsided by the surprise announcement that after just 30 days, the district already felt that our son did not qualify for the special needs his doctors and prior school district had identified. The new school district had just announced it intended to drastically scale back his resources, and would likely remove them entirely. We didn't know where to turn or who could help. But then, we found Kim. 

When the school district refused to believe that our son's nuanced developmental delays were present, Kim listened to us. She believed us. When the school district wouldn't reach out and collaborate with our son's private medical professionals, Kim did. When the school district tried to drastically reduce our son's services, Kim stood her ground. When the system felt hopelessly stacked against the parents, Kim made it feel like a level playing field. With passionate advocacy, thoughtful planning, and personal conviction, Kim planned for and attended IEP meetings with us as an advocate for our son. She protected our son, and in doing so, she protected our family. Kim is, without any doubt, an absolutely invaluable resource for parents with children who have special needs. We honestly do not know what we would have done without her and we are forever grateful she came into our lives.

- M. S. & L.S.

Special Education Advocacy Chicago

“There is truly no way to thank her for the change she made in our lives.

When we met Kim, my husband and I were new to the world of special education.  With an initial diagnosis of Autism, we were lost, confused, and misinformed of our child’s rights.  Kim took the time to sit down and truly listen.  Before all else, she had a full understanding of our son’s abilities, current treatments, and needs as determined by family and private evaluators.  She consulted with other professionals and walked along side us in our first ever IEP meeting.  Kim helped us feel at ease and confident that we would be able to create an appropriate plan for our child.  She stood up for us when we did not even know we needed it.  She was professional and respectful, but she made it very clear that she was there as an advocate for our child.

As a result of Kim's efforts, our school district agreed to create an extended day program for our son.  She empowered us with the knowledge to help our son and the confidence to do the same for our daughter on our own years later.  There is truly no way to thank her for the change she made in our lives. 

— C. M. 

 
Kids First Collaborative Special Education Advocate IEP Consultant Chicago Illinois
 

“Our daughter is now a true member of her second grade classroom.”

When we started working with Kim, our daughter was placed in a self-contained program for students with significant disabilities. We had been advocating for more time in the general education setting, but our district was only prepared to integrate her for P.E. and Art. We knew our daughter would benefit both academically and behaviorally from more time in a regular classroom. 

Kim was a strong advocate for our family, and she helped the district identify options that they weren't previously willing to consider. Our daughter is now a true member of her second grade classroom. She has friends in her class, and she is still able to get the individualized support that she needs. 

— A. A. 

 
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“We are forever grateful for Kim and her services.”

Kim is an experienced and passionate advocate for the rights of children with special needs. She is dedicated and relentless in helping children obtain the necessary services to reach their fullest potential. Without her, our son's high school years would not have been as successful as they were. Her positive and professional responses to correspondence and at IEP meetings gave us peace of mind knowing our son was receiving all the care and assistance he needed to be successful. We are forever grateful for Kim and her services."

— L. V. 

 
Kids First Collaborative Special Education Advocate IEP Consultant Chicago Illinois