Testimonials

It is with great pleasure that I write this testimonial for Ms. Annie McDonald, a former special education teacher at Oakview Elementary School, who has since transitioned into the role of a dedicated parent advocate. During her time at our school, Ms. McDonald was an exceptional educator who displayed deep knowledge, compassion, and unwavering commitment to supporting students with diverse learning needs.

As a special education teacher, Ms. McDonald consistently went above and beyond to create individualized education plans, ensure inclusive practices, and foster a safe and nurturing environment for students. She was a collaborative team member, always willing to partner with colleagues, administrators, and parents to advocate for the best interests of each student. Her ability to communicate effectively with both children and their families was one of her greatest strengths.

Now, as a parent advocate, Ms. McDonald brings the same level of passion and expertise to supporting families navigating the complexities of special education services. She has a unique ability to empathize with parents and offer them the guidance and resources needed to advocate for their children’s educational needs. Ms. McDonald is a tireless champion for students, always ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met.

Ms. McDonald has a natural talent for building strong, trusting relationships with both families and educators. Her insight into the educational system, combined with a genuine dedication to helping others, makes her an invaluable resource to any community. I have no doubt that Ms. McDonald will continue to make a significant and positive impact in the lives of students and their families for years to come.

Since Annie McDonald of RJG Advocacy started helping us, our daughter’s IEP has transitioned from a loosely worded document to a clear plan for success. The amount of SDI/service time she's receiving each week has increased by 118%, with her social/emotional SDI needs decreasing (yay for being regulated!) and her academic needs finally being recognized, documented and appropriately supported.

When looking for support within our local community, it seemed many advocates are special needs parents who have thoroughly educated themselves around the IEP process and then leverage that experience to help other families. As a former WCPSS SpEd Team Lead with a Masters Degree in Special Education, Annie's experience is extremely unique and rare. Her attendance at our daughter’s meetings has fostered a more collaborative, productive approach between us and the school team. This may be a first in the history of IEP post meeting communication, but after our eligibility determination/IEP addendum meeting a couple weeks back my daughter’s CCR teacher wrote Annie and myself a thank you email expressing her appreciation for our support and partnership.

Annie also taught reading using the Orton-Gillingham approach in the classroom and is providing weekly tutoring services which have really helped with my daughter’s dyslexia related reading challenges -- she's actually reading now! In our last IEP meeting, Annie compared notes with our daughter’s teachers based on her observations during their sessions. This led us to better defined goals/accommodations within her IEP as well as significantly more services provided while being able to successfully continue in her mainstream classroom.

Annie is an active member of COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates) which is the recognized professional organization for Parent Advocates. I find her engagement in this organization essential considering the rapidly changing landscape at a Federal level for all things Special Education.