Finding the Right Path for Your Child
Navigating the special education system can feel overwhelming — especially when you're not sure what your child is entitled to or how to ask for it. That's where I come in. Every family I work with starts with a free 30-minute consultation so we can get to know each other and talk through your child's situation. If we're a good fit, I'll provide a clear estimate before we begin and we'll move forward together — one step at a time.
What Your Friendly Neighborhood Advocate Offers
Case Review & Strategy
Before anything else, I need to understand your child's full picture. This phase includes a thorough review of your child's school records, evaluations, IEP or 504 documents, and any RTI data, along with an intake meeting with your family to align on goals and priorities. By the end of this phase you'll have a clear understanding of where things stand, what your child is entitled to, and a defined strategy for moving forward.
Meeting Representation*
I don't walk into ARD or 504 meetings without being fully prepared — and neither should you. Following case review and strategy development, I'll attend meetings with your family as your advocate. This includes pre-meeting preparation, real-time advocacy during the meeting, a written summary of outcomes and next steps, and a follow-up review of any prior written notice issued by the school.
Post-Meeting Support
Getting agreements in a meeting is only half the battle — making sure the school follows through is the other half. Post-meeting support includes follow-up correspondence, monitoring compliance with agreed services and accommodations, and guidance on next steps if concerns arise. If additional meetings are needed, those are supported under this phase as well.
Communication Support and Guidance
Throughout the entire process, I provide guidance and assistance with school communications. I can assist you by drafting correspondence, requests and inquiries on your behalf, and I can correspond directly with the school on your behalf.
FEES
Services are billed at $125 an hour. A $250 engagement fee, applied toward your case hours, is due when we begin working together.
A personalized estimate will be provided at the end of your free consultation based on the specific needs of your child's case.
*A note on representation
Your Friendly Neighborhood Advocate provides non-lawyer special education advocacy services. I am not an attorney and do not provide legal advice. For matters requiring legal representation, I am happy to provide referrals to qualified special education attorneys in the greater Houston area.
From Families
“If you’re a parent struggling to get your child the support they deserve, I cannot recommend Kristen Griffith with Your Friendly Neighborhood Advocate enough.
Our daughter is gifted and talented, which unfortunately became a roadblock when we sought special education testing. Too often, people assume a child can’t be both gifted and have a disability, and we found ourselves constantly having to push for her needs to be recognized. Kristen understood this immediately. She fought alongside us, guided us through every step of the process, and made sure our daughter’s strengths didn’t overshadow the challenges she faces.
Her knowledge, professionalism, and genuine compassion gave us confidence when we needed it most. Because of Kristen’s advocacy, our daughter finally received the evaluation and support she deserved.
Every child deserves to be seen for who they are—not just their strengths or their struggles. Kristen made sure that happened for our daughter, and our family will always be grateful. She is an incredible advocate, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to any family navigating the special education process.” —Parent of a 2e Student
