May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May Newsletter!
This month, I recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. Since 1949, May has marked Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, break stigma, and advocate for better mental health resources and access for all.
But for disabled, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ communities, this month holds deeper meaning. Systemic barriers, discrimination, and a lack of culturally or identity-affirming care continue to impact mental health outcomes in profound ways.
Mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all. Supporting it means recognizing the unique experiences people carry—and advocating for care that affirms identity, access, and autonomy.
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✅ Upcoming events to close out the school year
✅ 4 practical tips for supporting mental health at home and in schools
✅ Tools to help you advocate for your learner's mental health needs​
Featured
Published May 08, 2025
By: Jennifer Barnhill
Published March 13, 2025
Canvas Rebel
Published September 12, 2023
Usa Today, By: Itzel Luna
IMAGINE THIS...
REDUCED
CALLS, TEXT, & SUSPENSIONS
No more constantly checking your phone to see if the school is calling, worrying about notes coming home, or receiving suspensions. I can teach you how to request the academic, behavioral, and sensory supports your child needs.
NEUROAFFIRMING
IEP GOALS AND SUPPORTS
Neurodivergence is an important aspect of who your child is and its important that your child's IEP team understands that. I can help you advocate for neuroaffimring supports that can be applied in your child's educational setting.
SMOOTH
IEP MEETINGS
No more surprises when you walk into your child's IEP meeting. I'll teach you how you can communicate what you and your child need in a collaborate way that gets you answers and your concerns addressed.
WHAT CAN WE DO TOGETHER...
1
FIND THE ROOT
Do they have the correct services & supports and are they being implemented with fidelity?
COMMUNICATE
Consistent communication between the school and parents is key to a child's success!
2
MONITOR
No more did they provide this service or did they assess for this?
3
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULT
HI! I'M DESTINY
YOUR IEP COACH & SPECIAL EDUCATION CONSULTANT
I'm a late-diagnosed Autistic and Adhd mental health professional and non-attorney special education advocate mother of two neurodivergent learners on IEPs.
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I've been in the Mental Health field for over 15 years. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked in early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school settings. I have also worked as a reintegration case manager for youth in foster care and as a case manager and supervisor for individuals with severe mental health diagnoses and disabilities.
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Working side by side with early childhood educators, primary and secondary educators, trainers, instructional coaches, and administrators I was able to see first hand what is needed for neurodivergent learners in their educational setting and what trainings and supports are necessary for staff to support neurodivergent children's mental health in a variety of settings.
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When my oldest son entered in to the public school system undiagnosed, I gained first hand knowledge of the importance of an IEP team (school team + home team) that communicates, collaborates, and understands your learner's disability to truly support them. I also understand how as a parent you can feel overwhelmed, alone, and lacking in knowledge when it comes to advocating for your neurodivergent learner. That is why I became a non-attorney special education advocate who supports families and provides trainings in over 20+ states as an advocate.
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I can't wait to help you advocate for neurodivergent learner at the IEP Table!
Here's to Not Doing It Alone,
Destiny
You deserve to...
FEEL HEARD AT THE IEP TABLE
AND KNOW THAT YOUR CHILD IS GETTING THE SUPPORTS AND SERVICES THEY DESERVE
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GO IN TO YOUR IEP MEETING
KNOWING WHAT TO EXPECT AND FEELING CONFIDENT
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BE A VALUED IEP TEAM MEMBER
STOP LOSING SLEEP
OVER PHONE CALLS, SUSPENSIONS AND MESSAGES HOME.
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GET RID OF SUPPORTS & SERVICES THAT AREN'T NEUROAFFIRMING
FOR YOUR LEARNER'S FUTURE
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DITCH THE FEELING THAT YOU AREN'T DOING EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO SUPPORT YOUR LEARNER ON THEIR SPECIAL EDUCATION JOURNEY
STOP FEARING PHONE CALLS FROM THE SCHOOL!
Between family, friends, spam and doctor's offices our phones are always ringing.
You shouldn't feel nervous, freeze, or get a sinking feeling in your stomach every time you see your phone ring.
3 SIMPLE STEPS
to get started solving your IEP struggles
1. FREE CONSULT
Schedule a Free 20 minute consult where we chat about why you are seeking an advocate and what services I can provide to help!
2. ACTION PLAN
Upon hiring we will put together an action plan with next steps to start addressing concerns!
3. ONGOING HELP
IEPs and special education is an ongoing process of decisions-making. I'll be with you every step of the way.
When we work together, you will receive ...
IEP STRATEGIES - No more worrying if your child's neurodivergence is being considered and supported. My professional mental health background and personal neurodivergent background help with that.
DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS - No more feeling like something is missing. I conduct a detailed review to make sure your child's IEP assessment results are connected to their services and supports.
MEETING SUPPORT - Whether you want me to attend your child's IEP meeting with you or not, you don't ever have to worry about feeling unprepared for an IEP meeting again.
questions?
1. DO YOU WORK IN MY STATE?
Yes, I can help parents in all 50 states. Majority of IEP struggles are rooted in Federal Law that governs all states. I reference state department of education statutes, as well as, other resources to support any state specific questions I may have.
2. DO YOU ATTEND IEP MEETINGS?
Yes, I can attend IEP meetings virtually. My goal is to help you feel confident in your role at the IEP table too, so that your voice is heard, your requests are respected, and proper decisions are made even if I am not at the meeting with you.
3. DO YOU GIVE LEGAL ADVICE?
No! I am not a lawyer and I don't' give legal advice. I can absolutely use the foundation of the law to support you, your IEP requests, and help you negotiate for an appropriate IEP for your learner.
Featured
Credentials & Memberships
COPAA Seat 1.0 Graduate
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Member of Council of Parents Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
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Member of Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
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Wrights Law Special Education Law & Advocacy Training
Member of the Neurodiversity Affirming IEP Community
Member of Your IEP Source Community
Board Member of PDA North America
Board Member of SWAC - Sisahs with Ausome Children
Master IEP Coach® Certificate & Mentorship
