Hello, I’m Alicia Phillips
Meet the Phillips Family. My husband and I met at Auburn University in the marching band and love our family of 6! For the past 12 years I’ve been a momma to these 4 precious children. We are happy to call Braselton, GA our home after moving all around the country.
Why am I an advocate?
Simple. After watching and helping several friends navigate this process with their own families, I felt called to provide my expertise in a useful an empowering way. My background is in Special Education where I served in the public-school setting for 10 years. I Have helped many students and families through the IEP process from an education standpoint. And now, I’d love to help from an advocacy standpoint. I believe all children have the right to learn in a way that is best for them. I’m excited and passionate about helping your family advocate for your child so they can be successful!
Let’s find your path forward together!
Do I need an advocate?
Is your child struggling academically? Behaviorally? Would you like to help?
Do you get repeated phone calls from the school about your child’s behavior?
Are you worried about your child’s progress?
Do you have questions about your child’s current Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?
Do you have concerns about their 504 plan accommodations?
It can feel overwhelming as a parent knowing your child may be struggling in school. If you are like many parents who struggle with the questions above, you are probably searching for answers and help. Despite your best efforts to advocate for your child, you may feel like you are getting nowhere. Perhaps you are searching for someone who will listen to you and what your child needs. Someone who can understand the jargon and language from the schools. Here at “A Path Forward” I’m here to help you do just that and provide you a personalized journey for your path forward.
How can an Advocate Help?
An advocate can provide education and support to you throughout the special education process from the diagnosis to an eligibility meeting, to the IEP meeting. We are here to support you through re-evaluation meetings. An advocate can also help provide support for 504 plans. Working with you to advocate on behalf of your child.
For more elevated help, an advocate can conduct a thorough review of your child’s records from the school and from private providers. This allows for conclusions to be drawn to be sure IEP policies and procedures have been followed correctly. And it will allow for the advocate to help be sure your child is receiving the most appropriate services.
An advocate is also here to support you at school IEP meetings, conferences, etc. These meetings can have an overload of information that can be hard to process at the time of the meeting. When choosing an advocate to be present at these meetings you will have an expert at your side to explain confusing information and bridge the gap between the family and school staff.
There is lots to do after an IEP meeting as well. An advocate can help you keep track of your child’s progress and navigate any changes that may need to happen.