Charmaine’s workshop completely changed how I think about ‘strength-based’ IEPs. My daughter was struggling in general education math due to ADHD-related working memory and executive functioning weaknesses, and the workshop helped me realize her strong verbal reasoning abilities could be intentionally incorporated into instruction to help bypass some of those barriers. I left with concrete ideas for using strategies like think-aloud problem solving, verbal strategy rehearsal, and explaining math concepts out loud to better connect goals, supports, and instruction to how my daughter actually learns.

I never had the courage to bring my child's strengths to the table unless they were related to things I knew we would be talking about during the IEP meeting or something that was very observable at school. I thought it all needed to be school/IEP related or the team would think I was wasting precious time. Learning from Charmaine in her training and in conversations, I now understand that my child's strengths are just as important as whatever data or teacher observations. My child is unique and under the stress of school may not be leading with her strengths and if I don't share the strengths, no one else will think of incorporating her strengths to anything that happens at school. I learned that sharing her strengths is a building block for any goal that is written and can be used to help develop her confidence in herself and her abilities, and can be the best starting place for brainstorming ideas for including her in the teaching and learning process in ways that would not come up otherwise. It's not just a parent bragging or trying to over-exaggerate their child's abilities, but a real way to use those strengths in coming up with creative and unconventional goals or strategies for implementing an IEP while also including things or activities that the child is already comfortable or confident doing and giving them that positive setting to shine, feel good about themselves, and receive positive reinforcement from peers. I won't ever hesitate again to come prepared with very clear strengths and then being those strengths beyond a "get to know you" ice breaker, but take those strengths into meaningful ways to support my child in their education and growth. Charmaine has done an outstanding job at teaching just how important it is to focus on a child's strengths. Thank you Charmaine!

“It is such a raw pain being told our kids aren't allowed to be with other kids. It shatters all our dreams. Charmaine’s support is life-changing.

Charmaine is amazing and so on top of everything! I keep learning so much from her!