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Debra Isaacs Schafer

Deeply experienced coach, advisor & consultant.

Neurodiversity. Special education.

Working parents/exceptional caregiving.

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Recognized subject-matter strategist,

practitioner, mentor, and ally.

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Speaker. Writer. Educator.

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About Me, You, & More...

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My journey. From a business career to focusing on my child's unique needs, the past 25 years have been spent bringing a unique perspective steeped in deep expertise to the neurodiversity, parenting, and exceptional caregiving arenas to support parents and families as they work to help their struggling children succeed.

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Your journey. Understanding well the herculean efforts of being an "exceptional caregiver," partnering with me will provide a new way forward, reducing the struggling, confusion, and exhaustion and moving toward solutions. Positive steps happen when you acknowledge your role, gaining control as the person who knows your child best. 

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Your child. School is their job. Their chronic and crisis issues often create daily anticipatory anxiety and additional challenges for them and for you. The job of school is to prepare your child for life, building essential learning and skills by focusing on & addressing today's needs while keeping eyes and attention on the future.

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You. Raising a neurodivergent child with their incredible strengths & needs impacts all aspects of life -- families, jobs, relationships, time, and your own mental health and wellness. Many parents, particularly mothers, have left and are leaving the workforce due to their children's complex needs and the lack of workplace flexibility and supports.

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Us. This is your time and space to share what's going on. I'll listen & ask questions. We'll unravel what's been happening, discuss your needs, concerns, expectations, and pain points, and create strategies, tactics, and steps which we'll monitor/adjust as we go. Yes, it's a lot, but there's no question you can do it. I'll make sure of it. 

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                                                      "Fall seven times, stand up eight."

                                                                                                  Japanese Proverb

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Some of the ways
I can help you.

Provide and clarify essential baseline information you need to effectively navigate the special education arena.

 

Pinpoint and evaluate your child's school-based needs and determine if changes are needed for measurable progress.

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Prepare you for school meetings & discussions, ensuring your concerns are heard, addressed, and documented.

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Evaluate placement & transition-focused plans --

grade-to-grade, level-to-level, college preparation.

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Utilize a framework & blueprint for frequently

encountered school engagement scenarios such as...

when the district or school says this, you respond like this. 

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Some of the ways I've
helped other parents.

Increased academic, social, behavioral, developmental, and executive function school services & supports.

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Provided essential guidance on IEP goals, the criteria needed, and how to ensure changes are reflect in the IEP.

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Negotiated special education eligibility and private educational placements at school district expense.

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Acted as a liaison in school district discussions to ensure issues are heard and resolutions are reached.

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Collaborated with clinicians, specialists, legal counsel, and other independent providers to synthesize issues and develop solutions to address parent concerns.

Initial Consultations    The Deep Dive â„  /IEPs    Mother-To-Mother â„      

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Credentials

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25 years supporting and partnering with parents & families raising neurodiverse children, teens, and young adults with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning differences, & mental health needs from their earliest years through college graduation.

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Founder/CEO, Education Navigation. Founder/Managing Partner, Work/Family Management & Professional Mothers. Director, Human Resources Development, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Business & nonprofit consultant.

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Speaker: Working Mothers Work Life Congress and Work Beyond Conference. Education Law Center. Human Resources and Employee Assistance conferences. Corporate workshops & webinars, parent support groups.

     Keynote presentations. Panel discussions. Roundtables. Lunch & learns. Fireside chats.

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"Preparing For College" course developer & instructor. Two-week college preparation course for high school students focusing on college readiness, executive function skills, self-advocacy, mental health/wellness, and independence.

"On The Road To College" one-week college preparation course for high school students focusing on college readiness.

 

Media resource/expert, podcast guest, consultant, and writer. Supporting and retaining working mothers/parents raising neurodiverse children, exceptional caregiving, neurodiverse employees & workplace accommodations, work/life integration and workplace flexibility, family-functioning employee benefits & supports.

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Affiliations: Pennsylvania Autism Taskforce; Columnist, Parents Express & Times Chronicle; Host, Work/Life Journal,

WBEB-FM/Philadelphia.

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Recipient: WorldatWork Alliance for Work/Life Progress award for innovative special education employee benefits. Recognized by Autism Speaks and Cure Autism Now.

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Image by Mitchell Luo

Testimonials

Debra is, without a doubt, one of the most valuable and knowledgeable resources about autism and special education you can find. I highly recommend her - you will not find anyone better.

 

Dad, CEO, Pharmaceutical Industry

White Waves

Media, Mentions & More

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College Transition: - ADHD - Learning Disabilities - With Dr. Richard Selznick, "The Shut-Down Learner"The Coffee Klatch
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