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the-idea-ally-allison-special-education-advocate-about

Meet Your Ally

Behind every IEP meeting is a parent losing sleep. Behind every 504 plan is a child trying to hold it together.
And too often, behind both… is silence.

I started The IDEA Ally because I’ve sat on both sides of the table — as a teacher, a literacy specialist, and a parent. I know what it’s like to feel outnumbered, outtalked, and overwhelmed by a system that speaks in acronyms instead of answers.

But I also know this: When parents are empowered, children thrive.

That’s why I do this work — to help you understand your rights, to bring clarity where there’s confusion, and to make sure you never walk into another school meeting alone or unheard.

Learn more about the services I offer

Certifications & Professional Credentials

Transparency and trust matter. That’s why I proudly share the credentials, certifications, and ongoing education that fuel my advocacy work — so you know exactly who’s in your corner.

Who I Am

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30+ Years in Education

Former Literacy Specialist with Clarkstown Central School District, supporting students with dyslexia for over 15 years.

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Orton-Gillingham Certified

Certified through IMSLEC-accredited Fairleigh Dickinson University — delivering structured, multisensory literacy interventions.

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Advocacy & Training

Graduate of SEAT 1.0 (COPAA) and certified Dyslexia Advocate, equipped to support families with expert insight into reading-based learning challenges.

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Degrees & Memberships

B.A. in Elementary Education (SUNY New Paltz)

 

M.S. in Literacy (Fordham University), and active member of IDA

 

COPAA, and the International Literacy Association (ILA)

🤝 Why I Do This Work

When you're a parent, you fight hard — but sometimes, it still feels like no one is listening. I’ve been the teacher in those meetings. I’ve seen how overwhelmed parents can feel. That’s why I became an advocate.

I don’t just bring credentials — I bring compassion, experience, and a deep understanding of how schools work behind the scenes. I know what’s possible. I know how to push — respectfully, but firmly. And most importantly, I know how to listen.

🌍 Where I Provide Services

Whether you're across the street or across the country, I offer virtual support to families anywhere in the U.S. via Zoom. If you're nearby, I also provide in-person advocacy throughout the Hudson Valley, Northern New Jersey, and surrounding areas — including all towns and school districts within the following counties:

🗽 New York

Orange County
(Warwick, Goshen, Middletown, Pine Bush — and surrounding areas)

Rockland County
(Suffern, New City, Stony Point — and beyond)

Westchester County
(White Plains, Yonkers, Croton-on-Hudson — and more)

Putnam County
(Carmel, Brewster — and local districts nearby)

Ulster County
(New Paltz, Kingston, Woodstock — and nearby areas)

🌲 New Jersey

Bergen County
(Franklin Lakes, Ramsey, Mahwah — and surrounding towns)

Sussex County
(Franklin, Hamburg — and all local districts)

✈️ Need help outside these counties?
Travel beyond the immediate service area may be available in special circumstances — with added travel expenses. Let’s talk about what’s possible.

View full list of service areas

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