Parent Advocacy Coaching for IEP & 504 Support
Navigating the school system when your child needs extra support can feel overwhelming. Understanding your child’s rights, knowing what services are appropriate, and ensuring those supports are actually implemented can be confusing and stressful for parents.
Dr. Susan Niznik, PsyD, LPC, ADHD-CCSP brings a unique perspective to this process. A school psychologist since 2012, Dr. Niznik has spent over a decade on the other side of the desk—conducting student evaluations, participating in IEP meetings, and helping schools design and implement academic and behavioral supports. Now, she uses that insider knowledge to help parents confidently advocate for their children.
Through individualized parent coaching, Dr. Niznik helps families better understand the IEP and 504 process, identify meaningful accommodations and modifications tailored to their child’s needs, and develop strategies for effective communication and advocacy within the school system. Her goal is to empower parents with the information, clarity, and confidence needed to ensure their child receives the support they deserve.
What Sets Us Apart
With Dr. Niznik’s experience and guidance, parents gain a knowledgeable partner who understands both the educational system and the challenges families face when trying to access the right support for their child.
Understanding evaluations and eligibility
School evaluations can feel confusing and full of unfamiliar terminology. Dr. Niznik helps parents understand psychoeducational testing, assessment reports, and what the results actually mean for their child’s learning, behavior, and emotional needs. She explains how schools determine eligibility for services and helps families interpret scores, recommendations, and next steps so they can make informed decisions about their child’s support.
Navigating the IEP or 504 process
The process of obtaining an IEP or 504 Plan can be complex and sometimes overwhelming. Dr. Niznik guides parents through each stage—from requesting evaluations to understanding eligibility meetings, plan development, and annual reviews. She helps families understand their rights, what schools are required to provide, and how to approach the process with clarity and confidence.
Identifying appropriate accommodations, modifications, and services
Every child has unique strengths and needs, and effective support plans should reflect that. Dr. Niznik works with parents to identify accommodations and modifications that truly support their child’s learning, such as testing supports, classroom strategies, behavioral interventions, or specialized services. Her goal is to help families move beyond generic supports and develop plans that are meaningful, practical, and individualized.
Preparing for school meetings and advocating effectively
IEP and 504 meetings can sometimes feel intimidating or fast-paced, leaving parents unsure of what questions to ask or how to voice concerns. Dr. Niznik helps parents prepare for meetings by reviewing documents in advance, identifying key questions, and developing clear advocacy strategies. She supports parents in communicating effectively with school teams so they can confidently participate in decisions about their child’s education.
Ensuring your child’s plan is being properly implemented in the classroom
Creating a plan is only the first step—consistent implementation is essential for your child to benefit from the supports they are entitled to. Dr. Niznik helps parents understand how accommodations and services should be carried out in the classroom and what signs indicate that supports may not be fully implemented. She also provides guidance on how to address concerns with the school and work collaboratively toward solutions that ensure the plan is followed.
Coaching Options
• Initial Consultation: $200
• Ongoing Coaching: $185 per hour
• Advocacy Support Package: $750 for 5 hours of coaching and consultation
Let’s Get Started
If you're interested in coaching with Dr. Niznik, complete the form with a few details about your need. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.