Services

Special Education Advocate, IEP/504 Coach, and Educational Assessment

Every child is more than a stack of paperwork.

That’s why we always start with a conversation. I want to hear your hopes, concerns, and dreams for your child.

A woman with gray, curly hair wearing a navy blazer and white blouse sitting at a desk with papers, holding a pen, in a well-lit office with large windows.

Then I will review your child's IEP/504 current and past records, which you’ve provided, and I dig into the evaluations, goals, accommodations, and progress reports with trained eyes.  We meet on Zoom to walk through what I’ve found, explaining where things stand, what’s missing, and areas needing to be addressed.

In that first conversation, we’ll make sure we’re on the same page—and that we both feel like this is the right fit. I believe in honest partnerships and clear expectations, and I want you to feel fully seen, supported, and informed every step of the way.

“We all carry different buckets. Some leak, some overflow, and some need refilling more often. But when we understand what each one holds, we can stop blaming the child and start building the bridge.”

 — Rhonda Austin, M.Ed.

What is best for you and your child?

A person with a gray striped sweater writing with a blue pen on paper at a wooden table with a white coffee mug and a closed notebook nearby.

Special Education Advocacy

Sometimes, you need more than support; you need someone who can step in, hold the line, and speak clearly on behalf of your child. As an advocate, I help you navigate the system, make sense of the data, and make sure your child’s needs aren’t just discussed—they’re met.

I attend IEP/504 meetings with you, review the IEP/504 draft paperwork or new assessments, and help ensure that you are a part of the decision-making team to meet the law requirements and your child's unique needs.

A yellow sign with purple, white, and yellow stripes that reads "Love to Learn" attached to a white wall, with a person walking in the background on a sidewalk.

IEP and 504 Coaching

Other times, you’re ready to be led, but you need a guide. IEP/504 coaching is for parents who want to understand the process, ask questions, and show up to meetings feeling confident and prepared.

Together, we walk through your child’s plan, clarify what’s working and what's not, getting you ready to advocate from a place of calm, not chaos.

When the IEP/504 meeting day comes, I do my best to stay accessible in case something shifts, and you need quick support in the moment. You’re not alone—even when it’s go time.

Two children working on assignments at a wooden table in a brightly lit room.

What’s the Difference?

Advocacy means I speak for you.

Coaching means I help you speak for yourself.

Both are rooted in deep experience, compassion, and a desire to see your child thrive. In both roles, I break down the process step by step and explain the acronyms, vocabulary, timelines, and options in plain language—so you’re not just present, you’re prepared.

You get to choose what feels right for your child, and I’ll be right there, either way.

Private Assessment

 My Assessment Work

If questioning a previous assessment or trying to understand your child’s learning profile, or if the Buckets and Barrels checklist gave you clarity or caused more questions, and you need data to support your gut feelings or observations, a formal assessment may be warranted. I approach every evaluation like a puzzle. My job is to figure out why your child is struggling—and how we can help them move forward.

Using a whole child approach, trusted tools, and plain language, you will get more than a report. Giving real answers, personalized insight, and a written roadmap for next steps—at school, at home, and everywhere in between.

I specialize in:

  1. Learning Differences like Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Executive Functioning, and ADHD

  2. Anxiety, Depression, and Behavior Disorders rating scales  (Leading to the next step, not a diagnosis)

  3. Formal Achievement

  4. Formal Cognitive strength-and-weakness profiles (Buckets and Barrels)

  5. Parent-Friendly explanations

  6. Practical Recommendations and Suggested Accommodations

  7. Assistive Technology Recommendations


  • A woman with long brown wavy hair, wearing a black blazer, smiling, with a brick wall background.

    “Rhonda is a passionate advocate who always goes the extra mile for kids. Her knowledge, organization, and deep commitment make her an incredible asset in the special education world.”

    Lacey Beachum, Special Education Teacher, Marcus 9th Grade Center, Lewisville, ISD

  • Portrait of a blonde woman wearing a white sleeveless top smiling against a plain white background.

    “We are so grateful for Rhonda’s guidance through the IEP process. She helped secure the right supports for our daughter with dyslexia and math challenges—boosting her confidence, keeping her on track, and helping her earn her diploma. She’s now in college. We couldn’t have done it without Rhonda!”

    Kerri Langford, Lantana, Texas

  • A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiling in front of Christmas decorations and a small festive house setup.

    “Rhonda is intuitive, compassionate, and fiercely committed to doing what’s right for children. Her expertise in special education law, assessment, and accommodations—combined with strong communication skills—has led to successful outcomes in every IEP meeting I’ve attended with her.”

    Jennifer Miller, Lead Special Education Teacher, Marcus 9th Grade Center, Lewisville, ISD

  • “Rhonda’s assessment uncovered several undiagnosed learning challenges for our daughter just before senior year. She not only identified the issues, but helped us secure a 504 plan and accommodations that boosted our daughter’s confidence and grades. Rhonda went above and beyond—we always knew she had our backs. I highly recommend her.”

    Brian and Debra, Coppell, Texas

  • Close-up photo of a woman smiling indoors, with dark hair and brown eyes.

    “Rhonda helped me get answers I couldn’t get from my child’s school. She worked around my schedule, explained everything clearly, and made the testing process easy—even fun—for my child. I highly recommend her if you need help understanding your child’s learning needs.”

    Christina Johnson, Celina, Texas

  • A woman with glasses smiling in a car, wearing a white fleece jacket and large hoop earrings.

    “Rhonda brings professionalism, warmth, and one of the strongest work ethics I’ve seen. Families and teams can expect expert support and a compassionate advocate who truly makes a difference.”

    Rosemary Frederickson, Ph.D. School Psychologist Retired Lewisville ISD

  • Decorative sign with the letters B and C inside a circle, mounted on a blue wall.

    “Rhonda has a sharp understanding of both students and systems. She brings compassion to the table, but also holds everyone accountable. When she speaks, people listen — because what she says is always grounded in experience and student-centered clarity.”

    B.C.- School District Team Member

  • “I met Rhonda when she came to Douglas Elementary as our educational diagnostician. From day one, she stood out — sharp, compassionate, and unwavering in doing what was right for kids. Later, I had the honor of working alongside her again when she became our assistant principal. I watched her support students, families, and staff with a rare mix of heart and backbone. Rhonda doesn’t just know the system, she knows people — and she fights for them. Even after I retired, our friendship has remained one of the greatest gifts of my life.”

    Catherine Mitchell, Retired Educator—Lifelong Friend, Tyler ISD

Contact Me

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