When I first began advocating, I quickly realized that not all IEP goals are created equal. Some move our children forward, while others just fill space on a page. In this episode, I sit down with advocate and educator Heather Knickerbocker, who brings over 20 years of experience in special education. She shares openly about how to create goals that truly matter, goals that shape growth, independence, and a meaningful future.

Heather’s insights will help if you’ve ever felt:

✨ Unsure if your child’s IEP goals are meaningful or “cookie cutter”

✨ Frustrated by vague goals that don’t lead to real progress

✨ Confused about how data should drive decisions in your child’s plan

This conversation reminded me and I hope it reminds you that IEP goals aren’t just paperwork. They’re a roadmap to independence and dignity. 💜

📥 Don’t forget to grab your FREE IEP Prep Pack here: Comment GOALS

💬 Have you ever walked away from an IEP meeting wondering if the goals really mattered? I’d love to hear your story.

Let's Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social media platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flordeamelia/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/flordeameliaebs

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

For content collaborations, please email me at flor@flordeamelia.com

#StartingWithIEP #SpecialNeedsParenting #ParentAdvocate #SpecialEducation #IEPGoals #ParentingJourney #SpecialNeedsAwareness

Advocating for your child in the special education system takes more than persistence—it takes heart. In this episode, I sit down with parent advocate Missy Purcell to talk about the emotional toll that comes with constantly fighting for our kids.

Missy opens up about her own journey, including:

💜 How schools brushed off her early concerns with excuses like “he’s a boy” or “he’ll catch up”

💜 The guilt and exhaustion she felt when labeled “too much” in IEP meetings

💜 Why she co-founded a parent advocacy group to give families a stronger voice

💜 Practical advice for parents who feel overwhelmed and alone in this process

This conversation is raw, real, and full of hope. If you’ve ever felt unseen in an IEP meeting, I promise you’ll connect with Missy’s story.

📥 Free Resource for Parents:

Download your FREE IEP Toolkit here → A Parent's Starter Toolkit

💬 Join the conversation:

What’s been the hardest part of your advocacy journey? Comment below! We’d love to hear your story.

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social media platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flordeamelia/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/flordeameliaebs

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

For content collaborations, please email me at flor@flordeamelia.com

#StartingWithIEP #ParentAdvocate #SpecialEducation #IEP #ParentingJourney #SpecialNeedsParenting #Advocacy

In this first episode of "Starting with IEP," I share the deeply personal story of my daughter, Aliyah. I open up about the painful journey of seeking a diagnosis, the frustration of being dismissed by doctors, and the emotional toll of watching my child struggle.

This isn't just a story about medical challenges; it's a testament to a mother's relentless fight to ensure her daughter is seen, heard, and supported. I explain how my own experience transformed me into a passionate advocate and educator, and how it fueled my mission to help other parents navigate the special education system with confidence and compassion. If you've ever felt alone in your journey, I hope this episode reminds you that you are not.

#FlorDeAmelia #SpecialNeedsMom #IEP #SpecialEducation #Autism #Epilepsy #InfantileSpasms #Parenting #Advocacy #Motherhood #Disability #SpecialNeedsParenting #Inspiration

Are you navigating the IEP process for your child's special education journey?

I’m Flor De Amelia, a special educator, behavior analyst, and fellow parent. I'll guide you to become a prepared and powerful advocate as we demystify IEPs and explore how these plans are truly a roadmap for your child's life.

Hear honest conversations with:

• Parents
• Siblings
• Young adults who had IEPs
• Dedicated professionals

Find the clarity, encouragement, and community you need to empower your child's future.

Let's start with the IEP and build from there.

Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social media platforms.

• Email: flor@flordeamelia.com
• Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/
• Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flordeamelia/
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/flordeameliaebs
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/