The paperwork is confusing
Turn dense IEPs, 504 plans, and assessments into clear language and useful questions.
Independent, non-attorney advocacy
Your voice belongs at the IEP table.
Walk into your next meeting prepared, informed, and heard—with experienced guidance that keeps your child at the center.
27+years in special education
K–12family-centered support
LocalVentura County
You’re in the right place
You don’t have to become an expert overnight.
Special education can feel like its own language. Donna helps you slow it down, understand what matters, and move forward with a plan.
The meeting feels intimidating
Prepare what to ask, what to bring, and how to keep the conversation focused on your child.
Something doesn’t add up
Look closely at the data, progress, explanations, and next steps before you agree.
How Donna supports you
Clear help for the moment you’re in.
You may need one focused review or support across several steps. The starting point is always the same: what does your child need right now?
Prepare with purpose
Review documents, organize concerns, identify priorities, and build the questions you want answered.
Talk about thisAdvocate with confidence
Get in-meeting IEP or 504 support from someone who understands school procedures and family concerns.
Talk about thisKnow what comes next
Make sense of assessments, goals, progress, triennial reviews, letters, and transition planning.
Talk about thisSee every way Donna can help+
IEP and 504 meeting preparation and in-meeting support
IEP, 504, and psychoeducational assessment review
Parent coaching on IDEA and Section 504 rights
Assessment, records, and disagreement letters
IEP goal review and progress-monitoring checks
Triennial review preparation
Transition planning for students 14+
Parent-group, PTA, and community workshops
Referrals to attorneys, therapists, or evaluators when needed
Meet your advocateDonna ChisholmFounder · LEP #2531 · Non-attorney advocate
Experience on both sides of the table
She knows the system. She listens to your family.
As a former special education administrator, Donna understands the procedures schools follow—and what a strong, individualized plan should look like.
She brings more than 27 years of education and training to every family she serves. Donna asks for the data, questions unclear decisions, and keeps the team focused on your child’s individual needs.
“I’m flexible in my approach to problem-solving because one size does not fit all.”
Qualified guidance you can trust.
Educational, psychological, and administrative insight at the same table.
- 01Licensed Educational Psychologist — California LEP #2531
- 02Master’s degrees in School Counseling and School Psychology — Loyola Marymount University
- 03Pupil Personnel Services Credential — School Psychology and School Counseling
- 04Administrative Credential
- 05Mediation training — Pepperdine University, Straus Institute
- 06Special Education Advocate Training — Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates
Your path forward
From overwhelmed to ready.
A clear process, without adding more to your plate.
Take the first stepReach out
Call or send a brief inquiry. You do not need every document organized before you contact Donna.
ListenTalk it through
Donna will listen, ask a few questions, and help clarify the most useful next step.
ClarifyBuild your plan
Choose focused hourly support or discuss a package shaped around your family’s needs.
Move forwardFlexible support
Start with what you need.
Focused guidance is available by the hour. Packages can be discussed when your family needs broader support.
$175/ hour
Good to know
Questions families ask first.
If your question is not here, reach out. You do not have to know exactly which service to request.
01What ages do you work with?+
Donna supports families with students in kindergarten through 12th grade, including transition-planning support for students ages 14 and older.
02Can we meet virtually?+
Yes. Services are available virtually and in person throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas, depending on your needs and location.
03How do fees work?+
Services are billed at $175 per hour. Packages may be available depending on the type and amount of support your family needs. Payment is due when booking.
04Are you an attorney?+
No. Donna is a non-attorney educational advocate and does not provide legal representation, due-process representation, mediation representation, or legal advice.
05What is the cancellation policy?+
Please provide at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Refunds are not available after services have begun.
Start a conversation
Let’s make sure your voice is heard.
Share a little about what is bringing you here. Donna will follow up to learn more and talk through the next step.