Special Needs Philosophy
This year I celebrate my 12th year advocating for children with special needs. As with most special needs advocates, my personal experience with my own child's special needs has led me down this interesting & challenging path.  The most rewarding aspect of my job is knowing that I have helped special needs children find their way in the classroom, on the playground & within themselves.  Each case brings new challenges.  High stakes MCAS testing continues to dominate the school environment.  Laws change & school teams have growing budgetary concerns.  This means the maze becomes more confusing for parents as they watch their child try to maneuver through an educational system that doesn't always see through the eyes or listen with the ears of a special needs child. 

Family mediation helps families navigate the complicated decisions that present themselves in special needs families.  Guardianship, death of a parent, divorce, or impasse about the care of a special needs family member often leaves families at odds as to the best decision for the special needs person in their life.  I am encouraged to see families choose mediation over court litigation.  The choice of mediation empowers families to make these most important decisions amongst themselves rather than through attorneys & court orders.  It is inspiring  to help family members come together to resolve differences pertaining to the sensitive decisions they face in behalf of a special needs family member. 

My advocacy experience & training; along with my certification as a skilled mediator, help to facilitate results for the child while maintaining open communication with the school team and families.  I encourage parents to be active team players in this process, to ask questions, inquire about all available options, & discuss proactive strategies pertaining to their child's needs.  In turn, this will enable parents and families to develop a better foundation of knowledge regarding the child's educational profile and lifestyle needs.  "Knowledge is Power" .....for parents and children.
Peace,
Nancy Reddish 
Special Needs Advocate / Family Mediator M.G.L. ch233 Sec. 23C
Andover, MA 01810
978.809.3134
Nreddish@comcast.net
 
Curriculum Vitae
SCHOOL / TRAINING
Life Insurance Certification:
Massachusetts Health Insurance certification
Massachusetts Life Insurance certification
Mediation Certification:
Certified 8(c)(iii) - Advanced Mediation Training, Mediation Works, Boston
Certified M.G.L.ch.233 Section C -  Certified Mediation Training,  MWI, Boston
Advocacy Training:
Special Needs Advocacy Training, Federation for Children w/ Special Needs, Boston
College:
B.S. Degree in Business  -  Suffolk University, Boston. 

WORK EXPERIENCE
Current - 2007 - Family mediator for special needs families
Current - 1997 - Educational Advocate for special needs children
2007  *Internship* - Co-mediator in Boston Municipal & District Courts
2005 - 2003 Parent Workshop Instructor
                       Federation for Children w/ Special Needs

CONTINUING EDUCATION / MEDIATION WORKSHOPS
Overcoming Impasse in Mediation,  Critical Errors in Mediation,  Domestic Violence & the Effects on Children,  Long Term Effects of Alcohol Consumption in Teens & Young Adults,  Children's Realities: The Truth about Children & Divorce

CONTIINUING EDUCATION / ADVOCACY WORKSHOPS
New Legal Developments in Special Education,  Interpreting Educational Evaluations,  Train the Trainer,  Interpreting Behavioral Assessments,  Current Legal Topics,  Communication Skills for Meetings,  Round-Table Legal Discussions

Affiliations
Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA),  the National Association of Therapeutic Schools (NATSAP),  the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN),  Association of Family Conciliation of Courts (AFCC),  the Mass Council on Family Mediation (MCFM),  and the Cadre Caucus.