Jackie Darrough
Lead Advocate
Hello! I am mom of many kids who have gone through special education from birth through adulthood. My boys are the only ones still in school and are 16 and 17 (current junior and senior). Both of my boys have extensive IEP’s due to complex medical and educational needs. I’ve been through it all with and because of my kids – mediation, facilitation, state complaint, OCR complaint, due process, FBA, BIP’s etc. We have had IEP’s under multiple areas of eligibility – Early Childhood Developmental Delay, Learning Disability… (read more)
Michelle Harris
Advocate
In 2007 I found that I was pregnant with quadruplets. These are not my first children, as my oldest children from a first marriage, were 13 and 11 at the time I gave birth to my quadruplets. The quadruplets were born 13 weeks premature. Due to their premature birth we lost one of her babies and the other three survived but had various issues due to their premature birth.
…(read more)
Arie Boldt
Advocate
Hello, my name is Arie Boldt. I am a mother of four children. When I first started on this journey, I had no idea where to look or how to find help for my children. My younger two children have complex medical conditions and need accommodations, modifications, and goals in the educational environment. They both have IEPs for their needs, but it took me time to find out how to advocate for them. With lots of research, and stumbling on the IEP/504 assistance group, my eyes were opened wide. I have learned so much that I became a volunteer for PASEN (formally known at AESA) for 2 years before I knew this was my passion to help other families. My struggles with special education made me a stronger, more motivated, knowledgeable advocate not only for my children, but others as well. I hope that you find PASEN just as helpful as I have.
How We’re Helping
PASEN is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit [83-2054691] dedicated to the students who are “outside the (bell) curve”. Whether delayed or gifted, exceptional students need support beyond that of neurotypical children. We are an organization focused on providing resources and training to parents of exceptional children.
We also provide free educational advocacy to exceptional children in the public school system in our Facebook group at IEP assistance and Special Needs Parenting Advice. We also run a FB group [Homeschooling Special (Needs) Kids] for those that have a serious interest, or are ready, to start homeschooling.
Get Involved
Are you passionate about education? Let us know! We are always looking for volunteers to help us make our vision a reality. We’ll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you. We’re excited to have you join the team!
THANK YOU
Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn’t accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you.