Local Educators Provide Advocacy, Classroom Support for Students

Parents who need help navigating through the school system don’t have to go it alone, thanks to two local moms.  

Anna Conley and Maureen Wheeler, directors of Sewickley Learning and Advocacy, LLC, are offering a new educational service that works to build a bridge between home and school.

With the beginning of the upon us, parents looking to give their kids a running start can use SLA to develop a success plan that fits their child's specific needs.

“A lot of times a third party can be beneficial,” said Wheeler of Coraopolis.

Conley of Edgeworth said sometimes just having someone sit down and better explain an education plan, such as the "Individualized Educational Plans," or IEP, can mean a world of difference. For some parents, simply trying to interpret the assessment jargon can be difficult, especially if they are new to the system. 

“We are available to do that,” Conley said.

It was at a  mixer that Conley, who has a son and daughter, met Wheeler, who also has a daughter. The two stay-at-home moms were getting to know each other and started finding they had much in common while discussing work history.

Conley had a master’s degree in education and years of experience teaching fourth grade in a high-needs school in Virginia. Wheeler, too, had a master’s degree in special education and spent years working for an autistic school in Baltimore after being trained through Johns Hopkins University.

“We talked about what we missed and how much we enjoyed that work,” Conley said.

Passionate about special education, the two teachers began looking for a creative way to stay in the loop. After doing research in the area, they found it impossible to find services that provided an advocate for children and families.

“We came up with this idea and made it happen,” Wheeler said. 

The SLA site launched a little more than a week ago and is currently offering a special that brings the SLA advocates right to your home. They'll provide a consultation, create academic materials and provide a follow-up session for children up to 21.

If a parent wishes, they can also attend meetings, visit schools for observations and provide help with community activities outside of the classroom to ensure a child receives the appropriate services and support.

“We’re a second set of eyes to find a solution to what’s going on,” Conley said. 

Learn more about Sewickley Learning and Advocacy by clicking here.

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