For parents, figuring out how to advocate in schools for a child with a disability is like venturing into a jungle without a map or a compass. Having someone to guide you is invaluable. Our guest this month is Shauna Nordling, an educator for 18+ years with extensive personal and professional experience on this topic. She says: “I began working in education as a para professional for a self contained private school in Phoenix, AZ, for two years while going to community college. I then received my bachelor’s degree from Bradley University in Learning Behavior Specialist and Elementary Education. I began teaching at a large comprehensive high school as a resource English teacher and helped create the autism program in Tucson, AZ. From there I was a behavior specialist and student service coordinator at an elementary school in Vail, AZ. While pursuing a masters degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, I was the special education lead for a K-12 school. Currently, I am a high school counselor and 504 coordinator for a polytechnic high school. On a personal level, I am a mom of three children that range from 12-16 years old and married to an engineer. My oldest has epilepsy and we have been navigating the norms of that since she was in 5th grade.”