The IEP Guru’s advocates bring extensive professional experience in Special Education, disability services, and supporting families of children with disabilities.Mary Jo Ray-Jewett, Owner & Lead AdvocateMary Jo holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and formally began working as a Special Education Advocate in 2023, but her experience supporting families through the special education process began long before then.Since 2014, Mary Jo has worked as a school-based Occupational Therapist and has participated in IEP meetings as a member of the school team. For the 10 years prior to entering the school system, she worked as a private practice Occupational Therapist and frequently attended IEP and IFSP meetings alongside the families she served.Altogether, Mary Jo brings more than 20 years of experience working with children with disabilities and their families, with valuable experience on both sides of the IEP table.Catey, Special Education AdvocateCatey brings more than 20 years of experience working with children with disabilities. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Her professional experience includes eight years at the Marcus Autism Center, eight years as a public school Special Education teacher, and leadership in inclusive early childhood education at Emory University, where she currently serves as Director of Early Emory Inclusive Preschool and Pre-K.Her extensive experience with autism, Special Education, and the IEP process provides families with both practical and educational expertise when navigating their child’s needs.Together, Mary Jo and Catey bring decades of experience from clinical, educational, and advocacy settings. Their backgrounds provide families with advocates who understand not only Special Education and the IEP process, but also the realities of serving children with disabilities within school systems.

The IEP Guru places a strong emphasis on professional training and continuing education. Although special education advocates are not required to hold a specific license or certification to practice, The IEP Guru’s advocates have pursued additional education and voluntary board certification specific to special education advocacy.Both Mary Jo and Catey have completed the National Special Education Advocacy Institute (NSEAI) Board Certified Education Advocate (BCEA) training program. NSEAI’s comprehensive curriculum includes 198 hours of board-approved coursework across 12 courses, examinations, additional special education continuing education, and experience requirements. Mary Jo holds BCEA certification at the Fellow level, NSEAI’s highest certification level.Both advocates have also completed the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) Board Certification for Advocacy in Special Education (BCASE) program, which includes specialized training and examinations in areas such as special education law, assessment, exceptionalities, advocacy, and dispute resolution.In addition to their advocacy-specific training, Mary Jo holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, and Catey holds a Master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Both advocates continue to pursue professional development to remain current in the constantly evolving field of special education.

Special Education laws, guidance, and best practices continue to evolve, so ongoing professional development is an important part of The IEP Guru’s practice.Our advocates regularly review updates from professional organizations, including the National Special Education Advocacy Institute (NSEAI) and the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET). They also participate in continuing education opportunities and professional advocacy networks where current issues, legal developments, and emerging practices in Special Education are discussed.Staying informed allows The IEP Guru’s advocates to provide families with guidance based on current information—not simply on how things have always been done.

Yes. The IEP Guru provides in-person and virtual meeting support for families throughout Georgia. In-person availability depends on location and scheduling, while virtual meeting support is available statewide.Due to a conflict of interest, The IEP Guru does not provide advocacy services to families served by Gwinnett County Public Schools.

The parent remains an essential member of the child’s educational team. Hiring an advocate does not replace the parent’s voice, decision-making authority, or involvement. Instead, the advocate works alongside the parent to provide guidance, support, and expertise throughout the special education process.Every family is different, so the level of parent involvement may look different as well. Some parents prefer to take the lead while the advocate provides guidance behind the scenes, reviews documents, helps prepare for meetings, and steps in when needed. Other parents may feel overwhelmed by the process and prefer for the advocate to take a more active role in communicating with the school and leading discussions during meetings.Regardless of the level of support requested, the parent remains the expert on their child. The advocate brings knowledge of special education processes, educational practices, and parent and student rights; the parent brings invaluable knowledge of the child’s strengths, needs, history, and experiences.The goal is not to replace the parent’s voice, but to strengthen it. The IEP Guru works in partnership with parents so they can make informed decisions, participate meaningfully in the process, and confidently advocate for their child.

At The IEP Guru, we have experience and expertise in:IEP development, review, and implementationEvaluations, reevaluations, and eligibilityPresent levels and measurable annual goalsSpecially Designed Instruction (SDI)Accommodations and modificationsRelated services, including OT, PT, and speech-language servicesBehavior support, FBAs, and BIPsDiscipline, suspensions, and manifestation determination reviewsEducational records and data reviewServices, supports, programs, and placement optionsParent participation and procedural safeguardsIDEA and Section 504School and district communicationMeeting preparation and advocacy strategyResearch-based and evidence-based practicesDispute resolution and state complaint support

Absolutely. The IEP Guru recognizes that special education advocacy and legal representation serve different roles.Special education advocates provide families with guidance, support, and expertise related to the special education process, including IEP development, educational records, evaluations, services, accommodations, and parent participation. Advocates can help families understand their rights and options, prepare for and participate in meetings, communicate with school teams, and work toward appropriate educational solutions.However, an advocate is not an attorney and does not provide legal advice or legal representation. When a situation requires legal advice, involves issues beyond the appropriate scope of educational advocacy, or may require formal legal action, The IEP Guru will recommend that the family consult with a qualified special education attorney.The same philosophy applies to advocacy services. If a family's needs fall outside The IEP Guru's areas of expertise, a referral may be made to another advocate or professional who is better suited to provide that particular support.The goal is always to help families access the right type of support from the right professional—even when that means referring them elsewhere.