There is the old saying that when one door closes, another door will open. When I initially gave notice to work that I needed flexibility to be there for my kid and gave my notice I continued to work there for 30 days. I had no formal plan of what I would do next. I dabbled with the idea of maybe starting a blog, trying to help other parents with the knowledge I had in special education. I had started “The Average Mom CT” the instagram account before the pandemic with the intention to build it out and with work, kids and doctoral homework, it just sat stagnant. After I gave notice I began building the website (the one you are on now) and getting content ready and making initial plans of what I could do to try and make an income to contribute to my family but also had the flexibility to be able to be at the bus stop, attend the PTO meeting, volunteer at the school, cook normal meals (the mac and cheese was getting out of control)… I knew that initially I could start with Executive Function Coaching and Educational Consulting (see services tab) but did not know how long it would take me to build a client list and a semi-stable income. I began to do some informal networking so that I could understand what was out there. Went on LinkedIn, researched consulting, and spoke with people from my past to gain insights and then it happened. Someone made a recommendation to reach out to a specific person to pick their brain and see if they knew of anything that my skills set and knowledge base would be good for.
This person (the suspense is killing you, isn’t it) and I met via Zoom to say hello and get reacquainted – it had been a little over a year since my last interaction with them so initially I was nervous she (the first hint dropped) would not remember me. Imagine my relief when on the Zoom she not only remembered me but could recall meetings we had been in together. I explained my situation to her, that I wanted to be present for my kids but also wanted to see what work there would be out there for me and what tips she would have to do consulting. As we spoke it was evident that a crossover between our expertise may be an interesting collaboration. We spoke a few more times after that and our mutual excitement grew. She had flexibility of hours and the ability for me to work both in person or remotely and I was going to be able to do the volunteering at the school library and pick-ups from the bus stop and attend the boys appointments.
I am happy to say that I am joining Robin Keller Esq. and her team at Keller Law as the Director of Special Education Compliance and Special Education Advocate. Robin’s practice is unique as it allows for families to work with an advocate before calling in a lawyer. Since we are housed together, families would not have to start their process all over again advancing from an advocate to a lawyer because we can review together as cases progress for a seamless transition when necessary. Robin and I both have the same philosophy in regards to the PPT team – work together, make decisions that are centered around the student and provide equity in access to education. With the Keller Law work model I am able to continue work that supports students and still be present as a mommy.
*From Left to Right – Jennifer Steiner, Robin P. Keller & Dani Cohen
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