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Prefered provider hub.

Highlighter Preferred Provider Badge

Find your next IEP advocate.

Looking for trusted experts to support your child’s education? Our Preferred Provider Hub features a handpicked network of advocates, therapists, attorneys, and specialists who are experienced, compassionate, and committed to helping families navigate special education with confidence. Each provider listed here meets our standards for excellence and shares our mission of making the process easier and more effective for families.

IEP advocate

Nigel Atwell

Attorney

Nigel Atwell is an education and civil rights lawyer in Washington, D.C. He represents families of children with disabilities in public and charter schools, ensuring they receive evaluations, special education, and services under IDEA. He also advocates for students facing discrimination, harassment, or abuse in school based on disability, race, or national origin. Nigel has a special focus on cases involving reading challenges, autism, and teachers retaliated against for supporting students’ rights.

IEP advocate

Lisa Richer

Neurodiversity Consulting

Lisa Richer is a seasoned Neurodiversity consultant with 18 plus years of experience guiding parents and educators through the neurodiverse learning journey.

She believes everyone has the right to live their best life & deserves access to the resources that help them get there. Intentionally helping you navigate your learner’s journey through collaboration, authenticity and vulnerability, she provides a pathway to clarity, bringing forward the courage and confidence to find your voice along with the strength and knowledge to advocate for your learner to thrive.

IEP advocate

Liz Sokolov

Transition Coaching

Liz Sokolov is an educator with 25 years of experience, including 20 years teaching high school English in independent schools. In 2019, she transitioned to working as an Academic Advisor at a young adult mental health treatment center, supporting neurodivergent students recovering from mental health crises. She also runs a private tutoring business and recently launched NeuroPossible, an educational consultancy focused on helping families of neurodivergent students plan for life after high school. As both a parent of a neurodivergent teen and a specialist in the field, Liz helps families find programs with the right support so their children can thrive.

IEP advocate

Sid Wesseldine

Advocacy

After retiring from teaching, Sid Wesseldine has continued to serve families. Sid founded SDW Consulting to help families by sharing his knowledge, expertise, and professionalism in the special education world. Sid prides himself on ensuring every child is set up for success. He is well respected in the field and offers a unique approach for student advocacy.

IEP advocate

Shanta Callen

Advocacy

Shanta is a special education expert with over 15 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and behavior specialist. She co-founded Callen & Adams Educational Consulting, is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children, and is pursuing her Ed.D. in Special Education. As both a professional and a parent of a child with a disability, Shanta brings deep insight and a personal commitment to helping families navigate and advocate within the public school system.

IEP advocate

Kristie Adams

Advocacy

Kristie is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and co-founder of Callen & Adams Educational Consulting, a Black and woman-owned organization focused on inclusive, trauma-informed support. With over 13 years in education, she trains professionals and caregivers on behavior strategies, crisis intervention, and community resources. A member of the Council for Exceptional Children, Kristie is committed to seeing neurodiversity as a strength and expanding opportunities for BIPOC neurodiverse individuals.

IEP advocate

Sarah Simmons

Tutoring & Advocacy

Sarah Simmons is a longtime educator and family coach with 17 years of experience in alternative care and education programs, including after-school tutoring, outdoor education, and cooperative work-based learning. She specializes in connecting families with resources that support their unique needs and sees Highlighter as a powerful tool to enhance both her professional practice and her own family’s educational journey.

IEP advocate

Audrey Carroll

Tutoring & Advocacy

Audrey Carroll is a seasoned educator and parent with over 20 years of experience supporting students with disabilities. She’s led special education programs, managed IEPs, trained teachers, and holds advanced degrees and certifications in special education and advocacy.

IEP advocate

Meg Flanagan

Advocacy

Meg Flanagan is a certified special education teacher and advocate who has helped over 150 families across the U.S. and abroad. With a master’s in special education and a focus on meeting prep and data-driven goal setting, Meg empowers parents to walk into IEP meetings prepared, informed, and ready to advocate effectively for their child.

IEP advocate

Lauren Isaacson

Tutoring & Advocacy

Lauren Isaacson is a former special educator, author, and founder of The Tutoring Hub. She’s taught in public schools and internationally, and now works full-time as a non-attorney advocate and tutor. Lauren helps families understand and navigate special education with clarity and confidence, offering both one-on-one support and accessible resources.

Join the Prefered Provider Hub!

Elevate Your Impact • Gain Visibility • Shape the Future 

What is the Preferred Provider Hub?

The Preferred Provider Hub is an exclusive group of special education professionals—advocates, attorneys, therapists, psychologists, and related experts—who are committed to improving parent engagement and advocacy across Maryland, DC, and Virginia. By joining, you’ll play a pivotal role in refining Highlighter’s platform and ensuring families receive the best support possible.

Why Join?

  • Get Featured & Recommended
    Be included in Highlighter’s AI-driven referral list that connects families directly to your services.

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  • Expand Your Reach
    Increase your professional visibility through website spotlights, guest blog features, and newsletter shoutouts—amplifying your expertise.

  • Shape the Future of Advocacy
    Collaborate with Highlighter’s team to influence product development, ensuring our platform addresses the real-world challenges providers and families face.

  • Recognition & Credibility
    Showcase your commitment to special education advocacy with a Highlighter Preferred Provider Badge to display on your website or materials.

Questions?

Email [email protected]

A smiling woman with curly hair, wearing glasses and a white collared shirt, posed against a stylized teal and pink graphic background.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome dedicated professionals in the special education space, including but not limited to:

  • Independent Advocates & Attorneys

  • Therapists (SLP, OT, PT)

  • Child Psychologists & Behavioral Specialists

  • IEP Consultants and Coaches

  • Other related specialists supporting families in navigating special education

How it Works

  1. Submit Your Application
    Provide a brief overview of your practice, background, and why you’re excited to join.

  2. Selection & Onboarding
    Our team will carefully review applications. Accepted providers will receive onboarding materials and quick start guides.

  3. Collaborate & Engage
    Start using the Highlighter platform to connect with families, offer feedback on improvements, and share insights that shape future product features.

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