
Mastering the Art of Effective IEP Goals: A Parent’s Guide to Child Success
Mastering the art of crafting effective IEP goals is pivotal for parents eager to see their children with learning challenges thrive in their educational journey.
We offer tailored consulting to meet each child’s unique needs. Our services provide personalized support for children, families, and educators to address individual challenges.
Our advocacy services guide parents and children through meetings. We ensure your child receives the necessary support and resources with a professional and sensitive approach.
Our coaching services help children build essential skills to succeed. We focus on developing personalized strategies to address each child’s learning strengths and challenges.
Our educational assessments provide critical insights into a child’s learning needs. We use these insights to create tailored support plans to enhance each child’s educational experience.
Tamara Ballou is an educational advocate with over 32 years of experience supporting families. She specializes in special needs and gifted education, helping parents navigate IEPs, 504 plans, and school communication. Her work focuses on building collaboration, resolving challenges, and ensuring every child receives the support they need to succeed.
Devon Willer is an educational advocate who supports families through the complexities of special education. She specializes in IEPs, 504 plans, and school communication, helping parents feel confident and informed. Her approach focuses on clarity, compassion, and creating effective strategies to ensure each child receives the support they need to succeed.
For intellectual and developmental disability services, including Early Start.
For assistance in navigating through all these agencies and resources, please contact us by clicking the button below.

Mastering the art of crafting effective IEP goals is pivotal for parents eager to see their children with learning challenges thrive in their educational journey.

As discussions about the potential abolition of the U.S. Department of Education circulate, many parents, educators, and policymakers ponder the future of special education and

Navigating the educational landscape for children with learning disabilities can often feel overwhelming for parents and educators alike. Understanding the key differences between an Individualized
Posted on Google Kenneth DavisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great location and servicesPosted on Google Audrey BooneTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tamara is such an amazing advocate! If you have a child struggling emotionally or academically at school and need advice or someone who knows what they're doing in your corner, then you will not be disappointed using Tamaras services and it is definitely money well spent! I still am trying to wrap my head around dealing with my daughter's school and what im suppose to do. Its a nightmare, but Tamara has been helping me so much through this process to get my daughter who suffers from severe depression and anxiety an IEP through her school. Trust me when I say that she knows what she is doing and kills it at the meetings I have with the school, which can be intimidating with all the school leaders there. They act like we as parents understand way more than we do when I comes to how the school system works. My daughter would be in a way worse situation now had I not hired Tamara to help me deal with her school. I actually look forward to the meetings with her school since Tamara always has my back and doesn't give them any slack and makes sure my daughter will get everything she needs to help her through this difficult time in her life. Tamara you are an amazing person and advocate and I cant thank you enough for all you've done for us!!Posted on Google Meghan C.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Putul DeviTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Kathleen ConnorTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tamara is amazing. She directed me in the right direction for my son who was having challenges in the Scottsdale School District. I can’t thank her enough for her recommendations and direction. We are now moving in the right direction. It wouldn’t have happened with out her guidance. Thank You!Posted on Google AislynTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tamara is an amazing advocate! She took her time to review all my sons documentations/records and was very well prepared for all IEP meetings. She was always available for telephone consultations and communicated in a timely manner. She was very supportive, understanding, and helped me have a better understanding of all my sons academic needs. I would definitely recommend her services to friends/family and anyone in need of a dependable, knowledgeable advocate.Posted on Google Christina CramerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tamara has been our advocate for a couple of months now and I can not believe all that she has done for us in just a short amount of time. We are so grateful for her and my son is finally being put in the right path to be successful. I would highly recommend her to anyone that has a child with an IEP or with a disability that needs to be put on the right path. Tamaras knowledge is truly unbelievable and blew me away.Posted on Google Julie WendtTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tamara gets the job done--is the most amazing advocate. Makes it look easy but after having 3 previous advocates, I know this is not the case.Posted on Google Lara ScottTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We wanted a knowledgeable, assertive advocate who could help us get what was needed for our daughter with special needs. Tamara Ballou was that person! We were so thrilled with her that we have referred her to many parents since!!Posted on Google Roxanna DeweyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Simply put, Tamara is the best. Her expertise, insight, and experience are unparalleled. If you find yourself in the situation of needing an advocate, look no further. You will not want anyone else in your corner. We found Tamara after I discovered that my son, who is on the spectrum, was being grossly mistreated in his public school. She is a fearless advocate and will always base decisions and recommendations on what is best for the child; she knows that the child will always drive placement. Today, because of her guidance, my son is thriving. I will always recommend Tamara.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
The mission of Ballou Education is to support families and their children by providing them with comprehensive advocacy support and services that will assist them in obtaining the appropriate education their child deserves. We believe all children have the right to quality education so that the child can reach their full learning potential.
A Special Education Advocate is a dedicated professional who stands up for the rights of children with exceptional needs. Their role is to support parents by providing information, guidance, and representation in matters related to their child’s education.
A Special Education Advocate is an ally who speaks on behalf of parents and their children with special needs. They work to ensure that families are aware of their educational rights and help them navigate the complexities of the educational system. This includes advocating for appropriate educational programs and services that meet the specific requirements of each child.
If disagreements arise between parents and school districts regarding the educational needs of a child with special needs, a Special Education Advocate steps in to facilitate communication and negotiation. They aim to find amicable solutions that benefit the child’s education and well-being.
It’s important to note that Special Education Advocates are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. However, they can recommend legal representation if a situation requires it, especially in mediation or due process cases.
At Ballou Education, our team of Special Education Advocates is committed to supporting families through every step of their journey. Whether you need assistance understanding your rights, navigating the special education process, or resolving disputes with your child’s school, we are here to help.
Choose your location to contact the right team