What I Do

Variety of educational books. Braiding Sweetgrass, Textured Teaching, Cultivating Genius, A Queer History of the United States, Teaching for Black Lives, Disability Visability, and Teaching When the World is on Fire

Educational Consultant.

I have an M.Ed in Special Education and have worked in the field of education for 20+ years. I am a certified teacher in WA State, a former special education teacher specializing in emotional/behavioral and learning disabilities, and currently train preservice teachers at the university level.

I provide educational consultation services to families educating at home and those navigating the public school system. I also provide customized PD workshops, presentations, and consultation for organizations and school districts. I have expertise in:

  • Special education services, advocacy, & IEP process within the school system

  • Alternative pathways for education, including self-directed education, unschooling, and play-based learning

  • Learning Disabilities, Neurodivergence, and Behavioral/Mental Health in children

  • Cultivating reflective and mentored spaces rooted in anti-racist, anti-bias, and liberatory practices for white parents and educators

My educational philosophy is built upon the work of Gholdy Muhammad, Lorena Escoto Germán, Zaretta Hammond, Jo Boaler, Megan Bang, bell hooks, adrienne maree brown, and many others.

Homeschool Evaluator.

I conduct test-free, unschooling-friendly annual homeschool evaluations for K-12 students. These are especially beneficial for families seeking alternatives to standardized testing and who are looking for a holistic, personalized experience with their annual evaluation process. As a home educating parent myself, I can come alongside you to tailor progress monitoring, resources, and recommendations based on your child’s unique needs.

My unschool/homeschool philosophy is built upon the work of Akilah Richards, Iris Chen, Peter Gray, and the many education scholars noted above.

More about Homeschool Evaluations

Curriculum Designer.

I design a variety of educational resources and adaptable materials for parents and educators seeking to integrate learning across content areas. All of my resources include focused, creative ways to integrate social justice topics and liberatory practices into learning experiences for children.

**Customized curriculum design available for families looking to incorporate social justice and social emotional learning with already-existing special interests.

Show me Resources!

Mentor & Coach.

I have an Masters in Psychology and have trained as a mental health therapist and worked as parent coach, behavioral consultant, and general family support in clinical, community, and in-home settings with individuals, parents, and families. I also mentor preservice and early career teachers as they navigate their first year(s) in the classroom. I am solution-oriented, skilled at brainstorming creative approaches to complex issues, and enjoy holding space for others as they travel their own path.

  • “Susan helped us reflect on our initial year of homeschooling/unschooling in a way that felt very supportive and informative. She wrote a lovely assessment letter summarizing our approach to our child's education and outlining some ideas for things we can focus on in the upcoming year. I highly recommend Susan's consultation services if you are looking for some structure and support that is completely congruent with a self-directed learning approach.”

    -Sara, Seattle parent & psychologist

  • “I worked with Susan during my second year as a 1st through 8th grade special education art teacher. My year began with several significant challenges and I seriously considered stepping away, but instead decided to seek support in Susan. This was one of the best decisions I've made. "

    -Eleanor, 2nd year teacher

  • "Working with Susan this year has felt like a sort of miracle grow for my teaching practice. I learned so much from her and am concluding my second year of teaching with a strong sense of skill and empowerment. Each week I would collect my teaching challenges and bring them to Susan, where we would tackle them together. I always felt joy in our collaboration and safe, seen, supported, and clear about how to proceed after each session. "

    -Eleanor, 2nd year teacher

  • "Susan is brilliant, humble, kind, and creative; and I would recommend her support to anyone wanting to further grow their teaching practice. In addition to all of this, it felt tremendous to work with someone so grounded in liberatory frameworks."

    -Eleanor, 2nd year teacher

  • "Susan was easy to communicate with and was very empathetic to our difficult schooling situation. Her thorough help decreased our stress and was kind and helpful in increasing our awareness of local resources available to us."

    Homeschooling Parent, WA State

If your family or organization is interested in Educational Consultation or Mentor/Coaching services, please contact me via email for a FREE 15-minute initial meeting to discuss your needs and determine our fit with one another.