Meet Heather Wright, M.Ed. | Special Education Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Wright, M.Ed. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Before being a small business owner, I taught in a local public school district. I had never planned to own my own business. As I got older and gained experience and knowledge, I knew that I needed a change. It took a few years for me to decide what that actually looked like. I knew I still wanted to help students and families, but not in the traditional school setting.

During the Covid pandemic, I came across the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. This was the catalyst to being a business owner and where Heather Wright, M.Ed. LLC was born. After this mentorship, I decided that I was going to be a special education consultant/advocate who works with families who sit at the IEP table. I work collaboratively with families and school systems to meet the unique needs of the child. I am able to help families understand the special education process and give them the tools to be their child’s best advocate.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Finishing the chapter on teaching in a classroom was extremely difficult. Starting my next chapter of being a small business owner was exciting, but it also brought feelings of anxiety. While I was nervous, I knew this is what I needed to do. I needed to help parents understand the special education process. I needed to empower parents to be their own best advocates. I needed to make a difference with parents so that they could help their children.

As a special education consultant, my goal is to think outside the box and move a child’s education forward. I currently work with families of children with learning disabilities, autism, behavior disorders, and other health impairments. I work collaboratively with parents and districts to do what’s in the student’s best interest, which can be a different experience from traditional advocates in special education.

I have a unique perspective, as I used to be a middle school special education teacher. I know how special education works from the inside. At the IEP table, I focus on the student needs and help to ensure that tools and strategies are being implemented that will help them succeed in all areas and help to prepare them for future education, employment, and independent living. For parents, I help them to understand the process, so they can continue to be their child’s best advocate. They don’t have to IEP alone.

As a small business owner, I provide a variety of services to support families. I offer a free 30 minute phone consultation to all prospective clients. This is an opportunity for me to get to know the needs of the family and how I can support them. I share with families the next steps that they can take for their child and we’ll see if we’re a perfect fit to build their child’s IEP together. From there, families can book an IEP/504 plan review, purchase a package of 1:1 direct consultation hours with or without meeting attendance, or schedule me for a speaking engagement. Packages are tailored to meet the unique needs of each family.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I spend most of my time OTP (outside the perimeter). When I have out-of-town guests visit, I take them to Lake Lanier. I love showing them around the lake and might even take them out on a boat. One of my favorite wineries to visit is Yonah Mountain. The atmosphere is relaxing and the wine is delicious. A few restaurants in the area that I enjoy are located in downtown Alpharetta. Specifically, Foundation Social Eatery, Jinya Ramen Bar, and Never Enough Thyme.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be a business owner without my husband and family! With their help, I took the leap. Their encouragement and support mean everything to me and without it, I am not sure where I would be. I also want to thank my mentor, Catherine Whitcher, for creating the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. Her knowledge and expertise is second to none and provides a place for continued growth as well as a network of other coaches with similar mindsets.

Website: www.heatherwrightconsultant.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/heatherwrightconsultant

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/heather-wright-m-ed-8729bb136

Facebook: www.facebook.com/heatherwrightconsultant

Other: I am the author of Yearly IEP Planner: A Parent’s Guide that can be purchased on Amazon. https://a.co/d/7brwJrM