Special Education Advocacy Firm Welcomes Jill Chuckas, MSW

March 15, 2011 - PRLog -- Collaborative Advocacy™ Associates (CAA), a group of professionals providing Connecticut families with educational advocacy services in support of children with special learning needs, announces that Jill Chuckas, MSW, of Stamford, has joined the firm as a special education advocate.

In this role, Ms. Chuckas will help parents of children diagnosed with: autism spectrum disorders; learning, speech and language, and developmental disabilities; ADD/ADHD; and emotional challenges such as school phobia and anxiety; to work with their school districts to ensure that appropriate educational and support services are in place to meet their particular special needs.  

Ms. Chuckas comes to CAA with over 15 years experience advocating for children. “Joining CAA is a natural progression for me,” Chuckas stated.  “Their commitment to help children with special learning needs gain access to educational opportunities speaks to who I am as a social worker and advocate.  I am thrilled to join such a respected team of individuals.”
 
This year, CAA is proud to be celebrating ten years of service to the special education community. Noreen J. O’Mahoney, C.S.W., S.D.A., founder and president of CAA, said: “The population of families with children who have special learning needs is growing exponentially and we have seen first-hand that both parents and school districts need help determining how to effectively serve these youngsters so that they receive the education they deserve. Jill’s knowledge and understanding of the special education system and how to get things done within it will prove invaluable in helping families work more successfully with their school districts.”

In her various positions, Ms. Chuckas has been intricately involved in the special education process – leading Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings, implementing and writing Individualized Education Program’s (IEP’s), coordinating services for children and families, facilitating conflict management, and supporting teachers and families to provide corrective, social emotional learning environments for children.  

Upon receiving her undergraduate degree from Syracuse University in Child and Family Studies and Psychology, and her Masters in Social Work from New York University, Ms. Chuckas spent ten years as a school social worker.  Most recently, Ms. Chuckas has been advocating for hand crafted small business owners at a federal level, including testifying before the Senate and collaborating on a legislative amendment.

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About Collaborative Advocacy™ Associates: We are special education advocates who provide support to families with children who have special learning needs, such as autism spectrum disorders; specific learning, developmental, or intellectual disabilities; ADD/ADHD; speech & language, orthopedic, visual or hearing impairments; traumatic brain injury; or emotional disturbance. We help you ensure that your school district is providing your child with an educational program and supports that truly meet his or her special needs, and help you determine and pursue your options if the school cannot or will not do so.