Working to get our son what he needed at school was a full time job and after years of back and forth with the school system, we were really feeling defeated. We were so fortunate that a friend recommended Michele to us! Not only did she become a trusted member of my son’s advocacy team, but her expertise and professionalism led us through a successful mediation process. She is knowledgeable and thorough in her work, leaving no stone unturned to make sure my son had access to everything he is entitled to. She made herself available for all our questions and concerns and was worth every penny we spent for her services. She fought for us when we’d reach the point of exhaustion and desperation. My son is now thriving with the supports he needs to be the best version of himself. Working with Michele is one of the best decisions we’ve ever made! My only regret is that we would have called her sooner.

Michele Gardner is the best advocate you can have to fight for your child’s needs. I felt supported in and outside of all IEP meetings. Michele knew what to say and what needed to be within the IEP. She came well prepared and recorded the meeting. Michele knew my child’s school record better than the school team did. She asked for my input every time. The results were very beneficial for my child. Michele met and exceeded my initial expectations of an advocate, and it is a pleasure to work with her.

I had been working with a Virginia Beach advocate for years and still my son was repeatedly restrained and placed in an isolation room year-after-year. Days after starting 3rd grade, the school told me that he wasn’t allowed to enter the school building. We both felt hopeless, and I was told it was my fault. Once I started working with Michele, my son was allowed back into the school, an FBA was completed, and a BIP was put in place all within a few short weeks. My son finished out his 3rd grade year having his best year EVER, and WAS ABLE TO ATTEND FIELD TRIPS with his general education classmates! Michele also helped secure hundreds of hours of compensatory services for my son!

Our son was starting the sixth grade in Norfolk Public Schools and has been in Norfolk Public Schools since Pre-K. When we started seeing his report cards, we notice a continuous problem. They were not following his IEP. We were not getting any help from them until we hired Michele Gardner. We handed over all our info to her and she took it from there. She is relentless about holding the school accountable. So far, she was able to get private funding for our son to get the education he needs. We are continuing to fight, and she plans on seeing this all the way. She is now part of the family, and you should make her a part of yours. Whatever your decision I wouldn’t use anyone else to help deal with any school issue.

I didn’t know what I didn’t know, but Mrs. Michele Gardner did! Mrs. Michele Gardner helped me navigate through the public school IEP process, understand what services my child should receive, and understand our rights. I am certain that having Mrs. Michele Gardner advocate for our family has changed the trajectory of my son future. Mrs. Michele Gardner is excellent at what she does, and she does it from the heart. I was amazed at how quickly Mrs. Michele Gardner acted on and resolved my situation! Her expertise and advocacy services exceeded my expectations by far. I believe her actions and assistance truly changed the course of my child future! Her dedication to creating change and being a strong voice for children is most impressive. Thank you for the work you are doing!

Michele Gardner and CKP Advocating & Consulting have been an invaluable asset to our son’s educational journey, and we are incredibly grateful for their unwavering support

Ms. Gardner has an in-depth understanding of special education laws and regulations, as well as the intricacies of the educational system. She has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that our son receives the appropriate services and accommodations to thrive in school. She not only possesses an impressive knowledge of special education laws and the IEP process, but also has assisted us in ensuring that our child’s rights are upheld. Further, Ms. Gardner truly cares about the well-being of our child and has taken the time to understand our son’s unique strengths and challenges in order to provide personalized advice and support.

CKP has made a positive impact on our family, and we highly recommend their services to anyone in need of a special education advocate. Their dedication to ensuring that every child receives the education they deserve is truly commendable.

After our very first phone conversation 1 hour later was my meeting Ms. Michele met me at the school and advocated very well for my child to receive his IEP I’m grateful for all your hard work.

Michele Gardner is the absolute best all around. I love how she fights for what’s right for the parent and child. I love her.

So I have been with Michelle almost a year and what a year it has been . She is amazing she loved my son as her own. She never took NO for an answer for anything. She never stopped until she was sure he had what he needed. Now he is in high school man that was scary. But when I tell u with her help getting things in order. High school has been one of the best years yet. I called her yesterday to tell her the progress he is making. Because of her hard work and dedication to our family he passed a math test. You wanna feel that amazing feeling as a patent. You need help let her help u have joy again. Michelle is the most caring person when it comes to helping children who learn differently. I can now say I have a friend and support system when it’s tough. I can never thank her enough.

We worked so hard without the results we needed before Michele stepped in to help us. She is kind, compassionate, understanding, and so knowledgeable. I couldn’t ask for a better advocate to help us navigate the complex IEP process.

I am so very grateful for Michele’s advocacy and support through my child’s 504 and IEP process. She helped me better understand the school system, their process for assessment, and overall my son’s educational rights and how to effectively advocate for him. She is respected within her role and is extremely knowledgeable within her field. Utilizing her services when undergoing any special education process is an absolute must.