IEP & Special Education Support for Pittsburgh Families

A collaborative non-attorney special education advocate for complex communicators & high-support need kids.

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Meet Your Advocate,
Sarah Hill

Hi, I’m Sarah.

Should I start with the professional?

I’m a non-attorney special education advocate who works collaboratively with parents navigating IEPs, school meetings, and complex communication needs. My role is to help you make sense of what’s happening, talk through options, and feel more confident about next steps without pressure or overwhelm. I step into IEP meetings as a collaborator with the school, not a bulldozer.

My work is grounded in neurodiversity-affirming, disability-positive practices and respect for each child’s identity, communication, and autonomy.

I’m a Council for Parent Attorneys & Advocates (COPAA) Special Education Advocacy training 1.0 graduate and member. This is one of only a few advocacy trainings in the country and the most well-regarded.

I also completed the PEAL Center Family Institute training (highly recommend to parents in the area!).

I have a master’s degree in rhetoric & composition, & in a past life I worked in the editing, writing, & communications fields.

OK, now on to the personal:

Life changed when I heard my child’s Autism Level 3 diagnosis and particularly when it became clear that he would be nonspeaking. Managing care became my primary concern and learning ALL THE THINGS about Autism, AAC, and special education replaced Netflix binging (fine, fine…almost replaced it).

I got into this field because I’ve been confused. I felt like a bystander at my child’s first IEP meeting, simply because I did not understand this convoluted system and frankly, I felt daunted sitting in front of a handful of school staff seemed to speak the language.

Now, about you & your kid:

You know your child best. I’m here to think things through with you and help give your child MORE GOOD DAYS.

Services

  • Pick My Brain

    A focused conversation when you need clarity, fast.

    This is a short, paid consult for parents who have questions but aren’t sure what they need yet. Bring an IEP, an email from the school, a behavior concern, or just the feeling that something isn’t right—and we’ll talk it through.

  • IEP Review & Guidance

    Understand your child’s IEP with confidence.

    IEPs can feel overwhelming—full of acronyms, vague language, and promises that are hard to picture in real life. I review your child’s IEP and walk you through what it actually means, so you feel more informed and more confident moving forward.

  • Meeting Preparation & Strategy

    Feel steady and prepared before school meetings.

    School meetings can be stressful, especially when emotions are high and time is limited. This service helps you organize your thoughts, clarify your priorities, and walk into meetings feeling more confident and less overwhelmed.

  • Ongoing Parent Support

    Consistent support as your child grows and needs change.

    Some situations aren’t solved in one conversation. This option is for families who want steady, thoughtful support over time as they navigate communication needs, behavior concerns, or ongoing school challenges.

Contact

You don’t have to have everything figured out—reach out to start a supportive, no-pressure conversation.