Super Hero Award 2009
Intuitive ~ Insightful ~ Collaborative
Larry has been helping parents navigate the school system, negotiating IEP & 504 Plan intervention, and consulting in complex casework, including Gifted Education, since 1998. Recognized throughout the education community as one of the most insightful consultants within special needs circles. An “insiders perspective” as an experienced educator, administrator, and teacher guides his practice. In 2009, Larry was the recipient of the Puget Sound Super Hero Award presented by Parent Map Magazine due to his nationally recognized advocacy practice.
Special Education Advocacy.org is founded upon four guiding principles:
- “Every child is a gift”; appreciation, truth, and understanding guide our efforts.
- “Mutual understanding” provides the foundation for authentic collaboration.
- “Strength based intervention” is the key to success; highlighted by “What works?”
- “Never go it alone”; parents need an “insider’s” guidance along the path!
Initially, Larry’s career started as an Elementary Teacher in 1980. By the time he was 30, he was one of the youngest principals in California and followed this passion for ten years. And loved every minute doing so. Then again, it was not easy supervising teachers who were old enough to be his parents, let alone being one of the youngest members of the staff. Something had to give for Larry was not one to compromise based upon the principle, “why reinvent the wheel” when he saw the need to reform everything from top to bottom. What started out as a “calling” eventually turned into a dead end. However, as one door closes, another opens …
This lead to a new path for he discovered a calling within Special Education and developed an advocacy / consultation practice in 1998. As an act of faith, the practice grew and now is considered one of the leading advocacy resources in the United States; in fact he supports education advocates across the country through coaching and mentoring. What makes his background even more compelling and well rounded? Larry coordinates Gifted Education programs part-time for a neighboring school district and serves as a valuable resource for principals, teachers, and parents.
In addition, Larry is the author of the following special education theme books available on Amazon.com and presents workshops for parents and educators in support of these works:
- Love, Understanding, and Other Best Practices: The New School of Thought on IEP and 504 Plans
- The Insiders Guide to Special Education Advocacy: Taking Control of Your Child’s IEP or 504 Plan
Embracing The Gift Within: Transforming Kids, Schools, and One Self, the next book to be published, will be featured throughout his latest presentations for the inspirational message, ”Gifted Education for All”, speaks to a wider audience; parents, educators, and their families. You can also catch him at workshops and training within the spiritual community presenting on a wide range of themes, including Special Education, Gifted Education, Heartmath, and Infinite Possibilities. A balance of head and heart is demonstrated through his work.
This is most evident within his work in partnership with Heartmath. and the “Infinite Possibilities” training. Inspired by heart-centered relationships, Larry discovered the science and research developed by the Institute of HeartMath as an invaluable resource for parents and educators. As our kids face sensory overload, anxiety, and emotional imbalance, the strategies and technologies of HeartMath compliment his work. Larry joined the Institute in April of 2011 and is now certified as a Resilient Education Trainer offering workshops and presentations in support of emotional wellness, resiliency, and related self-management strategies. Heartmath is globally well respected within education, business, and spiritual communities as one of the leading resources leading to individual and organizational wellness. Then, in the Winter of 2013, Larry and his life partner, Carmel, began a new journey working with the powerful tools and resources found within the Infinite Possibilities program. Based upon Mike Dooley’s work, highlighting the premise, “Thoughts Become Things”, Larry’s toolkit became even more well rounded for this work provides the groundwork skills associated with purpose, promise, and possibility; embracing the gift within.
Finally, as the advocacy practice has expanded over the years, Larry has partnered with a number of very talented colleagues and professional advocates when he is unable to work directly with clients himself. This has been very gratifying for it allows us to extend our calling and our services to more families throughout the country. Under the principle, “No one should ever go it alone”, our services bring expertise and peace of mind (heart) to your advocacy path. And you can be rest assured, you will be glad you made the connection!