I would highly recommend Brie Serdar to any family trying to navigate school supports. Brie has a deep passion and empathy for children who struggle and the knowledge and dedication to making a difference for them. As an adoptive mom and leader of Sequoia Families adoption support group, I know that school challenges are often the #1 frustration point for adoptive, foster and kinship families. Schools often do not understand the nuances of working with children who have had attachment and complex developmental trauma and it is difficult for parents to find educational advocates who understand our children’s adverse childhood experiences. But Brie is that advocate! She was the first education advocate in Illinois to become fully trained as an “iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families Professional” taking the NTI Adoption Competency Training for School Mental Health Professionals by the Center For Adoption Support and Education. She understands the complex issues our children experience and the care needed to support the parent-child bond. With Bries’ extensive background in school administration, working with IEP’s and 504’s, she is able to break down complex legal terms into plain language parents can understand. Parents will find that Brie’s warm and solution-oriented approach is ideal for working with their struggling children.
Laura Adams
President iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families
Founder of Sequoia Families
Mom of two internationally adoptive children
Founder of Sequoia Families
Mom of two internationally adoptive children
(our child) is doing so amazing! She is like a different kid, and is doing so well. We owe you so much and really appreciate all you did for us! And thank you for checking in on her, shows what an amazing person you are!
Sari Schultz
Parent
Brie is an excellent advocate. She asked all the right questions and helped us get the services our son needed. Brie also helped us find a better placement for our son. There is so much information given at the IEP meetings and with Brie’s help, I was able to focus on what was most important. I truly don’t know what I would have done without her guidance throughout the IEP process. She listened to my concerns and was able to make sure those concerns were addressed by the school district.
Nancy Gonzalez
Parent
Brie is a fierce advocate for students. She is highly knowledgeable and experienced in the realm of special education law and services. I have had the privilege of observing her work passionately for the rights of students with IEPs and I strongly endorse her credentials.
Brie’s focus is on teachable moments and student achievement through her belief that every student can learn. Brie is able to positively impact the lives of students.
Brie’s focus is on teachable moments and student achievement through her belief that every student can learn. Brie is able to positively impact the lives of students.
Eric Hamilton
School Administrator
Absolutely worth every penny, brillant advocate, highly recommended!
Joan Wright-Parker
Teacher & Parent
I have known Dr. Brie Serdar both professionally and personally for the past 15 years. When
we first met I was a veteran special ed teacher who had always received favorable evaluations
and felt confident in the job I was doing. Our former boss always offered us praise but no real
suggestions for improvement.
When Brie was hired as our new Coordinator, she definitely raised the bar.
Her emphasis and expertise in the IEP process made all of us better at our jobs. She is
extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of Special Education law, and with her guidance our
IEPs became legally sound documents. As a result, we were able to more successfully
advocate for our students across the curriculum, with the documentation needed to back us up.
Although I am now retired, I am the grandparent of a special needs child who attends a
parochial school in another state. Brie’s advice has been truly valuable in helping us coordinate
services between the public and parochial school. I would highly recommend Dr. Brie Serdar to
anyone needing assistance navigating the IEP process.
we first met I was a veteran special ed teacher who had always received favorable evaluations
and felt confident in the job I was doing. Our former boss always offered us praise but no real
suggestions for improvement.
When Brie was hired as our new Coordinator, she definitely raised the bar.
Her emphasis and expertise in the IEP process made all of us better at our jobs. She is
extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of Special Education law, and with her guidance our
IEPs became legally sound documents. As a result, we were able to more successfully
advocate for our students across the curriculum, with the documentation needed to back us up.
Although I am now retired, I am the grandparent of a special needs child who attends a
parochial school in another state. Brie’s advice has been truly valuable in helping us coordinate
services between the public and parochial school. I would highly recommend Dr. Brie Serdar to
anyone needing assistance navigating the IEP process.
Kelly Kelleher
Special Education Teacher & Grandparent
She (DAUGHTER) has really come a long way and we have you to thank for you believing in her so much
Lisa Wernli
Parent
I want to tell you how awesome she (Dr. Brie) is! Dr Brie always made me feel like I was understood and appreciated for who I am. She always told me she was proud of me even for small things which made me feel good about myself and the progress I was making. I felt like I was the most special person in the world even though I knew she was helping other people.
Alek Wernli
Student
We wanted to let you know how much we appreciated your in-service on ‘Process of Individualized Education Plans, Special Education, and Advocacy.’ Thank you for contributing to our training this year!
R. Ketchum
Foster Care Director, Allendale
I worked with Brie Serdar for several years. She is phenomenal and knows the special education world inside and out. If you are struggling, do not hesitate to contact her!
Tina Leoni Bairstow
Teacher & Parent
I was on the district side across from Brie and I can tell you she’s a pro! Some advocates just talk to have something to say, but Brie was extremely fair and just wanted what was best for our mutual kiddo.
Jessica Goschy
Low Incidence Supervisor
We used Believe Advocacy Services and my only regret is not hiring her sooner. Brie knows the laws and procedures inside and out and she truly cares about kids and making sure they get what they need.
Amber Christine
Parent
