When 11-year-old Khalany began attending a new middle school in Washington, DC, his mother, Meyling, worked quickly to connect with his new IEP team to ensure he was receiving the supports and services outlined in his plan. But despite repeated calls and emails, she struggled to get a response from the school.
Feeling ignored and unheard, she began to worry that her son's needs were not being fully addressed.
When 11-year-old Khalany began attending a new middle school in Washington, DC, his mother, Meyling, worked quickly to connect with his new IEP team to ensure he was receiving the supports and services outlined in his plan. But despite repeated calls and emails, she struggled to get a response from the school.
Feeling ignored and unheard, she began to worry that her son's needs were not being fully addressed.
"I felt like no one was listening to me, like I didn't have a voice."
Her concerns came into focus during a routine visit with her son’s pediatrician, Dr. Jessica Weisz, at Children’s National Hospital in Columbia Heights, where she spoke about the challenges she was facing communicating with the school. That conversation led to a referral to EdNavigator.
Shortly afterward, she received a call from her Navigator, Ashly. For the first time, she felt someone was truly listening. She shared her concerns about her son’s IEP and gave permission for Ashly to connect directly with the school.
From the beginning, Meyling felt comfortable working with Ashly. She appreciated not only her professionalism and expertise, but also her empathy for her as a parent. While she is bilingual in English and Spanish, she preferred discussing matters related to her son's education in Spanish and valued being able to receive support in her primary language.
But what stood out most was the time Ashly took to ensure she fully understood her son's educational plan. Concepts that once felt overwhelming were explained clearly and patiently, step by step.
“She gave me a chart and explained my son’s IEP in great detail,” she shared. “The support wasn’t just technical—it was comprehensive.”
Over time, Ashly helped Meyling navigate communication with the school by providing templates, reviewing correspondence, and preparing her for IEP meetings, leading to more productive and responsive communication. Teachers began reaching out directly, meetings became more productive, and Meyling felt better informed and equipped to participate in decisions about her son's education.
The changes were also visible at home.
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For Meyling and her son, having a Navigator in their corner did more than help resolve challenges at school—it helped them find their voice.