Testimonials

Sarah is an extraordinary advocate, and my family could not have been more fortunate for her guidance, expertise, and care while we were navigating a very difficult period during my son’s 11th grade year. Sarah was a steadfast voice of compassion as we attempted to figure out a course of action for how best to support my son during a prolonged and heartbreaking emotional crisis, which was intensified by his neurodivergent condition.

In my experience dealing with an underfunded school district, there is very little space to help kids who fall outside the margins, and our family would have felt completely alone if it were not for Sarah. Not only is she deeply knowledgeable about the legal rights of special-needs children within a school setting/learning environment, she is also fiercely committed to ensuring those rights and needs are met – from strategizing approaches and formal requests to following up to make sure the school and district are held accountable.

Most important of all, Sarah genuinely cares about kids, and my hope for all families sharing our experience is they have someone as extraordinary and dedicated as Sarah to advocate for them during their time of vulnerability and need.    

Parent of a High School Student, Oakland Unified School District

Sarah is as caring as she is knowledgeable when it comes to special education. Working as our coach, Sarah fought for our rights as teachers, implementing policies that protect teacher and student rights that are maintained to this day. She made sure our students were in the least restrictive environments and learning alongside their peers. It is clear that Sarah has a moral compass and antiracist values that guide her decisions. She is dedicated to students and to teachers and has a clear understanding of disability, disability impacts, accommodations and rights. She has always made time for discussion of students and support of teachers and in analyzing, she is able to zoom out to look at systems and zoom in to give advice and next steps. As a coach, Sarah set up a weekly newsletter, was responsive and checked in often and also planned an education series for special ed teachers. I feel lucky to have worked with such a passionate coach when I entered OUSD. 

Middle School Special Education Teacher, Oakland Unified School District

Sarah is an excellent educator and expert in a wide variety of Special Education pedagogy and policy. I not only learned so much while working with her, but our shared students did too. They thrived in her class and grew academically and socially.  I value her expertise so much that I trusted her when I had questions about Special Education rights and services for a member of my own family. Sarah is smart, organized, and deeply kind. She is the kind of person that any parent, student, or teacher would want in their corner. 

8th Grade Math Teacher, Oakland Unified School District