4.9 (250+ reviews)

Supporting Every Child’s
Growth and Success

Special education advocacy, educational coaching, and behavioral consulting services
for families and educators, backed by real-world experience and compassion.

 Start with a FREE 20-Minutes Consultation 

Access Client Portal

“When a flower doesn’t bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.“

— Alexander Den Heijer

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

— Benjamin Franklin

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better do better.”

― Maya Angelou

About Carolyn,
Your Educational Consultant and Partner

With over 25 years in education — as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Central Office Administrator — plus 12 years leading special education programs and over 10 years advocating for my own children with IEPs, I bring a uniquely compassionate and experienced perspective to every family and school I support.

I understand firsthand the challenges of navigating educational systems while honoring each child’s unique needs and potential.

Free Consultation

Teaching

Years of classroom experience working directly with students with different learning styles and backgrounds.

Special Ed Leadership

12 years leading special education programs, and developing effective strategies to support student learning and growth.

Parent Advocate

10+ years advocating for my own children with IEP’s starting with the child find process; developing first hand parent perspective.

Facing Challenges Like These with your child?

Struggling to follow
through on tasks, routines,
or requests?

Feeling frustrated or
overwhelmed during
interactions?

Experiencing setbacks impacting your child’s well-being or academic success?

I help families and educators move from frustration to clarity — with strategies, support,
and advocacy that lead to real, lasting growth.

Free Consultation

Educational Advocacy and Behavior Consulting Services
Northern Virginia & Beyond

FTC Advocacy provides specialized behavioral support and IEP and 504 services from our Fairfax, VA
headquarters, with virtual consultations available nationwide.

Northern Virginia Office

In-person Advocacy and Educational Consulting Services

Nationwide Virtual Consultations

Nationwide Virtual Advocacy and Educational Consulting Services

On-Site Behavioral Assessments

In-person support within 60 miles of Fairfax, VA

Comprehensive IEP/504 &
Behavior Support Services

Whether you need immediate assistance, ongoing guidance in parenting and education, or comprehensive behavioral coaching, our services are thoughtfully designed to meet your family’s unique needs.

Direct Consultation And/or Representation for School Meetings

Availability:

Within 60-minutes of Fairfax, VA in-person (outside of this radius virtually)

It can be difficult to navigate school services and supports for your child.

The consultant can provide the parents/caregiver with guidance on navigating an upcoming meeting or can join the parent/caregiver at school meetings (Local Screening, 504, IEPs, FBA/BIPs, conferences, etc.).

Guidance will be provided to support the Parent/Caregiver’s decision-making process to achieve the best outcomes for their child.

Get Started

Records Review Meeting Preparation Eligibility, IEP/504, and FBA-BIP Review

A records review includes reviewing all pertinent information regarding the child in relation to the concern and/or in preparation for a meeting.

Next steps and recommendations are provided to the parent based on information gleaned during the review.

Prior to attending a school meeting, the consultant will meet with the client to review information gleaned from the records review and assist the Client in preparing for the School Meeting.

At times, parents/caregivers may seek input on their child’s current eligibility: Documents, individual Education plan (IEP/504), and/ or Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)/Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

The consultant can complete a thorough review of requested documents and provide specific feedback parent can utilize when collaborating with the school team.

Get Started

Weekly / Bi-weekly Behavioral Consultation

Format:

Virtual (Available across Virginia & U.S.)

Session Options:

25-minute or 50-minute appointments

Parents/caregivers will meet with the consultant to work on any of the following:

Data collection

Identifying the “Why” of the Behavior

Labeling External Behaviors of Concern

Developing primary behavior goal

Pinpointing strategies /techniques to support positive behavior improvements

Parents/caregivers can also receive immediate support for Urgent behavior concerns.

Get Started

ALL SERVICES

Years Supporting Children & Families

25 Years

Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Central Office Administrator

12 Years

Supervising special education programs and special education teams

10+ years

Serving as an advocate for my two children with Individualized Education Plans (IEPS)

Feedback From Parents and Educators

Comments from parents, educators, and professionals reflecting on their experiences and outcomes.

“If you have a kiddo with social-emotional struggles in school, Carolyn brings a broad base of knowledge from walking this path as both an educator and parent. Her compassionate kid- centered approach is a breath of fresh air. She has provided our family with clarity and support navigating school-based challenges.”

Middle School Parent

A lawyer for our situation seemed like a huge leap but we also felt there were enough concerns that we as parents didn’t know how to navigate on our own. We don’t have the knowledge and experience to speak the same language, to know the policies inside and out, to be up-to-date on all the latest advocacy efforts and changes that have been implemented.

I don’t want to antagonize the school but I did want them to start taking us more seriously, and bringing Carolyn in suddenly changed the overall tone of… well, everything. Suddenly things were getting accomplished. Some families may have chosen a different path in our shoes, but this has been the best decision we could have made for our family.

Elementary School Parent

We wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to you for providing our keynote at the Elementary School Counseling In-service. The combination of your personal story and your professional expertise made for an engaging and heartfelt message. The strategies and mindsets you shared, and the reminder that many of us know what to do, and need to follow-through on this knowledge was helpful as counselors begin their school year. The thanksgiving you shared toward your own child’s teachers and counselors was vicariously received and appreciated. Thank you for your dedication, collaboration and flexibility.

K-12 VA Public School District

“Working with Carolyn has been an absolute game-changer for our family. She helped us navigate the complexities of the Fairfax County Public School system and understand the processes needed to ensure our daughter received the support and resources she needed to thrive. Her guidance gave us clarity, confidence, and advocacy at every step of the journey. We’re so grateful for her expertise and compassion. We know that she will continue to be a trusted resource as our daughter grows and her educational needs evolve.”

FCPS ES Parent

We met and started working with Carolyn last year when our special needs son started Kindergarten. Our requests were lengthy and someone difficult to navigate at times and she supported us flawlessly through the entire process. We value and appreciate her experience of the school system in addition to her experience as an Advocate. Communication was prompt and thorough. But what I want to brag and scream from the roof tops the most was the representation we received at school meetings. It’s unmatched!!! I feel that I am pretty confident in advocating for my children and don’t mind speaking up with the school. Carolyn advocates to make sure the school understands our concerns but also makes sure we as parents know what was happening. I would absolutely give more stars if I could 🙂

ES Parent - VA/Northern Neck Area

As a teacher I have found Ms. Haydon to be a great collaborator who has guided families through the process AND who has helped me develop better IEP goals.

ES Special Education Teacher

I don’t have the words to explain how grateful I am to have crossed paths with C. Haydon. Educational Consultant is her formal title but she’s such a hero in my eyes. Mrs. Haydon goes to war for my children , making sure their educational needs and goals are fulfilled. I recommend to anyone who is looking for guidance and help for your child to use this service. Thank me later

ES Parent - Central VA Area

There is so much I could say about Carolyn. As someone new to teaching she’s taught me how to approach students who struggle to connect, how to meet them where they are, and how to not take things personally (this sounds easy but is actually a lot harder than you’d think). Instead of gatekeeping all of her techniques and what she’s learned by walking this road through her own personal evolution, she’s sharing her knowledge and talents with others who are in similar situations. She has decades of experience in education and special education. Her knowledge is extensive. I know she will provide empathy, care, and guidance for families walking this road.

Educator

I am so grateful for Ms. Haydon coming into my son and my lives by advocating to get the necessary help that is needed for him to succeed in the school system . I am glad to know that we are not alone and have the necessary support system .

Richmond - VA