Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jaime Patton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jaime, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
It all began on a rainy afternoon in my small, cluttered office, filled with books, papers, and a few framed photos of my family and students. As I stared out the window, I reflected on my journey as a special education teacher. I had spent years in the classroom, working with incredible students who faced various challenges. While I loved teaching, I often felt limited by the system and the resources available. One day, after a particularly emotional parent-teacher meeting, I realized something crucial: parents were desperate for support and guidance. They loved their children fiercely and wanted the best for them, but they were often overwhelmed by the complexity of the special education system. They were navigating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), evaluations, and various therapies, all while managing their child’s daily needs. I could see the confusion and frustration in their eyes, and it broke my heart. I knew I could help. That moment sparked something within me. I started to think about how I could extend my impact beyond the classroom. What if I could create a consulting business that focused on empowering parents? I imagined a space where families could find not just answers but also the confidence to advocate for their children. It was a vision fueled by empathy and a genuine desire to make a difference.
As I contemplated the idea, I realized that while there were many educational consultants, few specialized in special education with a focus on parental support. Many were either too clinical or focused solely on school systems. I wanted to offer a unique, holistic approach—one that blended educational strategies with emotional support. My plan was to provide resources, workshops, and one-on-one consultations to help parents navigate their challenges. I felt a surge of excitement as I envisioned the possibilities. The logic behind it was clear: I was addressing a significant gap in the market. Parents needed someone who understood their struggles and could translate the complex language of special education into actionable steps. By combining my teaching experience with my passion for advocacy, I could create a supportive community.
As I began to lay the groundwork for my business, I reached out to former colleagues and parents I had worked with over the years. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Many shared their own experiences and frustrations, and some even expressed a desire for the kind of services I was proposing. The validation I received only fueled my determination. With every step forward, I felt a blend of excitement and apprehension. I knew I was stepping into the unknown, but the potential to make a lasting impact drove me. The idea of helping families find clarity and confidence lit a fire in me. It wasn’t just a business; it was a mission. So, with a heart full of hope and a mind racing with ideas, I set out to create my special education consulting practice. I poured my energy into developing workshops, resources, and support networks. Each success reinforced my belief in the importance of this work. I was solving a problem that many were struggling with and offering a unique approach that could truly transform lives.
Looking back, I see how that rainy afternoon marked the beginning of an incredible journey. My commitment to supporting families has only grown stronger, and I feel honored to walk alongside them as they navigate the often-challenging landscape of special education.
Jaime, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Absolutely! I’m excited to share more about my journey and the passion that drives my work as a special education consultant.
I began my career as a special education teacher, dedicating over 20 years to working in diverse classrooms. During this time, I had the privilege of teaching incredible students with various learning needs, from autism spectrum disorders to learning disabilities. Each student brought their own unique challenges and strengths, which shaped my understanding of the intricacies of special education. I quickly realized that my role extended beyond just teaching; it was about advocating for my students and their families.
As I worked closely with my students and their parents, I noticed a recurring theme: many families felt overwhelmed and confused by the special education system. They often struggled to navigate IEP meetings, understand educational jargon, and advocate effectively for their children’s needs. This inspired me to pivot from teaching to consulting, aiming to empower parents and caregivers to become their child’s best advocate. Within this process, Jaime Patton, Inc. was birthed, and “Parent Rights for Special Education: A Guided Journal Made Easy” was published (available on Amazon). This journal is meant to be an interactive confidence-building advocate journal for parents of children with IEPs. It focuses on simplifying parent rights and responsibilities, as well as the inclusion of goals, timelines, and to-do lists for parents to navigate the IEP world with their children.
In my role as a consultant, I focus on several key areas:
IEP Navigation: I help parents understand and navigate the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, ensuring they can advocate for appropriate services and accommodations.
Resource Identification: I connect families with valuable resources, including therapists, support groups, and educational tools that cater to their child’s unique needs. I’ve even published a journal to simplify and assist parents in understanding their parental rights within this journey of advocating for their children.
Workshops and Training: I offer workshops and training sessions that empower parents with knowledge and strategies to support their child’s learning at home and in school.
Emotional Support: Recognizing that the emotional aspect of parenting a child with special needs can be challenging, I provide a safe space for parents to share their experiences and feelings, fostering community and support.
What truly sets my consulting practice apart is my holistic approach. I blend my extensive experience in education with a deep understanding of the emotional landscape that families navigate. My aim is not just to provide information but to create a supportive partnership with parents, empowering them to take charge of their child’s education. I also emphasize practical, actionable strategies that can be implemented immediately. My consultations are tailored to each family’s unique situation, and I strive to provide personalized support that addresses their specific challenges.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with families and the positive impact I’ve had on their lives. Hearing from parents who feel more confident and capable in advocating for their children is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, I’m proud of the journal and other resources I’ve created that have reached a broader audience, creating an impactful effect of empowerment within the community. I also pride myself in being a lifelong learner, and being able to learn from and receive the special interests and knowledge my students bring to the table.
In essence, my work as a special education consultant is a labor of love. I am dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of families navigating the complexities of special education. I invite anyone who resonates with my mission to connect with me and explore how I can support you on your journey!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
The story of my pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic is one that profoundly impacted both my business and my perspective on flexibility and resilience. Before the pandemic, my consulting practice was primarily built around face-to-face interactions. I thrived on in-person workshops, group sessions, and one-on-one meetings with families. I loved the energy of being in the same room, reading body language, and building connections through shared experiences. However, when the pandemic hit in early 2020, everything changed overnight. Initially, I felt a wave of panic. My calendar quickly cleared as schools shut down and families were forced to isolate. I was concerned about how my clients were managing without the in-person support they relied on. I knew that parents were facing heightened challenges—juggling remote learning, working from home, and navigating the emotional toll of the situation. I felt an urgent need to adapt quickly, not only for my business’s survival but, more importantly, for the families I served.
After a few days of reflection and brainstorming, I realized that I had a unique opportunity to transition to a virtual format. While the idea was daunting, I also saw it as a chance to reach a broader audience. I began exploring different platforms and tools that could facilitate virtual consultations, workshops, and support groups. I started by reaching out to my existing clients to gauge their needs during this time. I discovered that many families were craving connection and support more than ever. This insight motivated me to develop a series of online workshops focused on navigating remote learning and managing stress. I also created a private online support group for parents to share their experiences, strategies, and encouragement.
As I began to transition to virtual platforms, I faced several challenges, such as mastering new technology and adapting my content for an online audience. However, with each workshop I hosted, I gained more confidence and discovered new ways to engage families. I incorporated interactive elements, like breakout rooms for small group discussions and Q&A sessions, which helped replicate the sense of community I valued in person.
The pivot proved to be a blessing in disguise. I was able to connect with families outside my immediate geographic area, expanding my reach and allowing me to support a diverse range of clients. The online format also made it easier for families to attend sessions without the logistical challenges of travel. Moreover, the support group became a vital lifeline for many parents. I witnessed incredible bonding and collaboration among members as they shared resources, strategies, and their own stories. It reinforced my belief in the power of community, even in a virtual space.
Looking back, the shift from face-to-face to virtual was a challenging but transformative experience. It taught me the importance of adaptability and the value of staying attuned to the needs of those I serve. I emerged from the pandemic with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to blending virtual and in-person offerings in the future. I am now proud to offer a hybrid model that combines the benefits of both formats, ensuring that families can access the support they need in the way that works best for them. This experience solidified my belief that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for growth and innovation.
Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?
Jaime Patton, Inc. is a Financial, Administrative, Education Consulting Firm that offers a variety of services within the community. For many, it has been coined your “one-stop shop” for individual and business needs.
Current Revenue Streams are as follows:
Tax Planning and Preparation: This is a core service that offers packages or bundled services for tax season.
Business Formation Services: Helping new businesses establish themselves is a valuable service with a legal presence.
Notary and Loan Signing Agent Services: These services are often in demand and are available to both individuals and businesses.
Special Education Consulting: As you already know, this service addresses a critical need in our community. We offer workshops, webinars, and resources for parents of students with IEPs.
Published Author: “Parent Rights for Special Education: A Guided Journal Made Easy” not only establishes me as an authority in my field but also leads to speaking engagements, workshops, and potential book sales or resources related to special education and parent rights. This journal is available on Amazon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jaimepattoninc.com
- Instagram: jaime.patton
- Facebook: Jaime Patton, Inc
- Linkedin: jaipattoninc
- Yelp: jaimepattoninc
Image Credits
Sheyel Rorie – Publisher of “Parent Rights for Special Education: A Guided Journal Made Easy”
Dr. Dhanvanti Moore – referral to this interview
Karen Davis-Johnson – leadership mentor