We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kiswanna Battle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kiswanna below.

Hi Kiswanna, thanks for joining us 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 started with a personal experience. I had a family member who was diagnosed with down syndrome. I have witnessed others in my community or in my church with learning difficulties. Growing up, I witnessed first-hand the challenges faced in accessing appropriate education and support. Despite incredible potential in these individuals, they often struggled to thrive in mainstream educational settings due to a lack of understanding and accommodations for their unique needs. This experience deeply impacted me. I realized that there were countless other individuals like those I knew who were not receiving the tailored support they deserved. I felt a strong sense of empathy and a desire to make a difference in their lives.
At the same time, I was pursuing my own education and had developed a passion for psychology and special education. I immersed myself in research, learning everything I could about different learning styles, interventions, and best practices for supporting individuals with diverse needs.

One day, while volunteering at a local education center, it clicked. I saw the profound impact that knowledgeable, dedicated professionals could have on the lives of students with special needs. But I also saw the challenges that educators and families faced in navigating the complex world of special education services.
That’s when the idea struck me. I realized that there was a crucial need for personalized, expert guidance in the realm of special education. Families needed someone who could demystify the process, advocate for their children’s rights, and provide tailored strategies to unlock their full potential. Educators needed support in implementing inclusive practices and accommodating the diverse needs of their students.

Initially, my business did not start out this way. I was focused on mentoring and tutoring However, with a fire ignited within me, I set out to pivot and turn this idea into a reality. I poured countless hours into research and planning, drawing upon my own experiences and expertise in special education. I reached out to professionals in the field, formed partnerships with local schools and community organizations, and began laying the groundwork for what would become my educational consultation business.

It wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, and plenty of obstacles along the way. But my passion and determination never wavered. I knew deep down that this was my calling, and that I had the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with special needs and their families.
Finally, after months of hard work and perseverance, I launched my educational consultation business. It was a proud moment, but it was also just the beginning of a journey that continues to this day. Every day, I am inspired by the progress and achievements of my clients, and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their journey toward success.

While I still work a full-time job, my current assignment has taken me overseas. I am currently working overseas for an educational company as the Head of Inclusion. As Tayo Rockson says, “use your difference to make a difference.” I am using mine to make a global difference.

Several factors led me to believe that starting an educational consultation business focused on special education was a worthwhile endeavor. I was able to identify an unmet need. With the unique expertise and passion, I knew that I could offer valuable support to both families and educators. Additionally, I believed that a one-size-fits-all approach to special education was not effective. Therefore, a tailored approach needed to be provided.

Each individual with special needs has unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles that require personalized strategies and interventions. My approach was to work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and goals, and then develop customized plans to support them in achieving success.

I was passionate about advocating for the rights of individuals with special needs and empowering them to reach their full potential because advocacy and empowerment is important. By providing families with knowledge, resources, and advocacy support, I aimed to ensure that their voices were heard, and their rights were upheld within the education system.
Ultimately, what excited me most about this idea was the potential to make a tangible, positive impact on the lives of individuals with special needs and their families. I knew that by offering expert guidance, support, and advocacy, I could help unlock opportunities and create brighter futures for my clients.

In summary, I believed that my educational consultation business addressed a critical need, offered a unique and tailored approach, and had the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with special needs. This combination of factors fueled my excitement and conviction that this venture would be successful.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Absolutely, I’d be happy to share more about myself and my journey into consultancy.

My passion for special education stems from a combination of personal experiences and professional expertise. From a young age, I’ve been drawn to understanding human behavior and learning, which led me to pursue a degree in education with a focus on special education and psychology.

As previously stated in the interview, I was able to witness the lives of many with special education needs who lacked the appropriate attention and care in school settings. I became determined to make a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs and their families. This determination drove me to delve deeper into the field, gaining experience through internships, volunteer work, and eventually working as a special education teacher.

However, I soon realized that my true calling lay in providing support and guidance beyond the confines of the classroom. That’s when I founded my special education consultancy business. My goal was to offer a range of services designed to empower families, educators, and individuals with special needs to navigate the complexities of the education system and unlock their full potential.

Here are some of the key services I provide:

1. Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Support: I work closely with families to understand their child’s unique needs and goals, and then assist in developing and implementing effective IEPs that support their academic, social, and emotional growth.
2. Advocacy and Legal Support: I advocate for the rights of individuals with special needs, ensuring that they receive the accommodations and services to which they are entitled under the law. I also provide legal guidance and support, including attending IEP meetings and representing clients in dispute resolution processes.
3. Professional Development and Training: I offer workshops, seminars, and training sessions for educators and school staff on topics related to special education best practices, inclusive teaching strategies, behavior management, and more.
4. Parent Education and Empowerment: I provide resources, workshops, and one-on-one support to empower parents to become effective advocates for their children and navigate the special education system with confidence.
5. Transition Planning: I assist students and their families in planning for life after high school, including post-secondary education, vocational training, employment, and independent living skills.

What sets me apart from others in the field is my personalized approach, deep expertise, and unwavering commitment to my clients’ success. I take the time to truly understand each client’s unique needs and circumstances, and I tailor my services accordingly. I am also deeply passionate about advocacy and ensuring that individuals with special needs have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

I am most proud of the positive impact I’ve been able to make in the lives of my clients. Whether it’s helping a student achieve academic success, supporting a family in navigating the complexities of the special education system, or empowering an educator to create an inclusive classroom environment, every success story reaffirms my passion for what I do.

Ultimately, what I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and my brand is that I am here to support and empower them every step of the way. Whether you’re a parent seeking guidance for your child, an educator looking to enhance your skills, or an individual with special needs navigating the transition to adulthood, I am here to help you achieve your goals and unlock your full potential.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Wow! So, I faced a significant challenge in pivoting from my previous roles as a mentor and tutor. While I had gained valuable experience working one-on-one with students, I knew that transitioning to a consultancy role would require me to expand my skill set, build new connections, and navigate unfamiliar territory.

One particular moment stands out in my memory as a testament to my resilience during this transition. Early on in my consultancy venture, I encountered a steep learning curve as I sought to establish myself in the field and attract clients. Despite my passion for special education and my belief in the value of my services, I faced setbacks and rejections that tested my resolve.

However, instead of becoming discouraged, I chose to view these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. I sought out mentorship from seasoned professionals in the field, attended workshops and conferences to expand my knowledge, and actively sought feedback from clients and colleagues to continuously improve my practice.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One experience, in particular, stands out as a turning point in my journey. I was approached by a family who was struggling to navigate the special education system and secure appropriate services for their child. Despite feeling the weight of responsibility and the pressure to deliver results, I approached the case with determination and empathy.

Through research, advocacy, and collaboration with the family and school district, I was able to help secure the necessary accommodations and support for the student. Seeing the relief and gratitude on the faces of the family and witnessing the positive impact on the student’s academic and emotional well-being, reaffirmed my commitment to my consultancy work.

This experience taught me valuable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and the power of advocacy in the field of special education. It reinforced my belief in the importance of my work and inspired me to continue pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. Each obstacle I encountered served as a steppingstone toward personal and professional growth, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with special needs and their families.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruthspromises4youth
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruthspromises4youth
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbattle?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: [email protected]