Episode #8: Navigating IEPs with Danielle Sawyer

Moms of the Lou

Rebekah sits down with Danielle Sawyer as they discuss IEPs (Individual Education Plans) for students in St. Louis. Danielle, a special education teacher for 14 years, emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents and teachers and the role of advocates in IEP meetings. Danielle shares her personal experience with her son, who has hearing aids and other medical concerns, and highlights the importance of celebrating all the progress a child makes in their IEP journey. To learn more about IEPs, check out Danielle’s blog post IEP 101: How to Prepare and Be Ready to Advocate.

Here are local resources for families in the St. Louis area: Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, State of Missouri Disability Portal, Missouri Department of Mental Health, Easterseals, and VarietySTL. You can also go to your local school district for further resources.

Danielle resides in O’Fallon with her husband Devon, two boys, Harrison and Nolan, and three dogs! Danielle is a local Autism Teacher, who advocates for all abilities. Danielle and her son are both deaf/ hard of hearing— they’re a hearing aid/ cochlear implant household. Danielle’s hobbies include baking, riding four wheelers, exploring their property, sitting around a campfire, board games, and pinteresting crafts she most likely will never do! You can find The Sawyers at some of their favorite spots: Magic House, Big Joel’s Safari, and Indian Camp Creek!

We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in!

This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.