Advocate & Consultant
Emma Peterson, M. Ed. has dedicated her career in education to students receiving special education services. She entered the field of education directly following earning her Bachelor’s degree from Hampton University. After teaching the fundamental skills in an elementary setting, she went on to get her Master’s degree in Education from San Francisco State University. It was through her Master’s program that she transitioned to teaching in the middle school setting and began to examine more thoroughly behavior needs, interventions and supports. She ended her classroom teaching career in high school, where she focused on supporting students becoming advocates for themselves, while preparing them academically for college, trade school, employment and independent living. From the classroom, she transitioned to administration at the site and district level. Ms. Peterson would play a vital role in supporting students Pre-K through age 22 and worked to create new policies and initiatives to keep students in their least restrictive environment. In serving in these roles, she has had experience with all disabilities, but gained an expertise in SLD, OHI, EBD and Autism. Ms. Peterson has conducted site audits, countless professional development trainings, responded to state complaints, as well as participated in the due process proceedings, presented at parent community meetings, and most importantly is and will forever be an advocate for children.
Client Testimonials:
Client - PARENT OF elementary STUDENT WHO NEWLY QUALIFIED FOR SPED SERVICES
N. Green
From the very beginning, Ms. Peterson explained my rights and the entire IEP process in a way I could understand. She helped me to review the test results and reports from teachers and the school psychologist. Before working with P.A.C.E., I felt overwhelmed with the information and intimidated in the first meeting to ask any questions, even when I was unclear. Ms. Peterson represented me at the next meeting and it was night and day. I felt like I had someone with expertise helping me have a voice to make sure my son’s needs were met. I walked out of the meeting feeling confident in my son, his teachers and so thankful I had Ms. Peterson by my side to represent me.
Client - Parent of a student with a specific learning disability
S. Smith
I was so frustrated with the lack of support my daughter was getting, I was literally in tears. I reached out for support and was so thankful with the response from P.A.C.E. I was contacted immediately from Ms. Peterson who had so much compassion for me and my daughter. She quickly created an action plan for me to present to the school and helped me hold the school accountable for making sure my daughter had her supports in place. My daughter, now with the right supports has been successful. I cant thank Ms. Peterson enough for her empathy, patience and diligence in helping us.
client - high school student who was in jeopardy of not graduating
L. Brown
I turned 18 and my teacher said my mom didn’t have to come to any more meetings and I had to sign all of my IEP’s. I said “ok” not really knowing what that meant. I was in some regular classes and doing some work online to make up for classes I had messed up in before. I wasn’t passing any of my online classes because I didn’t know how to take notes and couldn’t pass any of the quizzes. My mom helped me find Ms. Peterson and she helped me get what I needed. I started getting printed notes, extra time for my quizzes and teachers checking in with me every class. Ms. Peterson helped me get in to summer school recovery and now I am on track to graduate at the end of summer. I may have given up without her help and I want to make her and my mom proud.