Amy Foody

Harmonious Alternative Dispute Resolution in Education

Dispute resolution has been an area of interest and passion for me for many years. I was first introduced to alternative dispute processes in special education about 23 years ago when I attended my first training on collaborative IEPs. Since that time I have spent many hours learning about facilitation, the legal process in special education, complaint processes, negotiation, mindfulness, equity and communication.

I have had the pleasure to work with ACSA, State SELPA, and individual Districts and SELPAs providing trainings, developing processes and modeling ADR strategies and facilitating contentious meetings.

A few years ago, I wanted to learn more about mediation so I have attended Pepperdine Straus Institute trainings for many years and I learned mediation skills through Pepperdine Straus Institute's course, Mediating the Litigated Case.

During my 36 years as a professional educator and administrator, I have facilitated hundreds of legal and early resolution meetings for special education issues, 504 issues and Universal Complaints. I am seasoned facilitator, and I have facilitated hundreds of very contentious IEP meetings successfully.

As a parent of an adult child with learning disabilities and as a past Special Education Administrator, I have developed a love of training others on the skills and art of ADR strategies. It brings me fulfillment to assist others to resolve differences that make a difference in the life of a child.

My Vision is to provide knowledge and expertise to empower other educators and parents in effectively working toward harmonious resolutions.