Testimonials

Before attending your Turning 5 workshop, I was scared and lost beyond words not knowing what Turning 5 meant for my daughter. Your seminar, your knowledge of the educational system was amazing. It gave me the confidence I needed to find her a school she would strive in. The help and time you gave our family is greatly appreciated. I walked out knowing exactly what steps I needed to take to help my daughter find the appropriate school. She is in a great school and making such great progress. I really owe it to you!! Your expertise, guidance and support is greatly appreciated.

—Jenny S.

I attended your amazing CPSE workshop. What a gift you are. You have no idea how much better I feel and how much stress fell off of me after attending your seminar. I felt empowered and calm in a way I haven’t since I first noticed my son’s symptoms. There was lots of new information and your suggestions so appealed to me. You make so much sense.

—Stefanie Z.

A sincere thank you for your excellent “Life After EI” presentation. Not only was it informative, but you delivered it in an honest, no-nonsense manner which I found totally refreshing. Your one-page summary is a perfect transitioning tool for any parent, and I copied it for each of my son’s therapists and suggested that they encourage other parents to attend.

For me personally, I Ieft your meeting with a spring in my step as you helped clarify something for us. You said one sentence which I know we will always be grateful for: “Do you want your child to make it in a classroom, or to thrive in a classroom?”

—Marie D.

I just wanted to THANK YOU so much for your “Life After EI” presentation last night and for tirelessly answering so many questions. I felt shut down upon arrival, feeling depressed and overwhelmed. I walked out feeling rejuvenated, informed, optimistic and empowered. You really inspired me!

—Kari M.

I remember when my son was first diagnosed, I had no clue how to navigate the Early Intervention system. So often, I would say to myself: “I wish someone could just tell me what I need to do and I’ll do it.” Sure I read books and researched online. But there is nothing like hearing it from a mom who truly gets it.

Sarah Birnbaum is definitely a mom who gets it. I would have been lost during the Turning 5 process if not for her. Sarah genuinely cares and she is the voice of reason that helps you put things in perspective. She told me what to do when I needed to do it. Going through the process with someone like Sarah is a comfort: she will hold your hand and guide you every step of the way.

—Lisa F.

When I began the Turning 5 process, I felt overwhelmed. I toured so many programs and could not figure out what would work for my son. I came across Sarah’s website and called her immediately. She gave me wonderful advice, contacts, and information about school programs. Sarah helped me understand the process, and my son is now going to a great school. I am so thankful to have found her.

—Joanne V.

I want to thank you for such an informative and candid Turning 5 workshop. It is people like you that keep us going. I can’t tell you how grateful I am. You are exceptional!

—Bielka C.

I attended one of Sarah’s talks last fall and we spoke about my son’s Turning 5 process. He just began Kindergarten and is—for the first time—happy to go to school and happy when he comes home. My wife and I want her to know what an important service she provides and how grateful we are that she does. The information she shared was instrumental in setting us on the right track, and her guidance early on made what seemed an overwhelming process manageable.

—Scott B.

Without Sarah’s help, our daughter would currently be in an environment that is totally inappropriate for her. Sarah guided us from the EI system into the best center-based preschool in the city. She was always there for us, ready to answer any question we had. She knows basically everything about this extremely overwhelming system, and is by far the most highly regarded advocate in the city. The money we invested in our time with Sarah is priceless – we would have spent far more sending our daughter to a mainstream preschool which would have been the wrong place for her. Do not hesitate in using Sarah’s services for a second!

—Shari P.

Our child was diagnosed with PDD-NOS at age 2.5. I came to the appointment worried about my child and left devastated. I spent the next few days crying without any real clue how to best approach the situation. I tried reading stuff on the internet, but really was so overwhelmed I was not achieving anything.

I am a physician and have dealt with many stressful things in my life. This, however, brought me to my knees. I was thrown into a strange world and was totally lost.

Thank God I found Sarah. This is exactly who you need to speak to. An hour with Sarah is invaluable, and I have to repeat that: invaluable. She not only understands what you are going through, she kindly takes you and guides you with what you need to do to be an advocate for your child. If I could offer any advice to a parent in a similar position, I would tell you to chat with her. She came to all our meetings and it was such a comfort. I left knowing I could not have done any better for my child, and that is all we can hope to achieve. We will be her clients for many years to come.

—Mary C.

Sarah was an invaluable resource in navigating the Early Intervention system after a failed attempt at getting services that my son needed and was recommended for. Her guidance, support, and resources helped me be the best advocate for my son, and resulted in EI services the second time around. I am so thankful that I stumbled upon her name in the web world. From our initial contact, it was clear that Sarah is truly an expert in helping parents navigate these systems. I can’t recommend her enough. I know I’ll be definitely consulting her each step of the way.

—Maria P.

I was worried and frustrated before I met Sarah. Her amazing resources and guidance opened up my world! They gave me enough courage to be a strong advocate for my child. I couldn’t have gotten through the CPSE process so smoothly without her. She is that person who truly understands our situation, a fellow special needs parent. Sarah, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

—June C.

I was struggling with many questions about the transition from EI to CPSE for my twins. I was getting ready to meet with our district administrator when I turned to Sarah, who made herself available to me in the short period of time I had left before the IEP meeting. Sarah’s advice and expertise were invaluable in preparing me for the meeting and helping me understand my options. She helped me sort out all the information that was buzzing around inside my head and making me feel overwhelmed. Her caring presence was a tremendous support for me, and her help enabled me to advocate for my twins so that I got the outcome I wanted.

—Marina G.

Hiring Sarah was the best decision I made as I made my way through New York’s Early Intervention and CPSE systems. I only wish I had worked with Sarah earlier – it could have saved me a lot of precious time and avoidable distress.

Sarah is an invaluable fountain of information about the constantly changing landscape of special needs services. Furthermore, Sarah’s analysis and information is offered with the right mix of warmth and determination. Sarah’s optimistic demeanor was pitch perfect as I faced the state’s bewildering maze of rules and regulations.

After a session with Sarah, we formulated a course of action which greatly helped alleviate my feelings of helplessness. Instead, using her vast experience, Sarah helped me to put in motion a purposeful plan which eventually resulted in my son qualifying for five times the amount of services he had initially received.

—Tanya D.

Sarah is THE person to go to! I was devastated and worried when I learned that my daughter was not developing typically. Sarah provided much-needed support during a very challenging time. She helped our family navigate the EI, CPSE, and Turning Five processes. Her experience and advocacy were instrumental to my daughter getting the best services through CPSE and obtaining a spot at an amazing, highly desirable preschool program. Sarah is incredibly hardworking and committed to helping children maximize their potential. My daughter has made tremendous progress over the past few years, and I credit Sarah with helping her get to where she is now.

—Jean K.

Our daughter is physically disabled but is cognitively typical. We were having difficulty navigating the bureaucracy of the public school system and the intricacies of the special needs schools. Sarah was a great guide and resource. She helped us find our way to a perfect placement for our daughter.

—John R.

As the mother of twins, I was very overwhelmed with the Turning Five process. Sarah really guided me through it all. She took the time to review all reports and spoke to me about the next steps. She gave me such incredible resources and was a great sounding board. She made my year so much less stressful. Anyone who is able to work with Sarah is incredibly lucky!

—Kelly G.

Sarah was my sounding board during the kindergarten admissions process. I was able to share my thoughts with her after touring schools to get a better idea of what was best for my son. She spent time getting to know him at home and at preschool, then used that accurate picture to help me bring his personality alive in applications. She provided feedback on all my son’s reports and gave me invaluable insight on schools. I am a working mom with limited opportunities to make tours and visits, and Sarah was able to help me figure out the most appropriate programs to spend my energy on. Sarah’s advice was priceless, and now my son is going to a wonderful elementary school.

—Gabriela S.

I started the Turning Five process with a lot of incomplete and conflicting information, and I spent the first two months stumbling around and getting frustrated. Then I contacted Sarah, because her Turning Five workshop was by far the best of the four Turning Five workshops I had attended. After Sarah went through all my son’s reports and evaluations, she gave me a complete picture of our options and helped me to navigate through the process step by step. Also, when my son’s IEP was expanded to include additional therapies, she helped me find excellent providers so I was able to maximize the services we received from the CPSE. Sarah is warm, attentive, and encouraging, and I am so glad I know her.

—Caroline B.

Sarah is an invaluable resource and guide through the process of finding an appropriate special needs kindergarten. I could not have made it through this process without Sarah. She helped me determine which schools might be a good fit for my son; she referred me to an excellent neuropsychologist; and she helped me articulate my thoughts about my son’s strengths and delays in order to complete the stack of applications on time. Sarah has a unique set of skills: she is incredibly articulate, she is a good listener, she is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the process and the schools, she has sound judgment, and she is very sympathetic to the hopes, fears, and concerns that every parent expresses about their child and the future during this process.

—Pam S.

Sarah has been an incredible resource throughout the daunting process of finding the right special needs preschool and kindergarten for our son. She guided us through each step of the process, offering not only knowledge and great advice, but also emotional support. I’m not sure how I would have made it through the process without her. Our son was accepted to a wonderful school, and Sarah deserves much of the credit! My only regret is that I didn’t begin working with Sarah earlier, as she has made the experience of having a special needs child much less stressful.

—Vanessa D.

I contacted Sarah when my family decided to relocate to New York City from New Jersey. Sarah was instrumental in helping my son get accepted to a top preschool program in NYC. She then guided me through the entire kindergarten process. My son has now been accepted into a great elementary school. Sarah has a very thorough knowledge of special needs education and has given excellent advice to me.

—Linda C.

Since I first realized my son needed special help, I have been looking for a project manager — someone who knows the schools, the DOE, and the process — and could help me tie it all together. Sarah gave me invaluable insights and advice to help me crystallize the issues and make the right choices. She also is a terrific sounding board: like that friend who can listen, but also respond with informed opinions. Thank you, Sarah!

—Jeff B.

Sarah’s guidance and knowledge played a huge role in the success that our daughter has had this past year. Her assistance was critical in navigating the harrowing processes of obtaining special needs services and surviving the school application process. It was a constant relief to know that Sarah, as a mother of a special needs child herself, truly understood our concerns and was always available to consult, even on a moment’s notice. We feel so lucky to have worked with her!

—Abby L.

Halfway through my first phone call with Sarah, I felt like the world had been lifted off my shoulders. She understood my problems and spoke my language. Better yet, she helped me navigate the CPSE process and the processes that followed. Sarah’s knowledge in this field is invaluable. She coaches well and has empathy at the same time. After being under her counsel for the last 15 months, getting my daughter into the appropriate school and in appropriate therapies, we are on track and my daughter is thriving. Thank you, Sarah; you are a true lifesaver!!

—Meghan M.

Sarah’s talk on the transition from EI to CPSE was informational, empowering, and motivating. After hearing her speak, we engaged her to help us through it, and she gracefully guided us through what could best be described as a potentially stressful and unnerving process. Her expertise and assistance throughout was priceless and something I could not have done without. Thank you Sarah!

—Michelle N.

When I came across Sarah’s website, I felt like it was answered prayer. Having a child with special needs is challenging enough emotionally and mentally, but figuring my way around the system was another added difficulty. I had no idea what my options and rights were, what services I could get for my son, didn’t understand agencies or roles or how anything related and what we could expect or get. Sarah is like a sherpa who will confidently and encouragingly guide you through the special needs system. She is knowledgeable and kind. She helped me transition from EI to CPSE and successfully get my son the services he needs. Her free lectures educating families on her best tips are testimony to her heart of gold — she’s in this to help special needs children and families, and for no other reason.

—Maria L.

Sarah was extremely helpful in providing timely and helpful feedback on draft reports as well as interview strategies for our son’s admission process for special needs kindergartens in New York City. Her knowledge and understanding as a special needs parent puts her in a unique position to help you advocate for your own child to therapists, specialists and school admissions personnel.

—Michele K.

Words cannot even begin to express what Sarah Birnbaum has done for me, my son and my family! She came to my rescue when I didn’t have anybody else. All I have left to say is God bless you Sarah and thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!

—Tracie P.

I attended your seminar “Life After EI,” and I just want to thank you. You are a wealth of information, and I learned more in two hours than I ever thought imaginable. I can’t thank you enough!

—Joanna H.

My son was struggling in school, and when I was told to find a more therapeutic school for him, my support group recommended Sarah. Getting Sarah’s help was one of the best things I have done for my son.

Sarah looked at the whole picture — developmental history, doctor reports, school reports — and realized that my son was in dire need of additional therapies. Sarah sent over skilled therapists who instantly knew how to work with my son and help him achieve his potential. She recommended schools and prepared application packages, and her empathy helped me through a very dark time. After six weeks of intensive therapy, my son had become so successful that his school reversed its earlier decision and decided he could stay in the program.

Almost six months later, my son is thriving in school, getting the support he needs, and learning to cope appropriately with his challenges. I will always be thankful to Sarah for putting a plan in place that set my son up for success.

—Terry H.

Sarah is profoundly knowledgeable. She is a good listener and generous in sharing information and ideas. Sarah has an amazing gift and is very talented, her skills are exceptional and they come with her big, loving heart. She will give you 101% and I feel more than fortunate to know her.

I could not have gone through the CPSE process without having Sarah by my side. I feel I gained the necessary skills in becoming the best advocate that I can be for my son. I have Sarah to thank for giving me the confidence and support needed to be successful in this experience. Sarah not only had my son’s best interest at heart but mine as well, and together the three of us prevailed.

—Trina M.

Sarah Birnbaum is invaluable. Period. She is not only knowledgeable, caring, supportive and tenacious, but she will not rest until you are the advocate for your child that you always hoped to be. Her impact on our family has been life changing.

—Natasha G.

Sarah was my lifesaver when I felt I was drowning and she pulled me back up onto the surface. A colleague referred Sarah to me when my initial CPSE meeting was not successful. Sarah provided me with guidance and preparation needed in an effort to advocate for my three-year-old son. At my reconvene meeting, Sarah held my hand when I felt lost, provided me reassurance, and we walked out of the meeting with victorious smiles. My husband and I can not thank Sarah enough for her emotional support.

—Maria P.

I attended your Turning 5 workshop yesterday and I just wanted to say thank you, thank you, thank you for doing this. It was wonderful. You have alleviated so many of my fears and now I feel like I actually understand the process. Your honesty, empathy, enthusiasm, and encouragement are amazing. You are truly an inspiration. Again, thank you for giving your time to us.

—Rose R.

Do not go to your CPSE or CSE meeting alone. Please bring Sarah Birnbaum with you!

The transition from Early Intervention to CPSE was a daunting process for me. I was uncertain of so many things. Thankfully, at that time, I got to know Sarah. Sarah EDUCATED me about the CPSE system and TRAINED me how to be a good negotiator with the CPSE administrator.

I still remember how nervous I was during the CPSE meeting. Sarah’s presence in the meeting made me feel so relieved. Since she knew exactly what I wanted to say, she skillfully inserted herself into the conversation whenever I was not quite sure how to respond. It would not have been a successful meeting without her. Thank you so much, Sarah!

—Sunghee B.

I am usually an articulate and savvy person. However, when it came to my son, I was so overcome with emotion that I could not put two sentences together. After having gone through a difficult time with his Early Intervention services, I cannot express how much anxiety I felt about his upcoming initial CPSE meeting. A fellow parent of a special needs child mentioned Sarah Birnbaum and told me to look her up.

Sarah was caring and knowledgeable from our first interaction. She diligently read my son’s reports, told me which areas to highlight, and walked me through all the various scenarios of the CPSE meeting. The prep, although difficult, was invaluable. I was very nervous at the meeting but having Sarah there, and remembering all we discussed, helped me keep my composure, speak clearly, and advocate strongly for my son. Thank you, Sarah, for your encouragement and support.

—Sylvia S.

Having gone through the Early Intervention program, I feel like these IFSP/IEP meetings are make-or-break-moments. Knowing I would have some challenge, I really wanted to make sure we got our first CPSE meeting right the first time. Who wants to have to hire an expensive lawyer and appeal later?

Sarah gave me all the information, preparation, and support I needed to get through the meeting confidently and successfully. We got all the services we set out for, and are so grateful to Sarah for helping us through the process. She has the perfect recipe of experience, knowledge, and kindness. Sarah is thorough and dependable, and I would call on her again without hesitation.

—Shelly K.

Sarah was invaluable in helping me figure out where my son would thrive in his school placement. She was extremely knowledgeable about the special needs world of NYC, and throughout the process was thorough, organized, caring, and optimistic. Her compassion and attention to detail were extremely helpful in what was a trying time. Sarah’s ability to go above and beyond what is actually requested of her still amazes me, and I can attest that aside from being a terrific consultant on special needs, she is a truly wonderful person as well.

—Pam W.

Sarah is an excellent listener who knew what I was feeling and delivered clear, helpful advice. She’s easy to talk to and understand. Working with her is empowering: she often helped me feel more calm and confident, especially during our Turning Five meeting.

Sarah knows how to explain difficult things simply and easily. She’s a library of resources who indexes quickly through her sources to get you what you want and need. Sarah has a solid-gold code of ethics: fights hard on your behalf, on time, prepared, organized critical thinker, vivacious and optimistic, and she keeps her word. I cannot thank her enough for what she has done for me and my children. Our choice to retain her as my five-year-old son’s advocate turned out to be the best decision we made.

—Rafael R.

Sarah is willing and able to be whatever you need: a guide, handholder, cheerleader, source of information, source of support, editor, researcher. She is lovely, kind, knowledgeable, and supportive. Sarah organized my thoughts—and sometimes my feelings—better than I ever could have. You will go through the process with an ear to listen and advise at every turn, so you won’t ever be left feeling like you missed something that could have been done.

—Cynthia S.

—Wendy L.

Sarah Birnbaum helped me understand a complicated report that documented my son’s disability, and helped me get through the school application process. Parents who feel lost and anxious (like I did) should definitely hire someone to help them. I’d highly recommend Sarah to my friends, not only because of her expertise, but also because she is a great person to talk to about the personal struggle involved in advocating for your disabled child’s education.

—Robin T.

Sarah has the unique ability to be both the caring, empathetic friend and the savvy, street-wise insider who has the knowledge you need to find your way through the maze of parenting a child with special needs. It’s been two years now, and I can’t believe how far my daughter has come. I have become her best advocate and could not have done it without the incredible support Sarah has provided.

—Sheilah B.

Sarah provided invaluable assistance in assembling airtight backup for my daughter’s IEP so we had no issues getting a great level of services approved.  Based on my prior year’s experience, there is no way it would have gone this way without all of her help.  She saved me thousands of dollars by helping me get services approved that I had previously been paying for privately.  I strongly recommend her services to anybody going through this process.

—Joanne H.

Sarah Birnbaum has been our “go-to” person from day one, when we suspected something was amiss with our son. Without her guidance, we wouldn’t have known how to access top-notch services in Early Intervention, get our son set up in a therapeutic nursery, put together a comprehensive program, or transition into CPSE. She knows the special needs landscape inside and out and has been an indispensable guide, helping us navigate this often overwhelming new terrain. Sarah has been available to us about matters large and small, and her emotional support and level-headed advice has been invaluable. Therapists come and go, teachers come and go, but Sarah has been a constant and indispensable member of our son’s team.

—Dawn K.

Sarah is an amazing source of information about the special needs world. We can’t thank her enough for the tips and advice she has given us about increasing services and getting into great schools. Thanks to her help, our son has improved tremendously. We couldn’t believe that within a year he went from having no words to speaking in sentences; from not being able to say “Mama” or “Papa” to trying to get our attention. I feel very lucky to know Sarah and benefit from her guidance.

—Wen Q.