Guiding neurodivergent students through school and college transition with expertise and clarity.
Services Include:
Psychoeducational evaluations for school districts and families to identify why your child may be struggling in school
Bridging the daunting high school to College search for neurodivergent students
Identifying and advocating for the right supports and accommodations so students can learn and thrive in school and college (K-12, college, and standardized testing)
I am Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved to conduct Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) at school district expense
Why Choose Alera?
Welcome! I’m Erin Sharkey, Founder of Alera Educational Services. I have over 13 years’ experience as a Special Education Administrator and School Psychologist advocating for over 1000 families at IEP and Section 504 meetings. I would love to help you and your student identify and advocate for the right supports at school and college to thrive in school and beyond.
My background and specialties:
I am specialized in neurodivergent learners (including learners with ADHD, autism, twice-exceptional (2E) profiles, learning differences, and emotional disabilities)
I give actionable recommendations schools and colleges can implement and will work side-by-side with you to advocate on your student’s behalf
I carry a deep knowledge of K-12 school and college disability services nationwide
I provide clear, thorough, school and parent-friendly reports and guidance
No waitlists!
Every Learner has Strengths. Every Learner has Needs.
Alera’s Advantage: After participating in countless IEP meeting with families navigating the daunting college search and disability advocacy process, I decided to launch Alera to guide students with disabilities through the college application and advocacy processes. Annual IEP and 504 meetings often do not allow time to cover all the critical transition components in depth (e.g., identifying suitable colleges, applying and advocating for accommodations, following-up on critical executive functioning skills in college). I will guide you through the daunting college search and advocacy process.
Alera also helps school districts meet their psychological service needs in a time of critical shortage, and helps families identify and advocate for the supports their students need.
In other words, Alera fills the gaps.