How can a consultant help?

People often seek the help of consultants to make decisions because they want to gain a fresh perspective on a problem and consider all possible options. Consultants have specialized knowledge and experience in their field, which can help clients make informed decisions and develop effective action plans. Additionally, consultants can provide objective feedback and guidance throughout the decision-making process, which can be especially helpful when dealing with complex or emotionally charged issues. Ultimately, consulting aims to help clients make decisions that align with their goals and values and lead to positive outcomes.

Welcome.

I am happy you are here. My name is Erin York, and I am the founder of Parentmind. Our goal is to assist parents in finding peace of mind by curating a welcoming environment that embodies hope, encouragement, and positivity while dealing with behavioral and academic challenges at home and school. We are dedicated to learning everything there is to know about our children's brains and finding the most effective ways to share this knowledge with anyone working with them.

Erin York

Principal Parent Consultant

  • I have seven years of experience as a Special Education Teacher & Case Manager in Katy ISD.

  • I hold a current Texas Educator Certificate - Core Subjects with STR Grades (EC-6) and Special Education (EC-12).

  • I spent my early years in New Orleans, LA, my primary years in Dayton, OH, and my post-college years in Seattle, WA, with a big move to Katy, TX, in 2008 after my second child was born.

  • I proudly have a background in the performing arts, completing my BFA in Dance Performance & Choreography, leading to continuing movement studies, receiving Nurturing Pathways Instructor certification, developing new programs for the Katy YMCA and Pregnancy Help Center, and presenting workshops to DePelchin, Catholic Charities, The Rise School, and many preschools around the Katy/Houston area.

  • I have additional full-time professional experience, including office management, marketing, and business development for non-profits, digital agencies, and the O&G industry.

  • I am a mother of two remarkable humans, both in high school, one of whom is Autistic (Aspergers, diagnosed through school at age 7)

  • Fun Facts: ENFP, left-handed, favorite sibling to an adored brother in Japan, loving SO to a Renaissance Man PhD, devoted bestie (whose names all begin with “M’)

  • Likes: creativity, functionality, spontaneity

  • Dislikes: inauthenticity, rigidity

  • As a parent of an Autistic son (Asperger’s in High School), I have faced numerous challenges both at home and in school. Nevertheless, I have witnessed how much my son has progressed, surpassing my early expectations of what I thought he could achieve. Raising a child on the autism spectrum requires a lot of sacrifice, energy, and patience, but it provides the gift of opportunity for self-discovery and direction towards understanding your life's meaning and purpose unlike anything else.

    My personal experience continues to inform professional work, allowing for an empathetic approach for parents facing similar challenges. Like many parents, I understand the importance of seeking multiple perspectives to offer my son the best opportunities that align with my goals (and his). As I am still on this journey, I draw on my relatable parenting experience to build a trusting relationship with my clients.

  • As someone who has worked as a special education teacher and case manager for seven years, I offer “insider” knowledge that can be valuable for a parent trying to make informed, strategic decisions. I offer a practical perspective on the often confusing education system by sharing real-life experiences to help mitigate concerns. The complexities of the public education system can be overwhelming, but I make it easier by clarifying school motives and rumored untruths to focus on what really matters.

  • I'm passionate about providing parents of children with learning and behavior challenges with the support they deserve to make informed strategic decisions regarding their children's educational needs. From analyzing diagnoses to developing individualized education plans and providing resource referrals, I’m here to guide parents through the process. My goal is to bridge the communication gap between parents and schools to ensure successful outcomes through effective communication strategies. I’m committed to encouraging parents to be the powerful and confident advocate for their child.

FAQs

Are you an Advocate?

While we provide some of the same services as a typical advocate, such as reviewing evaluations and IEPs, our focus is mainly on consulting with parents to understand their child’s needs better and inform future decisions. Therefore, we are not a professional advocate in a traditional sense.

Why don’t you attend ARD meetings?

We do not attend ARD meetings because we believe that parents are the best-suited advocates for their children. Additionally, our experience has shown that schools are more likely to take a collaborative approach when parents show up independently but are prepared and knowledgeable. This approach can lead to better outcomes for the child without unnecessary conflict.

What does ‘neurodivergent’ mean?

Neurodivergent is a nonmedical term that describes people whose brains develop or work differently for some reason. This means the person has different strengths and struggles from people whose brains develop or work more typically. While some people who are neurodivergent have medical conditions, it also happens to people where a medical condition or diagnosis hasn’t been identified.

Some of the conditions that are most common among those who describe themselves as neurodivergent include:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (this includes what was once known as Asperger’s syndrome)

  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  • Dyslexia (difficulty with reading)

  • Dyscalculia (difficulty with math)

  • Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing)

  • Dyspraxia (difficulty with coordination)

  • Sensory processing disorders

  • Mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and more

  • Anxiety disorders

Do you require a retainer fee?

No need to track billable hours - simply pay for what you need.

My top priority is to establish trustworthy relationships through integrity and authenticity.

~ Erin York, Parentmind Founder

Testimonials

Exceptional Support and Guidance for Parents: A Review of Parentmind and Erin York

I am thrilled to share my incredibly positive experience with Parentmind, spearheaded by the remarkable Erin York. As a parent of an autistic daughter, navigating the complexities of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and various evaluations seemed like an overwhelming task until I found Parentmind.

Erin York's dedication and expertise in reviewing my daughter's IEP, along with assessments from speech pathology, occupational therapy, and diagnosticians, was truly invaluable. She invested considerable time meticulously analyzing these documents and, more importantly, empowered me with a deep understanding of their implications and terminology.

What sets Erin apart is her ability to translate the intricacies of educational jargon into actionable insights. She not only deciphered the content but also guided me in devising a strategic plan tailored to my daughter's unique needs within the public school system. Prior to working with Erin, I was uncertain about what avenues to explore, let alone articulate my daughter's requirements effectively.

Comparing Erin's support to that of advocates, it became evident that her approach transcends mere advocacy. While advocates may offer reassurance, Erin goes above and beyond by delineating what is practically achievable within the school environment. Her realistic guidance steers parents away from unattainable expectations and towards solutions grounded in feasibility and success.

In essence, Erin York's expertise through Parentmind has been transformative for my daughter's educational journey. I wholeheartedly recommend Parentmind to any parent seeking not just support, but comprehensive understanding and actionable strategies for their child's educational advancement. Erin York and Parentmind epitomize excellence in parental support and advocacy, making a tangible difference in the lives of families like mine.

Dr. Kathleen Westfall ~ Houston, TX

Ms. York has been instrumental as our son’s case manager and resource teacher. Her passion to connect and get to know our son has made a huge impact on his progress and success. She takes the time to individualize his needs and meets him where he is to ensure a positive learning environment. We are so grateful to use her services as she is genuinely vested in the success of the students she teaches. She is a blessing to our family, and we are excited to continue working with her.

Yang and Tina Nam ~ Katy, TX

Get started with Parentmind, today.