Kristy L. Darby

Biography

Education Advocate

I am a passionate education advocate focused on empowering families of children with disabilities and committed to fostering inclusive education. My extensive knowledge of special education laws and personal experiences enable me to guide parents through the intricate process of obtaining essential services and accommodations for their children. Together, we will navigate challenges and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

The journey of parenting a child with ADHD and a learning disability was a road fraught with uncertainty and frustration. As we grappled with the complexities of the school system, we stumbled through endless meetings, our uncertainty overshadowing our son’s needs.

Our story took a transformative turn when we decided to enlist the support of an advocate. The impact was profound – suddenly, the path ahead became clearer, and our advocacy efforts gained purpose. With our advocate by our side, we transitioned from feeling overwhelmed to empowered. Our son’s educational experience transformed, reflecting the true potential that had been waiting to emerge.

Now, driven to share our story and insights with fellow parents, I am passionately committed to sharing our narrative and invaluable experience with fellow parents who are venturing down a similar path. By shedding light on the intricacies of educational advocacy, I strive to empower parents to take charge of their child’s education from the outset. Together, we can bring understanding, advocacy, and support to every child’s educational experience.

Education

• Masters in educational psychology (pending) | July 2024
  • Purdue Global
• Juris Doctor May 2019
  • Widener University Commonwealth Law School
  • Internship: Pennsylvania Department of Education | (Spring 2018)
• Bachelor’s degree in administration of justice |  December 2001
  • University of Pittsburgh-Bradford
  • Minor: Psychology (focus in Child Development)
  • Alpha Phi Omega, Service Fraternity

Other Training

• Paid Speaking Bootcamp | August 2023
  • Wendy Babcock, International & TedX Speaker
• ADHD Symptoms 101: An Overview of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | May 2023
  • Trish White, Director of Training, CHADD
• Master IEP Coach® | October 2021
  • Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed., Master IEP Coach®
  • Member of the Master IEP Coach® Network
• Wrightslaw Institute for Special Education Advocacy | July 2017
  • William and Mary Law School

Work Experience

• Paralegal/Education Advocate | Purdy Law Office, LLC |  October 2021-present
  • Conduct intakes with potential clients
  • Analyze individual education plans (IEPs) and 504 service plans
  • Network with community service professionals and connect with clients as needed
  • Draft legal documents for attorneys to utilize in litigation
  • Communicate with clients and act as liaison between attorney and clients
• Owner and Advocate | Bobby’s Bridge, LLC  | January 2021-October 2021
  • Created and developed material for clients whose children had disabilities
  • Analyzed IEPs and 504 service plans
  • Attended IEP meetings with clients as their advocate
  • Drafted correspondence to assist clients
• Van Driver | F&S Transportation | First Student | Spring 2021
  • Transported children with disabilities to and from school/home
  • Completed safety checks of the vehicle
  • Maintained attendance logs of who was transported
• Law Clerk | Anderson, Converse, and Fennick | August 2018-November 2020
  • Drafted legal documents for attorneys to utilize in litigation
  • Analyzed IEPs and 504 service plans
  • Communicated with clients and was the liaison between attorney/client
• Paraprofessional | Dallastown School District | Spring 2017
  • Worked with children with disabilities in the classroom
  • Monitored recess
  • Assisted the teacher with classwork

Professional memberships

• Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
• Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. (COPAA)
• Pennsylvania Bar Association (Paralegal status)
• National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)