Welcome to Debra A. Smith-Mitchell, llc - DASM

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• 20 + years of General and Special Education Instructional Experience (IDEA and 504) Pre-k - College
• 15 years of Senior Level Special Education Leadership as a Senior Level Supervisor
• Senior Supervisor in the 7th largest District in the United States
• Educational Advocate and Consultant
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist advocate and consultant
• Experience in Public, Charter, Homeschool, and Private School
• Certified in Exceptional Student Education and Educational Leadership
• Professional Mentor and Trainer
• Parent of a child with a Disability
• Parent of a child identified as Gifted
• Member of Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates
• Member of the Military Child Education Coalition

I am a proud graduate of Grambling State University and Nova Southeastern University with a Masters in Educational leadership. I am a certified Special Education Teacher with over 20 years of experience in education, from general to special education. I have been at both sides of the table as a parent of a student with a disability, teacher, charter school administrator, Pre k – Administrator, school level administrator, district level administrator and regional administrator in the seventh largest School District in the United States. 

Prior to being an educator, I was a Retirement Relationship Manager for a fortune 500 company. I understand the financial impact of having a child with a disability. I heard the call to become a civil servant in education and accepted the challenge. I pride myself in bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. I have successfully facilitated over 5000 meetings, including manifestations, legal collaboration, resolutions, Office for Civil Rights, State Complaints, and mediations. I have had to advocate for my own child’s rights and strategically won the battle. When it comes to protecting your rights, I am your educational consultant and will advocate on what's best for your child. I have worked with military families and understand the military family and child. I am a member of The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, The Military Child Education Coalition, and an affiliate member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association. 

I am well-versed in due process.  I bring expertise and a solid track record to every case to mediate and resolve matters proactively. If you have had the traumatic experience of having a disciplinary consequence given to your child and feel that their disability was not considered, or rights were violated I won’t hesitate to consult with you on a resolution and advocate via appeal. I have a background in both compliance and curriculum. 

My effective strategies lead to positive outcomes to move your child forward. Don't navigate the complexities of education alone. I am passionate, a trendsetter, highly qualified, recognized nationwide, and believe in creating your own table based on the needs of your child. Partner with me for expert guidance and support.

Do you feel they won the battle? Call me we WILL STRATEGICALLY WIN the war.

I simply ask that you believe that Strategy is KEY! 

We offer a wide range of educational consulting services to help you achieve academic success in moving your child  forward. Our services include: IEP/504 meeting attendance from addressing your concern as a parent to going through the eligibility process. We attend Manifestation meetings, Appeals of Discipline, assist with Legal collaboration, resolution and mediation meetings. We progress monitor and serve as a life coach for students and much more as we offer custom services.