Foundations of Advocacy: Communication & Connection
Foundations of Advocacy: Communication & Connection
with Stacey Souza M.Ed. Lead Advocate, Master Advocacy Educator & Mentor, Levy Educational Advocacy
Course Overview
Feel confident speaking up and supporting your child.
In this six-module, go-at-your-own-pace course, you’ll learn simple, practical ways to communicate with your child’s school and take an active role in their learning. Whether you’re new to school meetings or have been to many, this course will help you understand the process, build stronger relationships with school staff, and feel prepared every step of the way.
In This Course, You Will Learn How To:
- Understand the different kinds of school meetings, what they’re for, what you might bring, and how you can participate in a comfortable and helpful way.
- Talk with teachers and school staff openly and respectfully, using easy-to-follow tips and sample phrases that help everyone stay on the same page.
- Protect your child’s privacy by knowing what information should be shared, what doesn’t need to be, and how to set healthy boundaries.
- Take part in meetings calmly and confidently, using a simple step-by-step approach to keep conversations focused on your child’s needs.
- Use clear, shared language at home and school so everyone working with your child understands their strengths and how to support them.
What's Included
- 6 Self-Paced Webinars – Learn at your own pace with focused, actionable content
- 1 Live Session with Stacey Souza – Interactive discussion and Q&A
- Guest Speaker: Alexandra Szabo, MA LMHC – Expert insights and strategies for connection and collaboration
- Dedicated Slack Channel & Communications – Connect, ask questions, and share resources
- Scripts & Guides – Practical tools for immediate application
- On-the-Go Audio – Learn anytime, anywhere
- Network, collaborate, and receive ongoing support
Dates Offered
January 12, 2026 - February 27, 2026
March 2, 2026 - April 3, 2026
April 6, 2026 - May 22, 2026
June 22, 2026 - July 31, 2026
This Course is For
Parents and Guardians
Time Commitment
10 Hours
Investment
$275.00
Outcomes
Personal Development
Continuing Education Hours
Professional Learning Units: 10
Certificate of Completion
About Our Guest Speaker
Alexandra D. Szabo, MA, LMHC
Alexandra Szabo is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of clinical
experience, serving both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. She holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s
degree in Counseling Psychology from Assumption University and has dedicated her career to
supporting individuals and families through compassionate, evidence-based care. Her clinical
expertise spans a wide range of diagnoses, with a specialized focus on at-risk adolescents and
their families. Alexandra began her career at a community-based agency, providing in-home
therapy and meeting clients where they felt most comfortable—a philosophy she deeply
connected with and continues to embrace in her own practice.
After earning her independent licensure, Alexandra transitioned into group private practice,
where she found the flexibility to balance her professional life with her role as a mother of
three. In 2021, she founded 401 Counseling Associates, a practice built on the values of
empowerment, empathy, and individualized care. Alexandra is formally trained in Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy and takes a strength-based approach, tailoring treatment to meet each
client’s unique needs. She is a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness through
therapy, education, and self-awareness.
In addition to managing her practice, Alexandra serves as a behavioral health expert for the
Massachusetts Court System. She conducts bonding assessments, parental evaluations, and
psychosocial assessments, providing clinical recommendations for other professionals to
implement—offering a unique perspective on systemic support and intervention.
Outside of work, Alexandra enjoys spending time with her family and can often be found at the
hockey rink cheering on her three children. Her commitment to both her family and her clients
reflects the heart of her practice: grounded, intentional, and deeply human.