Welcome to Student First Consulting.

Empowering Families Through Advocacy.

Navigating the special education system can be overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone.

Upcoming Free Webinar

Preparing for Your Child’s 2025–2026 IEP

Get ready for the school year with expert guidance!


Join Norah Schumann and Ashley Bennett — two seasoned special education professionals with over 60 years of combined experience — for a free webinar designed to help parents and caregivers feel confident and prepared.

📅 Date: Tuesday, July 23
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM EST
📍 Location: Online via Microsoft Teams

This is a must-attend event for any parent navigating the IEP process!

Teacher and adult women in a classroom engaged in a discussion

-Navigating Special Education Together.-

At Student First Consulting, we believe every child deserves a champion — someone who understands the system, hears your concerns, and advocates alongside you every step of the way. Whether you're navigating an IEP meeting, struggling with communication at school, or simply don’t know where to turn — you're not alone.

We're here to support families and individuals with disabilities through compassionate, professional, and personalized educational advocacy. Let’s work together to make sure your voice is heard and your child’s needs are met.

Featured In:

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Logos of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals and the National Association of Special Education Teachers.

Mission & Vision

Student First Consulting is dedicated to helping families navigate the special education process, highlighting the critical role of parental involvement. According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents have protected rights to provide input, and children who require additional support are entitled to a free, appropriate public education.

We advocate for equity in education and empower parents to actively engage with school IEP teams to create meaningful change for their children.

Meet Norah Schumann

Founder & Lead Educational Advocate

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With over 25 years of experience in Special Education and Educational Leadership, Norah Schumann is passionate about supporting families through every stage of their special education journey.

Norah holds a Bachelor's degree in Special Education from Illinois State University and two Master’s degrees from Indiana University—one in Severe Disabilities and the other in Organizational Leadership.
She has served as a classroom teacher, assistive technology consultant, administrator, and most recently as Assistant Director of Special Education Advocacy at a law firm. After relocating from Chicago to North Port, Florida, she founded Student First Consulting to ensure every child receives the support they deserve.

Our Services

We offer a wide range of advocacy and consulting packages tailored to meet your family’s unique needs — at honest, affordable prices.
You'll never be upsold or pressured into a service you don't need. Our goal is your child's success.

  • Document Reviews (IEP / 504 Plan)

  • Eligibility and Initial Services

  • Individual Support for Existing IEP/504 Plans

  • Meeting Advocacy (Eligibility or IEP Meetings)

  • Programming and Service Revisions

  • Functional Behavioral Assessment / Behavior Intervention Plans

  • Transition Planning (School to Adult Services)

  • Early Intervention Services

  • Extended School Year (ESY) Services

  • Teacher Meetings (Non-IEP)

  • Change of Placement Consultations

  • IEP/504 Plan Non-Compliance Support

Trusted Advocate

25+ Years of Special Education Expertise, Empowering Families to Achieve Real Results

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At Student First Consulting, we bring decades of hands-on experience guiding families through the special education process. From initial evaluations to complex IEP negotiations, we help you advocate with confidence and clarity — ensuring your child receives the support and services they deserve, every step of the way.

Making a Real Difference for Families

100+

Successful Outcomes in Eligibility and Service Meetings

200+

IEP and 504 Plans Reviewed and Strengthened

300+

Families Empowered Through Advocacy

25+ Years

Special Education and Educational Leadership Experience

Hear from Families We've Empowered


  • "Norah was a game-changer for our family. She guided us through the IEP process with compassion, expertise, and a fierce dedication to our child's success. We finally feel heard and supported."
    — The Martinez Family

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  • "Thanks to Student First Consulting, we secured the services our daughter desperately needed. Norah’s knowledge and advocacy skills are unmatched. We are forever grateful!"
    — Jessica W., Parent

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  • "Navigating special education can be overwhelming, but Norah made it manageable. Her clear communication and dedication ensured our son's needs were met. Highly recommend!"
    — David and Lisa T.

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


  • "Professional, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable. Norah helped us advocate for a better educational plan and truly cared about our child's future."
    — The Singh Family

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  • "From our first meeting, Norah made us feel empowered and informed. Her thorough understanding of special education law gave us the confidence to advocate for our son's needs — and we got results!"
    — Emily R., Parent of a Middle School Student

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  • "Student First Consulting truly lives up to its name. Norah put our child's needs first every step of the way. She was our voice when we didn't know how to speak up, and we are so thankful for her support."
    — Mark and Alison B.

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Our Simple Process

  • We start by carefully reviewing your child’s needs, current documentation (IEP/504 plans), and educational challenges to build a clear foundation for advocacy.

  • We develop a customized strategy, collaborate with school teams, attend meetings if needed, and advocate to ensure your child's rights and needs are fully addressed.

  • We guide you through next steps, ensuring you feel confident, informed, and equipped to continue advocating for your child's long-term educational success.

Our blog

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What Every Parent Should Know Before Their First IEP Meeting

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Common Mistakes Parents Make in Special Education (and How to Avoid Them)

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Your Rights Under IDEA: A Parent’s Quick Reference Guide

Read more

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: Decoding the IEP: 10 Key Terms You Need to Understand

Read more

Let's work together

Over 1,000+ clients worldwide trust our services

Get Started Today

You don’t have to navigate the special education system alone.
Partner with an advocate who puts your child first — every step of the way.