You prep for every meeting. You know the laws. You even try to stay “reasonable.”
And still, they smile, nod… and nothing changes.
Sound familiar?
Here’s what I’ve learned after 15 years of supporting parents and navigating the system myself:
🔹More effort doesn't guarantee better outcomes.
🔹Being polite doesn’t protect your child.
🔹Getting it “in writing” doesn’t mean it’ll happen.
Let’s be real: You’ve tried showing up strong. You’ve tried writing better emails. You’ve even tried AI tools. And still your kid isn’t getting what they need.
Here’s what no one tells you:
Advocacy alone wears you down.
AI alone doesn’t know your child.
AI doesn't replace your voice. It backs it up.
When you lead with your values and use AI tools that reflect them, your message lands and change starts happening.
That’s why I created Connecting for Change™ and the Be Heard. Be Understood. Drive Change. framework at the heart of it.
Because you’re tired.
And you don’t need more to-dos.
You need a way to speak up that actually gets results without burning out or being gaslighted.
Inside Connecting for Change™ you’ll learn a repeatable way to:
🔹 BE HEARD
For when you’ve done everything “right” and they still act like you said nothing.
This step helps you clearly and calmly articulate what matters most, so your message doesn’t get lost in updates or side conversations.
No more guessing what to say. No more rewriting emails five times. You’ll walk in grounded, not grasping.
🔹 BE UNDERSTOOD
For when you’ve held your tongue to avoid rocking the boat and your child still gets left out.
This step gives you the clarity and courage to speak from your values, not your fear.
You’ll learn how to say hard things in a way people can actually hear without blowing up the room or backing down.
🔹 DRIVE CHANGE
For when the IEP says one thing, but the school does another.
This step shows you how to follow up without the emotional spiral.
You’ll track what was said, what was promised, and what still needs action so nothing falls through the cracks (with the help of an AI tool I've got for you)
It’s not about saying more. It’s about saying what matters and knowing it won’t get ignored.
What You Get Inside Connecting for Change™
This isn’t a large Facebook group where your voice disappears.
It’s a trusted space where we know each other by name.
Where wins (and worries) are shared not buried.
Where strategy and soul sit side by side.
Each part of what you get supports one of the three steps in the Be Heard. Be Understood. Drive Change. framework:
🔹 BE HEARD
Say what matters clearly and calmly without spiraling.
- Live support with Charmaine (3x/month): Bring your real-life advocacy moments big or small.
You’ll get clear coaching to help you say what needs to be said. Morning and evening options available. Replays included.
- "This Is Me!" AI Tool: Describe your child in your own words so every AI response reflects them, not just their laundry list of what they can't do.
- "Say It So They Listen" AI Tool: Write emails that sound like you and actually get read.
🔹 BE UNDERSTOOD
Speak from your values not your fear.
- Daily coaching from Charmaine in our private group: Show up messy, stuck, or fired up we’ll meet you there.
- "My Advocacy Voice" AI Tool: Lead with your tone, your truths, your way of speaking. AI follows you, not the other way around.
- "Negotiation Coach" AI Tool: Practice what you want to say before the meeting so you don’t shrink when it matters most.
🔹 DRIVE CHANGE
Track what was said, what still needs action and follow up without burnout.
- Monthly Live AI Workshops: Learn how to use your tools live with Charmaine. No tech experience needed just come as you are.
- "IEP Meeting Analysis & Checklist" AI Tool: Break down what got said, what got missed, and what needs follow-up so nothing slips through the cracks.
- "The Belief Shifter" AI Tool: Push back on outdated thinking with language that keeps the conversation open, not explosive.
You’ll stop spinning your wheels.
And start showing up with clarity, calm, and a plan that doesn’t fall apart the night before the meeting.
You Don’t Have to Take My Word for It
This isn’t a theory. It’s the support that feels like a deep breath, and it’s already shifting things for parents who once felt invisible, too.
“These AI tools are GOLD. I feel like I finally have the tools to be heard.”
— A.S., Parent
“Charmaine Thaner has a membership group called Connecting for Change™ for parents. It’s only $25 per month, yet the value is incredible. Charmaine is available to help through the group, holds regular meetings on topics like AI in the classroom, getting school admins to listen, and talking to legislators. It’s so nice to connect with other parents and an advocate who truly understands and shares ideas on making real change happen.”
— M.S., Parent
“It is such a raw pain being told our kids aren't allowed to be with other kids. It shatters all our dreams. Charmaine’s support is life-changing.”
— C.M., Parent
“I signed up for Connecting for Change™ because I trust Charmaine, and I needed to find my oasis of peace and sanity, my safe space, my tribe that empowers me in my parent advocacy journey. I feel happy and empowered every time I join one of her weekly meetups and trainings.”
— Tamara Dillard
“Charmaine is amazing and so on top of everything! I keep learning so much from her!”
— A.K., Parent
Ready for support that doesn’t just sound good but actually makes a difference?
Let’s talk about what it costs to join (and why I’ve kept it simple and accessible).
The Support You Deserve Without the Burnout or Big Price Tag
Most advocacy help expects you to do it all alone, or leaves you sifting through one-size-fits-all advice.
Connecting for Change™ was built to be different because you shouldn’t have to empty your wallet to be taken seriously at an IEP table.
Join for just $25/month
That’s it. No contracts. No pressure. Cancel anytime.
You’ll get:
- Live support with Charmaine: three hours a month so you never prep alone
- Daily coaching in a small, steady private group so you don’t stay stuck
- Instant access to 6 custom AI tools (with more to come) Charmaine built for real advocacy moments so your advocacy sounds like you, not a robot.
- Monthly live AI training sessions, walk away knowing exactly how to use the tools for your child
And most importantly?
You’ll stop second-guessing every sentence.
You’ll stop rewriting the same email five times.
You’ll stop wondering if you said enough.
Instead, you’ll have a repeatable way to:
Be Heard. Be Understood. Drive Change.
Want to feel less alone, more clear, and deeply supported?
This space was built for you.
[Join Now for $25/month]
Cancel anytime.
Still Wondering If This Is For You?
“I’m not tech-savvy. Will I be lost?”
You won’t be.
I’ve spent 30 years as an educator, and I teach the way I wish someone had taught me. Slowly. Clearly. Step by step.
Every AI tool comes with simple walkthroughs, real examples, and monthly guided sessions where I walk beside you, not ahead of you.
You’ll never be left alone with “just a robot.”
Your voice leads. AI follows. I help you find the rhythm.
“What if I don’t have time?”
That’s exactly why we use AI to give you time back.
Instead of spinning for hours on how to word an email, or chasing down meeting notes, you’ll have tools that do the heavy lifting.
You’re not doing more you’re doing differently.
And that difference? Feels like a deep breath.
“If it’s only $25/month… is it really that good?”
Fair question.
We’ve been trained to believe that support only counts if it costs a lot. But I built this community for the parent I used to be trying to do it all, already stretched thin.
I keep the price low on purpose.
Because real support should be accessible.
Because the system is already expensive enough.
And because this works.
You’ve Tried Doing It All On Your Own.
You’ve Googled late at night.
You’ve written and rewritten.
You’ve stayed calm when you wanted to scream.
You’ve held the line, even when it felt like you were the only one standing.
Now it’s time for support that stands with you.
Connecting for Change™ is a community for parents like you.
It’s a space where your voice gets stronger, your clarity comes faster, and you stop feeling like you’re always behind.
And the best part?
You don’t have to do it alone anymore.
[Join Now for $25/month]
Cancel anytime. No contracts.
Just clarity, courage, and connection.
I can't wait to welcome you into our Connecting for Change™ community!
~ Charmaine