The people your family actually works with

A small team in Northwest Florida. Between us we have taught in the classroom, nursed medically fragile children, sat on both sides of the IEP table, and raised kids on the spectrum at home.

Merrie Weekley

Founder, IEP Advocate and Specialized Tutor

Merrie spent eight years teaching special education in Florida public schools, watching from the school's side of the table which plans got run and which ones quietly didn't. Then she became the adoptive mother of a Level 3 autistic son and found herself on the other side of that same table.

She started Parenting the Spectrum so families would not have to walk into those meetings alone.

Master's in ESE
8 years teaching ESE
Autism mom
Foster mom

Chelsea Jobe

Co-Founder, Chief Get It Done Officer

Chelsea started out as a paramedic in Florida, then spent years running church operations, where she rebuilt a collapsed volunteer program from 45 people to more than 140. She is a builder and a fixer by instinct. Hand her something broken and she will map it, rebuild it, and give it back working.

She is also Merrie's sister, and has carried the same heart for kids with special needs for just as long. She builds everything that is not happening at an IEP table: the website, the booking, the paperwork, the parts of a small business that quietly decide whether it can keep serving families.

The title started as a joke. It turned out to be accurate.

Operations
Systems and web
Marketing
Former paramedic

Tutoring that targets the skill, not the grade level

Every tutor works from the goals already written into your child's plan, and Merrie oversees every case.

Megan Sievert

Specialized Tutor

RN, BSN, MHA

I am a registered nurse and have dedicated my career to caring for medically fragile children and supporting their families here in NW Florida. My heart and passion has always been helping children reach their full potential while empowering families.

I am originally from Colorado. I attended the University of Oklahoma before moving to Florida to begin my nursing career. Outside of work, I enjoy running, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.

I look forward to building relationships with families and helping each child learn, grow, and gain confidence.

Christina Simmons

Tutor

B.A., University of West Florida · Certified K-6 & ESE K-12

My passion has always been helping children discover their strengths and build confidence in themselves. Every child learns differently, and I believe it is our job to meet them where they are, celebrate their progress, and help them reach their full potential.

I hold Florida certifications in Elementary Education and Exceptional Student Education, with training in Orton-Gillingham and the Science of Reading, so I can use evidence-based strategies that support a wide variety of learning needs. I love creating engaging, personalized learning experiences that help children succeed at their own pace.

When I'm not teaching, you'll usually find me spending time with my family, designing creative learning materials, or enjoying the beaches of Northwest Florida. I am honored to be part of Parenting the Spectrum and to support families on their journey.

Kathy Joy

Tutor

Florida Certified Teacher · ESE Certified

I feel incredibly fortunate to join the team at Parenting the Spectrum. I received my bachelor's degree from Old Dominion University in 1995 and am a Florida certified teacher. I have dedicated my life to educating children in a safe and loving environment.

My experience includes teaching kids and young adults of all ages in the general classroom and kids with special needs. I am also ESE certified and have taught elementary grades in public school, as well as grades 7-12 at a private Christian school. I have enjoyed every minute spent with my students.

I have two adult sons who proudly serve in the military and two beautiful granddaughters. My mother and I have a farm where many animals and an abundance of happiness surround us. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to help students thrive in their education.

Want to talk to one of us?

Start with a Red Flag Audit if you are worried about the plan, or a tutoring inquiry if you want to talk about your child's skills.

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