New Book Offers Support and Information for Parents with Special Needs Children, As They Navigate the Special Education System A Mom tells her painful yet inspiring story that both her son and family endured within the public school system as a result of an incorrect Special Ed diagnosis. Offering readers a glimpse into her son's heartbreaking yet ultimately triumphant story, author and mother, Elaine Mellon, unmasks a compelling portrait of the astonishing and overwhelmingly frustrating experiences and roadblocks she faced. Her new book, unREAL Education: Beyond Report Cards (Second Edition), offers a powerful expose' on the public school system (both good and not so good) through the true story of her son's academic struggles. Mellon candidly reveals actual accounts, over a 25 year period, with sometimes shocking revelations that she encountered for many years - often times battling on her own and without the advocacy of school officials. From a mother's perspective who fought tirelessly on behalf of her son, the author reveals how initially, though unsuccessfully, she tried balancing the academic systems put into place in an effort to assist her son, Blake, with his personal educational difficulties. This balancing act provided Mellon with both the sensitivity and understanding of special education both academically and through personal experience. While she initially learned the basic foundation in her graduate studies, it was her ongoing research and advanced training, which proved vital to the plight of her son, thus providing her with the tools to actively and effectively advocate on his behalf. Her successful accomplishments - fueled by extensive research, on-going participation in educational workshops and attending dozens of seminars and conferences for more than a decade - are shared within the pages of her recently published book. (www.unrealeducation.com) Ms. Mellon hopes unREAL Education: Beyond Report Cards (Second Edition) will encourage and offer a fresh perspective of support to other parents and child guardians as they navigate their way through the maze of the public educational system.
About the Author: Elaine Mellon holds a Master of Science/Certificate of Advanced Study (MS/CAS) in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling. Her Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. Elaine has been an active and enthusiastic volunteer throughout her children's school years. For two years she was a PTA President, a Girl Scout Leader for six and held various other key positions in her children's district. Elaine has an understanding of special education both academically and through personal experience. She learned the basic foundation in her graduate studies, but ongoing research and advanced training became imperative so she could actively and effectively advocate for her son. She accomplished this by reading, attending workshops and seminars including those online, and participating in conferences. Married and the mother of three grown children, Elaine passionately works as a Group Fitness Instructor and a Personal Trainer. Through this book, Elaine is hoping others will be helped, encouraged and supported as they navigate their way through the educational system, becoming a stronger, more effective and efficient advocate for their children. Elaine also wanted to offer insight for future and current teachers as to the difficulties of special ed students and their families through Blake's story, a personal mini case study. (facebook.com/unrealeducation, twitter.com/unrealeducation, pinterest.com/elainemellon, unrealeducation@gmail.com)