top of page

Nyesha Nicholas

Standing Up for You and Your Rights

Meet the advocate opt 5.jpeg

Hello! My name is Nyesha Nicholas.  I am a wife, mother, and an educational advocate & consultant.  I am the parent two amazing children, Josiah and Joy.


Our journey in educational advocacy, equity, and justice started when our daughter Joy was born. As young parents, we were quickly overwhelmed with anxiety and stress as we would have to deal with many medical complications and developmental challenges.  The first year of Joy’s life was filled with many doctor/hospital visits, early intervention, and outpatient therapies.  We had no idea how to navigate these challenges, we just knew we wanted the best for our children, as any parent would.  It felt like there was no one there to provide support, resources, or just a shoulder to cry on when life seemed unmanageable.  

​

I quickly realized there are still barriers and systems that exist for children with special needs when it comes to acceptance, understanding, education, and inclusion.  One of Joy’s purposes is to help remove these barriers and I believe God is using me as a part of this process, in advocating not only for her, but children like her as well.  

​

The Advocate, LLC  was born out of a passion and desire to support families in their child’s educational journey and ensure they receive the appropriate tools, plans, and resources so their child can thrive and live out their God given potential.  Through years of research, study, classes, conferences, and training I am able to be a voice for those in need, ensuring families do not have to take this educational journey alone.

Meet The Advocate: About

What is an Educational Advocate and Consultant?

An educational advocate and consultant informs families of parental and children's rights as well as ensures appropriate access to education, services, and supports for their loved one.  We guide families through all aspects of the special education journey.

updated pic.jpeg
Meet The Advocate: About

Professional Experience

There's Joy in Advocacy

Professional Development, Webinars, and Certificates

  • Virginia Department of Education -  Meaningful IEP’s (2024)

  • Virginia Department of Education - Building a More Inclusive Community (2024)

  • Virginia Department of Education - Meeting the Communication Needs of Students with Complex Communication Needs (2024)

  • Virginia Department of Education - Cultural Competency (2024)

  • Virginia Department of Education - Dyslexia Awareness (2024)

  • Equitable Access to Literacy for Students with CVI (2024)

  • Promising Practices: Considerations for the Accessibility of Sign Language for Individuals with CVI (2023)

  • CVI and the Math Mind (2022)

  • CVI and Adapted Physical Education (2022)

  • Cortical Visual Impairment (2021)

  • CVI: The IEP and Educational Program Development (2021)

  • Considerations for Reducing Complexity Within the Home (2021)

  • An Approach to Sensory Balance (2021)

  • CVI and the Expanded Core Curriculum (2021)

  • What’s Next? A Case Study using a Calendar Box (2021)

  • CVI Ally: An Academic Access Companion for Students with Brain Based Visual Impairments and Their Teams. (2021)

  • Teaching Strategies and Resources for Sensorimotor Stage Learners (2021)


Conferences and Training

  • Perkins School for the Blind - Early Connections Conference (2024)

  • Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training (2023)

  • Education and Transition Conference - Rethinking Education for Students with Disabilities (2023)

  • Perkins School for the Blind - Early Connections Conference (2021)

  • Council of Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates - Virtual Summit (2021)

  • ASCV Conference Series - Building A Spectrum of Opportunities (2020)

License and Endorsements

  • Virginia Department of Education Postgraduate Professional License

  • Master of Divinity

  • Bachelor of Science - Health and Physical Education

Memberships and Volunteer Service

  • The Arc 

  • ASCV - Autism Society of Central Virginia

  • COPAA - Council of Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates

  • The Heights Baptist Church - Special Needs and Buddy Ministry

  • The Heights Baptist Church - Women's Ministry - T2 Mentoring Ministry 

  • The Heights Baptist Church - Women's Ministry -  T2 Prayer Team

  • The Heights Baptist Church - Worship Arts Dance Ministry Leader

Meet The Advocate: Resume
Meet the advocate opt 4.jpeg

Personal Professional Experience

  • Parent of a child with autism, visual impairment, speech language impairment, complex developmental and medical needs, requiring high support and assistance with all activities of daily living.

  • Parent of a child with an individualized education plan and services in the least restrictive environment.

  • Dispute Resolutions - Mediation, Virginia Department of Education Special Education Complaint.

  • Virginia’s Medicaid Waiver System - DMAS, Consumer Directed Care, Agency Directed Care, CCC Plus, DD Waivers.

  • Attended/provided comments at school board meetings and SEAC meetings.

  • Coordinated school division professional development and CVI training for teachers.

  • Coordinated professional development and training with Virginia Department for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Virginia Department of Education - Cortical Visual Impairment - An Overview of Characteristics, Phases, and Approaches to Education Intervention.

  • Organized school-wide, community-based event, with an emphasis on inclusion and activities for all ability levels.

Meet The Advocate: About
bottom of page