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Robin Osterer Chalker
Denver, Colorado 80211
*********@*******.***
Attorney/Educational Advocate
Attorney on inactive status acting as an advocate with more than 15 years’ experience representing families having children with disabilities; assisting the children who have been denied legal rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Adept at developing and implementing trainings for families of children with disabilities in order to understand their legal rights and ensuring students receive appropriate education and supportive services. Represent families by helping them understand their child’s education needs and encourage students to achieve at school socially, emotionally, and academically; guided families in receiving compensatory services and compensation. Achieved private placements for students with disabilities. Solid background in working for non-profit charitable organization established by family for over 60 years; supported families and children with disabilities by providing wide-variety of services and improved their quality of life.
Special / Elementary Education
Advocacy
Gifted & Twice Exceptional Students
Mediation
Legal Documentation
Facilitated Communication
Teaching
Review Psychological Evaluation of
Students
Professional Experience
Robin Chalker Advocacy (Own Legal Practice), Golden Colorado Attorney, 2011–Present
Represent families having children with disabilities and assist their children in receiving proper support services. Attend IEP and 504 meetings and mediation with Colorado Department of Education on behalf of families. Negotiate settlements in support of families for reimbursement of expenses and compensatory services. Represent families in truancy court hearings. Create accurate documentation by gathering the required evidence and information. Provide appropriate placements with support and services for students with special needs, gifted students, and twice exceptional students.
Supporting students to accomplish at school academically and emotionally by implementing successful plans; work together with families and school districts more effectively using a collaborative approach.
Drafting appropriate IEPs and 504 plans for students. Robin Osterer Chalker • Page 2
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Association for Community Living, Boulder County
Senior Advocate and Attorney, 2001–2011
Provided legal assistance to people with disabilities of all ages, senior citizens, and families. Offered a range of services, including dispute resolutions, negotiation, assist with litigation, and obtaining settlements.
Acted on behalf of families and assisted them in understanding their legal rights.
Assisted families through development of community-based services, medical reimbursement, and healthcare areas; ensured children/students receive the right support system and services.
Brega & Winters, Denver, Colorado
Intern, 2000
Created briefs, testimonials of clients at trial, and other legal documents. Led client interviews and assisted in negotiating many settlement agreements for families.
Performed in-depth research and analysis of several Domestic Relations cases, Trademark Infringement issues, and Medical Malpractice/Negligence cases. United Cerebral Palsy of Westchester Inc., Rye Brook, New York Counselor Unit Director Teaching Assistant Substitute Teacher, 1985–1991 Provided support services to people with disabilities and their families. Conducted early intervention and recreation programs to empower families and motivate the child and family together. Involved in supervising counselors and campers at handicapped day-camp programs. Assisted and trained people with profound disabilities; led pre-school programs for developmentally delayed children.
Delivered complete support to the establishment since the age of six with the assistance of family members; improved services to children and adults with profound disabilities and provided a better quality of life.
Assisted several people with disabilities by working closely with families; removed obstacles that prevented them from participating in society and/or school environments in the least restrictive environment.
Additional Experience
Special Needs Teacher/ Acting Principal (1996 to 1997) Salem Public Schools, Carlton Elementary School
Volunteer (1996) Children’s Hospital
Head Teacher (1995 to 1996) Italian Home and School
Teacher/ Science Coordinator (1993 to 1995) Gifford School Robin Osterer Chalker • Page 3
Education and Credentials
The Juris Doctor Degree (2001)
Denver University School of Law – Denver, Colorado Class Rank: 13/232, Top 5.60% of Class
Order of Saint Ives
Academic Award for Oral Argument (1998)
Suffolk University School of Law – Boston, MA
Master’s in Special and Elementary Education EDM (1992) Elementary Education Certification (1992)
Boston University – MA
Bachelor of Arts (1991)
Special Education Certification (1991)
Syracuse University – New York
Professional Associations
Member of Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. (COPAA) CDR Association, Certified Mediator