's Spotlight Staff Meet Candice Gabrey!

What is one interesting fact about you? I have five kids.

What have you been enjoying lately? My kids’ sports. Last weekend, we had 8 baseball and softball games! If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Definitely cereal!

How did Candice Gabrey, our Juvenile Justice Program Manager, come to PPAL? Although Candice holds a degree in criminal justice and a minor in psychology, it was her “...lived experience [that] definitely got me here.” One of her children was diagnosed with autism at age two, and Candice wanted to gain knowledge to better understand her child. She started looking for resources, and found them at BAMSI's Parent Information Network (PIN), a parent support program designed to help families of children and young adults with serious emotional, behavioral, and/or mental health challenges. She loved their support groups and trainings and how they empowered her. As two more of her children received different diagnoses, Candice continued to strengthen her advocacy skills.

When Candice felt ready to apply for a position at PIN, she learned that it was only open to folks living in a different part of the state than Candice. But PIN, recognizing Candice’s many skills, sent her information to PPAL’s Meri Viano, and Candice joined PPAL soon after. Now, Candice loves working for PPAL because, as she said “it’s not just a job, it’s a family ” where she can get the support she needs not just as an employee but as a parent. Candice told us she especially likes “being honest and real and having the hard conversations” with the parents she works with. Candice added that “I really like utilizing my experience to support, to listen, to validate, and to come up with solutions that are not your typical solution.”

To seek support from Candice or PPAL’s family support staff, fill out our Family Support Request Form!

PPAL's phone: (866)815-8122

Family Support Request Form

Ask The Advocate

By Appointment

Book a FREE 30 minute consultation with a member of our team to answer your questions about mental health related special education or school related issues!

Email to set up appointment: parentsupportgroup@ppal.net

The IEP Team: Building Skills To Help Prepare For Your Child’s Next IEP Meeting

August 29, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Goals and Objectives: with your child’s school

Building and enhancing relationships

Preparing for your next IEP meeting

Writing an effective letter

Sharing “outside the box” ideas

Special Education advocacy tips/tools

Click To Register!

As the new school year approaches, learn to tackle disciplinary issues, IEP or 504 meetings, and much more through PPAL’s workshops and 1-to-1 support!

School Problem Solving Clinic

Every Monday by Appointment 1:00 - 3:00 PM

PPAL’s FREE and CONFIDENTIAL school problem solving clinic for parents, caregivers, and family members across Massachusetts.

Get one-on-one support for a wide range of concerns including

* School discipline issues

* School resource officer questions

* Child Requiring Assistance (CRA)

* Bullying

* Dos and Don’ts when going to court

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Email to set up appointment: parentsupportgroup@ppal.net