Educational Consulting
Expert guidance for the decisions that shape your child's education
Parenting a neurodivergent or gifted child often means navigating systems that weren't built with your child in mind. Choosing a school, understanding an evaluation, or responding to a call from the classroom can feel overwhelming.
Engaged Minds' consulting services give families a knowledgeable partner through those moments. We bring years of classroom expertise and deep knowledge of Triangle-area schools, so you can move forward with a clear, research-based plan.
Services
School Selection
The right school can help a child thrive; the wrong fit can set back both learning and confidence. We help families find the best-fit elementary, middle, or high school in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area, including public, private, specialized, and homeschool options.
We work with all learners and specialize in neurodivergent students: those who are gifted or twice exceptional, and those with learning differences or developmental disabilities. Most families need 1 to 4 hours of consulting, depending on their child's needs. To get started, complete our school selection interest form.
Educational Guidance
We help families understand their child's needs and the options available at school. Common topics include:
Classroom accommodations and curriculum modifications
Deciding whether to pursue educational testing
Interpreting psychoeducational evaluations and summarizing recommendations
Grade retention decisions
Behavior support at school
Consultations are available by video, and we can attend school meetings in person. To schedule, email marybethhes@engagedminds.net.
Care Coordination
For students with complex needs, we coordinate care across the many providers in a child's life, from teachers and therapists to physicians and evaluators. Families get one point of contact who keeps everyone informed and working from the same plan.
To schedule, email marybethhes@engagedminds.net
Speaking & Professional Development
Mary Beth is available to speak with parent groups, schools, and organizations on topics including executive function, structured literacy, special education, and supporting neurodivergent learners. To inquire about a presentation or professional development session, email marybethhes@engagedminds.net.
Your Consultant
Consulting is led by Mary Beth Hes, M.Ed., founder of Engaged Minds.
B.A. in elementary education from Duke University
M.Ed. in educational psychology and gifted education from the University of Virginia
15 years of classroom experience
Completed the Independent Educational Consultants Association’s Summer Training Institute
Parent of a neurodivergent child
How It Works
Reach out. For school selection, complete the interest form. For all other consulting, email us about your child and what you need help with.
Free meet and greet. We'll talk through your goals and recommend the right next steps.
Consultation. Sessions are billed hourly, by video or in person.
Rates
Families enrolled in Engaged Minds tutoring: $200
New families: $250
Partial hours are billed as a full hour.
Ready to Get Started?
Email marybethhes@engagedminds.net to schedule a complimentary meet and greet. For school selection, please complete the interest form.
Please Note
Engaged Minds has no influence on school admissions decisions, and our recommendations do not guarantee acceptance or satisfaction with any school. School recommendations are suggestions for further investigation; the final decision rests with parents. Recommendations are limited by the schools available in the area, and for students with complex needs, an ideal fit may not exist. In those cases, we recommend the best available options.