Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Bender
Hi Maggie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have been in education since 2009, specializing in special education and working with Ohio’s Jon Peterson and Autism Scholarships since 2014. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina in Early Childhood Education, a master’s degree from The Ohio State University in Special Education, and second master’s degree in Educational Leadership. My passion lies in helping students access the education they need and deserve. After over 15 years in the field, I was eager for change and wanted to support families and educational businesses in a new way—free from the red tape often associated with serving children with special needs.
In December 2023, I met with a small business coach who guided me in launching my own business. Over the next six months, while still employed at a school, I focused on establishing a solid foundation for my business—consulting with attorneys to draft contracts, meeting with financial planners, developing marketing strategies, and designing a website. In June 2024, I left the school where I had worked for a decade and officially launched my business, starting to accept clients that summer.
Owning a business is a new venture for me! While I have a strong background in education, the business world has been a learning experience. I joined networking groups to expand my brand and learn from fellow small business owners. Additionally, I hired a business coach and worked with her for three months to strengthen my business foundation.
I’m still learning and evolving as a business owner, but I really appreciate the flexibility and freedom of not having a traditional 9-to-5 schedule.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting my business has been a roller coaster—emotionally, financially, and personally. Taking the risk to launch my own business has taught me a great deal about myself, including how much I can handle, the importance of being accountable to myself, setting clear goals, managing my time intentionally, and being humble enough to seek help and learn from those with more experience.
Since my business is still in its early stages (only 7 months old), I’ve had to navigate billing, establish a fee structure, and manage my time effectively. This process has also compelled me to confront my own flaws and insecurities. At times, when I’ve felt insecure, I have even considered returning to a traditional 9-to-5 job, where expectations are clear, pay is stable, and I have a boss to turn to for guidance. But I’m constantly reminded of why I started this business and the risks I took to embark on something new. I keep a journal on my desk where I jot down wins and affirmations. When I feel discouraged, I take a moment to flip through those notes and reconnect with the genuine truths that inspire me and keep me grounded.
I’ve always believed that growth happens through struggle. When I look back on challenges I’ve faced, I realize that true growth comes from persevering and facing difficulties head-on rather than avoiding them. The same is true for owning a business; growth isn’t automatic—it requires navigating hardships and persisting through tough times to thrive and create a better version of yourself and your product.
We’ve been impressed with Ohio Special Education Consulting, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I help families with special needs children in Ohio access scholarship funding and understand their educational rights. I empower schools, businesses, and small scholarship providers to streamline services, enabling them to support more students and guide small businesses in becoming scholarship providers.
In Ohio, families have access to two scholarships designed to assist children with special needs: the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and the Autism Scholarship. Families with non-public school students can use these funds for private education, speech services, and more.
My business helps both parents and schools navigate the scholarship funding and paperwork. I also provide support to parents throughout the special education process, addressing questions about their child’s special education documents (IEPs, ETRs, private evaluations). Many parents feel overwhelmed by this journey, so I work alongside them to help them understand their rights and what can be included in these specialized documents.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t put a lot of stock in luck; I believe in hard work, perseverance, and believing in yourself. When times have been challenging, I’ve turned to colleagues for support and to learn from their experiences in similar situations. I’m fortunate to have an incredible network of friends and colleagues who encourage and motivate me, standing by my side through both the highs and lows.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ohiospecialeducationconsulting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohio_sped_consulting?igsh=Z2V3amphczFxamdx&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Wc3m4PvnM/?mibextid=wwXIfr
