Empowering Success!

Special education leader, coach, consultant, and former classroom teacher—committed to helping special education teams do their work with clarity, confidence, and sustainability.

I’ve spent my career inside special education classrooms, IEP meetings, and district systems. I know firsthand how complex this work is—and how often teachers and teams are expected to meet increasing compliance demands without the systems, training, or support they deserve. My work is rooted in one core belief: strong systems protect teachers and students.

I’m Nicolette Lesniak.

My Why

I work with teachers, teams, and districts who care deeply about their students but feel overwhelmed by paperwork, timelines, and competing expectations. Too often, special educators are carrying the weight alone—staying late, working weekends, and second-guessing their decisions.

I help change that.

Through coaching, consulting, and professional learning, I support educators in building defensible IEPs, sustainable workflows, and confident team practices—so special education feels manageable, ethical, and student-centered again.

I invite you to take the first step towards empowering your student’s educational journey. Schedule a free inquiry call today to explore how my unique style of IEP Empowerment Coaching and mentoring can make a positive impact on your educational experience.

Schedule Your Free Strategy Call

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What I Do

I partner with:

  • School districts and administrators seeking stronger IEP compliance, clearer systems, and staff support

  • Special education teachers and teams who want practical tools they can use immediately

  • Instructional leaders and coaches looking to strengthen special education practices across buildings

My work focuses on:

  • Writing clear, defensible, and student-centered IEPs

  • Data collection and progress monitoring systems

  • Team communication and collaborative decision-making

  • Coaching and mentoring special educators

  • Sustainable leadership practices in special education

Everything I offer is grounded in real-world application—no fluff, no unrealistic expectations, and no one-size-fits-all solutions.

Invite me to Present at your next PD

How I Work

My approach is practical, supportive, and honest. I believe professional learning should:

  • Respect educators’ time

  • Reduce overwhelm, not add to it

  • Lead to immediate action and long-term impact

Whether I’m presenting to a district, coaching a team, or working 1:1 with educators, my goal is the same: to help special education teams feel confident in their decisions and protected in their practice.

I invite you to take the first step towards empowering your student’s educational journey. Schedule a free inquiry call today to explore how my unique style of IEP Empowerment Coaching and mentoring can make a positive impact on your educational experience.

Schedule Your Free Strategy Call

SCHEDULE THE CALL

Beyond the Work

I’m also the creator of The Special Educator’s Desk, a space where educators can learn, reflect, and grow together. I value balance, boundaries, and building systems that allow teachers to leave work at work—and enjoy their lives outside the classroom.

If you’re ready to strengthen your special education practices while supporting the people doing the work, you’re in the right place.

Schedule a Consulting Call
Join The Special Educators Desk

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You can schedule a free inquiry call with Nicolette by booking a session with her or contacting her directly at hello@nicolettelesniak.com

  • Nicolette's coaching style is unique due to its personalized nature, focusing on the specific needs of each educator and family.

  • Nicolette addresses a range of challenges, including communication breakdowns, bureaucratic hurdles, and personalized educational planning. The support she gives is tailored for each individual educator and family.

  • Yes, Nicolette's coaching is tailored to suit the needs of educators and families who have students in the Pk-12 setting and transition age 18-21.

  • No, Nicolette is not an educational lawyer all advocacy decisions are your own.