Tina Wallace Shares Parent Mentor Perspective on FACES Episode for Columbus City Schools

Tina Wallace, Parent Mentor for Columbus City Schools (CCS), was recently featured on FACES, the online Family and Community Engagement Series program designed to inform and connect families, schools, and the community.

This episode focused on Special Education at East High School, with a spotlight on how CCS supports students through opportunities like Special Olympics. Tina joined Dr. Mikki Nelson, Director of Special Education for CCS, to provide valuable insight into the supports available for students with disabilities and the important role parents and the community play in helping students succeed.

On the episode, Tina and Dr. Nelson spoke together to dispel common myths about special education while highlighting the ways the Parent Mentor Program assists families. Tina emphasized how Parent Mentors provide guidance, information, and training—especially for families navigating the initial stages of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

“A lot of times I will tell them, just breathe, I will be here for your support. Sometimes they will call me and tell me they don’t understand, or that nobody is listening to them. As a Parent Mentor, my job is to be a liaison for the district so I want to make sure the communication is open, and the parents should know they are one of the most important members of the team.”

-Tina Wallace, Parent Mentor, Columbus City Schools

Tina’s interview on FACES underscores the value of parent engagement in education and highlights how the Parent Mentor Program continues to foster inclusive opportunities for students of all abilities.

Watch the full episode here: FACES with Tina Wallace