Educational Consultant Patti Murphy

Y ou have no idea how complicated the world of school placement is until someone you love needs an extremely specific type of school or program in order to thrive. Patti Murphy of Life Compass Partners knows the schools and programs that specialize in complicated cases, but she also often knows the therapists themselves.

How did you get into this field?

My search for solutions for my own child’s therapeutic needs combined with my professional expertise as a behavioral health nurse led me to help others as a School Placement Specialist. I wanted to share my experience and connect students and young adults with the schools and programs that will help them thrive.

I have spent over 20 years developing relationships with schools and programs so that I can confidently match students and young adult with the schools and programs that are the best fit. Often, I connect students with a specific therapist that I know personally.

What do you love about the work?

I know the pain parents go through trying to find the right resources, and I know the joy of relief when the connection to a therapist, specialist, or program that “gets my child” is made. I love the feeling that I get when I have connected a student and family with the school where they will have the specific supports they need to succeed.

Why do people hire you?

People hire us because they know that we “get it” and “get the job done.” We are thorough. We develop a comprehensive picture of the student or young adult, an understanding of the family, and a plan including the supports and the type of environment the student or young adult will need to thrive.

We have visited over 1600 schools and programs. We keep abreast of the ever-changing staff and student dynamics. This allows us to confidently connect the student or young adult with the school or program that has the supports and environment they need to thrive. It is all about whether the placement is a good fit.

How do you feel about study skills?

Acquiring study skills is a necessary step for being successful in school, especially for students struggling with learning disabilities, emotional challenges, or other issues that get in the way of success in the classroom. Sound study skills can give these students the edge they need to catch up and be successful. Once learned, study skills are transferable for success in life, particularly in our fast-paced, technology-driven economy.

What’s your favorite piece of advice to give students?

I tell my students and young adults that schools and programs are a gift. They should take advantage of the gift that their families are giving them, as it will make them feel better now and serve them well when they are adults with families of their own.