Marni Johnson

Lead Consultant

Marni Johnson has been working in the field of special education for the past 20 years.  Her educational background includes a Masters in Educational Psychology, an Education Specialist degree in School Psychology, a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Administration, and a Director of Special Education license.  She most recently served as an assistant superintendent for student services in one of the largest suburban high school districts in IL, overseeing special education, 504 plans, discipline, health services, and counseling services.  Her career started in the field of school psychology where she found a love for working with students and families, as well as a passion for learning about special education law and procedures.  

After her tenure as a school psychologist, Marni found herself moving into administration, where she served as department chair for special services at Barrington High School for 6 years.  Before her most recent role as an assistant superintendent, Marni served as assistant principal for student services at John Hersey High School. Marni is currently a member of the Attorney General Commission for Special Education.  She has served on the board for the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE) and has presented in many settings on special education related topics including through Illinois Principals Association (IPA), IAASE, and AASA, the School Superintendents Association. In addition, she served as co-chair for the Forward 67 Facilitation Team in her daughter’s district.   

Over the course of her career, Marni has gained expertise in all aspects of IEP development, the special education process, and procedures.  These include, but are not limited to, interventions, the domain process, evaluation, eligibility, development of the IEP, transition planning, and discipline of students who have been identified, or not yet identified, as having a disability.  In addition, she has in-depth experience with the 504 plan process, mediation, policy development, and the state complaint process.    

Her greatest accomplishments include the programs she has collaborated to create and the relationships she has built with families, students, and staff.  Marni has a knack for problem-solving difficult situations and helping teams come to a consensus to best serve students.  Focusing on the student should always be what the process is about.  If you are a parent or a school that needs assistance in making this happen, contact us for more information.  

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