Janet Barakat is on a mission to ensure that students with disabilities receive equitable, just, and student-centered educational services that directly address and improve the historically poor educational outcomes they have experienced. Her work is dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and creating an inclusive educational environment where all students, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to thrive academically and personally. As the founder of Onward Educational Consulting, Janet provides dynamic professional development training—both in-person and online—that empowers teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and families. Her goal is to ensure that everyone involved in a student's education has the knowledge and tools they need to guide students successfully into adulthood.

With extensive experience in the field, Janet’s consulting services cover a broad range of essential topics, including transition planning, self-advocacy, transition assessments, and goal writing for educational and transition planning. She is deeply passionate about helping every student with disabilities uncover their unique strengths, preferences, interests, and needs (SPIN). Janet then uses this understanding to help educators and families plan and prepare for the next steps, setting students up for success in education, employment, and independent living.

Janet is not only a skilled trainer but also a highly sought-after speaker. She has inspired countless educators and families through her engaging presentations on secondary transition, transition assessment, writing standards-based and person-centered Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), embedding transition services in general education classrooms, and implementing evidence-based practices for neurodivergent youth. Her expertise has been showcased at prestigious conferences such as the Council for Exceptional Children International Conference, the Division of Career Development and Transition International Conference, and the Let’s Talk LD Postsecondary Transition Conference.

In addition to her work with educators, Janet collaborates directly with families, providing IEP reviews, conducting transition assessments, developing transition plans, creating person-centered plans, and mapping community resources.

Janet’s academic credentials are equally impressive. She holds a master’s degree in secondary transition from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in special education from Azusa Pacific University. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in business marketing from California State University, Fullerton. This robust educational and business background, combined with her extensive hands-on experience, makes Janet a leading authority in special education.

Janet is a Nationally Certified Transition Specialist through the Council for Exceptional Children, Division on Career Development and Transition, and a Certified Transition Trainer with the California Transition Alliance. She is also actively involved in several professional organizations, including the Council for Exceptional Children, the Division on Career Development and Transition, the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities, the Learning Disabilities Association of America, and Let’s Talk LD, where she serves on the Advisory Board. Additionally, Janet is a committed member of the California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) Cadre.

Janet firmly believes that the foundation of educational success lies in building strong, supportive relationships, and providing the support and resources necessary for students to navigate barriers, build confidence, and realize their full potential in their educational and professional journeys. Through Onward Educational Consulting, Janet is committed to empowering students with disabilities to take charge of their lives and pursue postsecondary education and employment opportunities that align with their capabilities and unique talents.