Meet Margaret Olah

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Margaret Olah a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Margaret, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Purpose is a curious thing, isn’t it? As humans, we often look for it outside of ourselves—money, possessions, status, you name it. For me, though, the concept of purpose was baked into my upbringing like grandma’s secret recipe: help others, but don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process. I grew up in a family where the “helping others” mentality was strong—think nursing, community service, and all those good, caring professions. But let’s be real, I could never handle the bodily fluids (my older sister graciously took on that noble task).

My older brother was a product of the old school system, back when learning differences were seen as laziness or lack of effort. We always knew there was more to it, and eventually, we figured out he was dyslexic. It was a pivotal moment that shifted how I saw the world, and it sparked something in me. By the time I got to college, I had this lightbulb moment: I’d always wanted to be a teacher, inspired by the amazing educators in my life, and guided by the strong sense of purpose my family instilled in me. So, when it came time to choose a major, the choice was clear—special education it was!

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Learning that my brother was dyslexic, combined with my teenage years spent volunteering at daycares and even running a Girl Scout Brownie troop (yes, I was a very ambitious teenager), I quickly realized that special education was at the heart of my purpose. College came, and I dove headfirst into the world of special education, followed by years of working with students and families in this field.
During this time, I saw firsthand how challenging and overwhelming the special education process can be for families. Navigating the system is no small feat, especially if you don’t have a background in education, and let’s face it—there’s often a stigma attached to it that only makes the whole process feel like an uphill battle. This became even clearer as I started supporting friends and families on their own journeys, which eventually sparked the idea for SpeakingofSpEd.
At the heart of it all is empowerment. Helping families understand the ins and outs of special education—everything from processes to parent rights—gives them the tools they need to advocate for their children, setting them up for success long after the process is over. And let’s be honest, nothing feels better than knowing you’ve helped someone navigate the maze that is the special education system—except maybe a perfectly executed Brownie ceremony.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

From the very beginning of my journey—both in business and in life—the unwavering support of my family and teachers has been my secret weapon. These incredible people didn’t just support me; they championed my skills and, more importantly, instilled in me the idea of finding purpose. Having a solid support system is everything. Knowing you’ve got a team you can turn to—whether you’re celebrating a win or navigating a tough patch—is invaluable. Trust me, it’s the stuff that keeps you going.
For me, using decades of experience to help others grow, learn, and connect has become a foundational part of my work. Sharing knowledge and building relationships—whether virtually or face-to-face—has been a cornerstone of my journey. So here’s my advice: Connect, connect, connect. Don’t shy away from putting yourself out there. We’re all stronger when we grow together.
And let’s not forget about tenacity. Finding that sweet spot between passion and purpose is truly an art. It’s about developing strategies to keep moving forward even when the going gets tough—because, spoiler alert, it will get tough at times. But as long as you keep your eyes on the prize and your purpose in sight, you’ll keep pushing forward. Because, in the end, it’s not about avoiding the tough times; it’s about how you bounce back from them.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

Our clients come from all walks of life, each bringing their own unique set of needs, challenges, and hopes to the table.and hopes to the table. Navigating the special education system is no small feat, especially if you’re not immersed in the world of education. And let’s be real—there’s often a stigma that makes the whole process feel more like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops than advocating for your child.
That’s where SpeakingofSpEd steps in. Our clients are looking for balance—understanding that there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all solution and that an IEP team is, in fact, a team (yes, everyone on the team needs to pull their weight). Sometimes it’s as simple as helping decipher confusing paperwork, and other times it’s about providing full-on advocacy during those annual meetings. Clients want someone who understands the ins and outs of the special education classroom and can ensure their child’s unique needs are met.
In a nutshell, an ideal client for SpeakingofSpEd is someone who’s ready to connect, learn, and embrace the power of empowerment—because at the end of the day, it’s all about giving parents the tools they need to navigate the special education process with confidence. And trust me, they’ll need every ounce of that confidence when faced with all those acronyms.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://speakingofsped.com
• Instagram: @SpeakingofSpEd
• Facebook: @SpeakingofSpEd
• Twitter: @SpeakingofSpEd
• Youtube: @SpeakingofSpEd
• Other: TikTok: SpeakingofSpEd