The Person Behind Steady Steps

My name is Gabriela, and the idea behind Steady Steps comes from both my professional experience and my personal journey as a parent.

I am a mother of four children, and like many parents, I have faced the challenges that come with navigating complex systems while trying to secure the right support. Some of my children have disabilities, which has given me first-hand experience of how overwhelming processes involving education, healthcare, and support services can be.

Over the years, I have also worked closely with individuals and families navigating systems such as education, healthcare, and community services. My background includes working as a professional interpreter and patient navigator, supporting people to understand complex information, communicate confidently with professionals, and access the services they need.

Through this work, I have gained valuable experience supporting families in conversations with schools, healthcare providers, local authorities, and other organisations. This often involves addressing misunderstandings, challenging decisions, and working towards practical solutions that ensure children are treated fairly and their needs are properly understood.

More Than Advocacy

While I advocate for families, my role goes beyond speaking on your behalf.

I believe in empowering parents , helping you understand the system, build confidence, and feel in control of decisions affecting your child. My aim is that you feel stronger, more informed, and better equipped every step of the way.

Professional & Safe Support

I hold specialist training in advocating for children in schoos, alongside safeguarding training and extensive experience supporting families through SEND processes.

I also bring over 16 years of experience as a Romanian interpreter, working across schools, EHCP meetings, tribunals, healthcare, and local authority settings. This has given me a unique insight into how professionals, schools, and local authorities operate, as well as a deep understanding of the parent perspective.

I understand how important trust is when choosing someone to support your family. 

I have the following in place to ensure you feel confident and protected:

• Enhanced DBS Check
  Confirming I am cleared to work with children and vulnerable individuals.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance
  Providing protection and accountability in the support I offer.
• ICO Registration (Information Commissioner’s Office)
  Ensuring all personal information is handled securely and in line with UK data protection laws.

 My Approach

My approach is calm, structured, and child-focused.

I support families by:

• Breaking down complex processes into clear steps
• Identifying gaps in provision and evidence
• Challenging schools and local authorities when needed
• Presenting strong, evidence-based cases

I am also mindful that parents are often labelled as “difficult” or “combative” when raising valid concerns. Part of my role is to ensure communication remains professional, focused, and effective, so your concerns are heard and taken seriously.

My Goal

My goal is to provide clear guidance, compassionate support, and practical help so families feel informed and confident when navigating difficult processes.

I truly believe that with the right information, communication, and support, families can move forward with confidence — one steady step at a time.