Saba Mahmood, NCSP – Illinois Licensed School Psychologist & Education Advocate

Saba Mahmood is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) and an Illinois Licensed School Psychologist. She supports children with diverse learning profiles and helps families understand their child’s strengths and needs. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology. Currently, she is pursuing her doctoral degree and serves on the Board of Trustees at Vanguard Academy.

Comprehensive Psychological and Educational Evaluations

As a School Psychologist in Illinois, Saba provides thorough and thoughtful evaluations. She examines cognitive development, academic performance, social-emotional functioning, and behavior. By combining data from multiple areas, she develops a clear and balanced understanding of each child.

As a result, families and school teams receive practical recommendations that support academic progress and emotional well-being. In addition, Saba provides culturally responsive services. She works with families from many backgrounds and speaks Hindi and Urdu, which allows her to support multilingual households with clarity and respect.

Education Advocate for IEP and 504 Plan Support

Beyond evaluations, Saba also serves as an Education Advocate. She helps families navigate Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans with confidence. Because the education system can feel complex, she guides parents and caregivers step by step.

For example, she supports families during evaluations, eligibility meetings, and goal development. She also helps review accommodations, behavioral supports, and transition plans. Throughout the process, she promotes collaboration between families and school teams so students receive appropriate and effective support.

Compassionate and Collaborative Support

Above all, Saba brings both expertise and empathy to her work. She understands that school meetings and planning discussions can feel overwhelming. Therefore, she focuses on helping families feel informed, prepared, and empowered.

She values strong partnerships between families, educators, and service providers. When teams work together, students benefit from consistent and meaningful support.

Commitment to Best Practices

Finally, Saba stays current with research, legal updates, and best practices in school psychology and special education advocacy. She participates in ongoing professional development and collaborates with other professionals in the field.

Her mission is clear: to ensure every child has access to individualized support and equitable educational opportunities that encourage academic growth and personal development.