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Meet Chantel the Broker Dedicated OPWDD Self Direction Broker How My OPWDD Journey Began As an autism mom from the (not always so) boogie-down Bronx, I know what it means to "make things happen." Sadly, I also know what it means to have to fight for help and services, both from the education system and the healthcare system. Parents helping parents is a big thing in the special needs community. I received almost all the great info I now have from other parents who are willing to share their knowledge. That includes self-direction . I met another autism mom at a workshop in Westchester, and when she told me all the services, I could get with a Medicaid Waiver –I listened. The next day I contacted an agency, signed the forms and had services within three months. I can't begin to tell you the incredible progress Prince has made in many areas because of the support he received then and now has. Schedule a Time to Talk The Birth of " Chantel the Broker" I never thought to be a self-direction broker until my son Prince's then broker mentioned it to me, "you have all the right qualities to make a great broker," she said. You have passion, you're organized, and you think outside of the box." That was over a decade ago. But even after becoming a certified broker and hearing what my son's old broker said, I still had no intentions of brokering for other families, the idea never even crossed my mind. At first, I brokered my own son's case for about six months until my friends and acquaintances that I told about SD started asking me to be their child's broker, and as they say, the rest is history. So here I am, doing something I love! Read Parent Testimonials Book a Time to Talk My Mission As a Broker Not only am I a broker, but unlike many others (most brokers do not have kids with special needs). I get it! I can relate to the life you live on a deeper level. Because just like you, I’m in the trenches daily juggling the demands of special needs parenting all while trying to keep my head above water while being a mom to my special son, his siblings and a wife to my husband. My mission as a broker is a straightforward one, nothing rocket science about it at all. My purpose is simply to add value to you and your child's life and contribute to your child's success now and in the future. Let's Talk! View My Broker STATS Last Words... I’m always attending workshops, trainings, talks (I even give some myself) doing whatever and going wherever I can to educate myself, so I have the knowledge and learn the tools to give my son the best future possible—and I’m happy to share what I know with you! Everywhere I go, I tell parents about self-direction and the perks of using it; how they can take control and direct their child’s future, further than they ever dreamed possible. If you’re looking for understanding—I get your situation. If you’re looking for direction—I can point you in a good one. If you’re looking for knowledge—I can share what I have with you. If you’re looking for hope—I can show you how to find and create it. If you need a broker, feel free to reach out, I’m here to help. Wishing you all the best on your journey 👣. Chantel the broker Let's Talk FI Agencies I Currently Work With " Very Resourceful" “Chantel has been an invaluable resource for me and my family. Her expertise and support have helped us navigate the complex world of self direction with ease.” - Sarah, Riverdale " She's Really Good " “I highly recommend Chantel to anyone looking for self direction broker. She is professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate.” - John, Manhattan " Very Professional "You won't go wrong using Chantel as your child's broker. She is very knowledgeable and very professional plus she keeps you up-to-date which I love." -Daria, Bronx Read More Testimonials "Supportive " “ Chantel has made a real difference in my life. Her support has helped me to live more independently and do things I love” - Sean, New Rochelle " Great Service" “...Easy to book a time to speak, very understanding, goes above and beyond just all-around great service... if you're looking for a broker you won't go wrong choosing Chantel!” - Tom, Brooklyn What Parents Say

Welcome to the Power Broker University Finally, everything you need to know about becoming a great broker and building an independent broker business, all in one place. For anyone, from beginners to experienced brokers Become a Better Broker. Make More Money. Build Your Broker Business. You can get a proven system, become more organized, grow your income and embark upon the journey of entrepreneurship if you follow my blueprint! GET STARTED FOR LESS THAN A $1.75 A DAY Become a Better Broker. Make More Money. Build Your Broker Business. You can get a proven system, become more organized, grow your income and embark upon the journey of entrepreneurship if you follow my blueprint! GET STARTED FOR LESS THAN A $1.75 A DAY YOUR FIRST STEP DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD They Say The First Step of Anything Is The Hardest, But What If That Didn't Have To Be True For You? As An Independent OPWDD Broker, I've Built A Successful Business and Learned Many Lessons Along The Way. And I Want To Teach You How You Can Do It Too! I was in the same situation as you! 7 years ago I became my son's broker to save that $2400 in his budget. But what I didn't anticipate was all the mistakes I would make. Although working my way through the OPWDD maze on my own wasn't the easiest thing to do – I managed to overcome the confusion of CNBAs, managing the differing FI guidelines, submitting invoices, and of course my insecurities–yeah I had those too! After submitting my first few budgets, and educating myself, I started really focusing on not just being a broker but building my broker business and taking full control of being independent. And now my broker business is successfully supporting my family. ~ Chantel the Broker LET ME HELP YOU FOR LESS THAN A $1.75 A DAY Finding Clients, Building Great Budgets, and Making Enough To Financially Support You and Your Family Doesn’t Have To Be Tough! (But learning how to do it successfully won't cost you a fortune!) WHEN IT COMES TO BEING A BROKER, DO YOU FACE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHALLENGES? 😕Finding, getting and keeping clients 😕Creating a person-centered profile or plan 😕Completing CNBAs 😕Understanding Housing 😕Submitting budgets correctly 😕Finding Resources and support for your individual(s) 😕Fearful that you won't be prepared for your client's needs? 😕You want to do better, but you aren't sure where to start. And so much more challenges... Just Like Me, You Can Learn How To Take Control Of Being A Broker Instead Of Letting Being A Broker Control You! You Need Direction, A Blueprint, You Need A Plan That Will Set Your Broker Business And Your Finances Straight For Years To Come. YES I'M READY TO BECOME A POWER BROKER! If So, You're In The Right Place! The CTB Broker System Will Help You Reduce Broker Stres and Take Control Over Your Broker Business! Stepping forward with a strategy to give other brokers the inspiration, education, and resources that they need to become secure in being a broker. We aim to create brokers that are both really helping individuals and building strong businesses and slaying budgets and insecurities! CLIENT MANAGEMENT Gain an understanding of your clients by implementing forms and systems that allow you to take control of your client management! Read More Adam Caar Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history. Read More ENTREPRENEURSHIP Empowering Brokers to increase their financial reach by becoming self-motivated and successful Broker entrepreneurs. Read More By Joining My Power Broker University you will gain access to proven ways other brokers have managed to change their life. Here are some benefits of joining us on a journey to successful entrepreneurship as a broker ! Access to online courses (more courses to be added regularly). Once a month – you get to interact with me directly and get all your questions answered during the session. If there’s anything that is impacting your broker business, ask away when we are live! These sessions are the real deal! The masterclass sessions bring so much value to the table. Once a month you will learn practical strategies from me and coming soon I'll be joined by some of the best-experienced brokers! I WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU DON’T MISS ANY ASPECT OF YOUR LEARNING! Therefore, the different courses offered in CTB Power Broker University cover a wide variety of topics. Some of these topics are: ✔️Budget Mastery ✔️Life Plan Improvement & Management ✔️Email Management ✔️Client Management and Organization. ✔️How to Start and Run a Successful Business ✔️+ So Much More! The Power Broker University coursework can be worked on at your own pace an d I'll be here to coach you no matter what level of your broker life journey you’re in right now. Remember that this is not a sprint, it's a marathon! YES I'M READY TO BECOME A POWER BROKER! MAKE A CHOICE TO BECOME A BETTER BROKER AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE When it’s all said and done, you have to make a choice: st ay where you are or move to the next level. I definitely want to help you move to the next level. I want to walk you through the process of building a real business. It’s an easy step, but it’s not always a simple choice. I hope you make the decision that will change your life. The decision is yours to make. Go ahead, ask yourself! What do you want for your future? Is it a life of fulfillment and freedom? I understand that mastering OPWDD and budgets sounds like a lot to handle. And if you are like most new brokers, chances are that no one ever sat you down and talked to you about these things – they teach you how to complete the budgets but not how to be a broker. And that's okay. But it's about time you start working on things before it’s too late! Join my mentorship community and learn how to create the life of your dreams by being a broker! See you on the inside. ~ Chantel YES I'M READY TO BECOME A POWER BROKER! Power University "Pays for Itself" Guarantee If Power Broker University doesn't pay for itself in your business, I'll work with you until it does

Choose your pricing plan One-Month Access to Classes & Programs $ 24.99 24.99$ Perfect for new brokers needing a starting point to support clients or seasoned brokers seeking more class options. Classes include art, karate, music, and more to meet your clients' needs. Valid for one month Select One month of unlimited access to these lists and more. Unlimited Access to Classes & Programs $ 15.99 15.99$ Every month Perfect for new brokers needing a starting point to support clients or seasoned brokers seeking more class options. Classes include art, karate, music, and are frequently updated. 1 day free trial Start Free Trial Unlimited access to these lists and more until you cancel!

Thank you for your referral! Referring a Transfer Client? I have a simple two-step process. Unfortunately, I am not currently accepting housing cases. But if the case doesn't involve housing, follow the steps below to start the process for your participant. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! Send Email STEP 1 Refer Only If You Have the Following For the Individual ... Approved Budget Most current approved budget and any amendments in progress DDP2 Must be completed with scores Year To Date Expense Report The most current monthly budget summary highlighting what's been used and what's left. CR-4 Used to verify individuals demographic information. FI or Broker Termination Form Must be signed by the participant/designee, old broker and Fiscal Intermediary as needed. Staff Action Plan If Community Habilitation service is in the budget ***Additional documents will be requested once I accept the case STEP 2 Have all the necessary documents? If you have all the required documents mentioned above, that's great news! Please send me an email that contains the first name of the participant, their parent's name, their county/borough, and phone number. Also, make sure to include the designee in the email. After receiving your email, I'll respond to it, and the designee can decide on a suitable time for us to connect and get to know each other. This way, we can determine if we're a good match and move forward accordingly. Send Email Now What Parents Say “...Chantel has been an invaluable resource for me and my family. Her expertise and support have helped us navigate the complex world of self direction with ease.” - Sarah, Riverdale

LET’S WORK TOGETHER! Want to collaborate on an upcoming event or project? Fill out the form below for details on my rates and current availability! Speaking Requests Media Requests Show Questions First name Last name Email Code Select Phone BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION WHAT'S YOUR BUDGET? DESCRIBE THE EVENT. (DATE, DEADLINE, LOCATION(S), TIME.) Register Now Thanks for registering!

Looking to grow your business? Explore partnership opportunities with us! Book a call today to discuss how we can collaborate and help your business grow. Partner with Us: Expand Your Reach and Grow Together Let's Talk Welcome! Are you a business ready to expand your reach and connect with more clients? Do you provide valuable services that could help my clients? If so, you’re in the right place! I'm always on the lookout for trusted partners who are ready to elevate their brand and grow alongside us. Book a Call Why Partner with Us? Targeted Exposure: Reach a highly relevant audience eager for services like yours. Increased Brand Awareness: Leverage our platform to get your brand in front of potential clients. Collaborative Growth: Whether you're looking to offer a product, a service, or expertise in your industry, our partnership will create a seamless experience for both our clients and your business. Book a Call Be in Our Newsletter Ready to Take the Next Step? If you’re interested in working with us and want to explore the opportunities we can create together, let’s connect! Book a call with us or complete the contact form below to discuss how we can collaborate and create win-win solutions. First Name Last Name Email Message Submit Thanks for submitting we'll get in touch shortly!

Thank you for your referral! Referring a New Client? I have a simple two-step process. Unfortunately, I am not currently accepting new housing cases. But if your case doesn't involve housing, follow the steps below to start the intake process. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! Ask a Question STEP 1 Refer Only If You Have the Following For the Individual ... NOD.9 Self-Direct authorization DDP2 Must be completed with scores SD Info Session Certificate Depending on when the participant/designee attended the session this can be a certificate or an email confirmation. CR-4 Used to verify individuals demographic information. NOD.1 Waiver Authorization LCED/LOC Must be updated with-in the last year ***Additional documents will be requested once I accept the case STEP 2 Have all the necessary documents? If you have all the required documents mentioned above, that's great news! Please send me an email that contains the first name of the participant, their parent's name, their county/borough, and phone number. Also, make sure to include the designee in the email. After receiving your email, I'll respond to it, and the designee can decide on a suitable time for us to connect and get to know each other. This way, we can determine if we're a good match and move forward accordingly. Send Email Now What Parents Say “...Chantel has been an invaluable resource for me and my family. Her expertise and support have helped us navigate the complex world of self direction with ease.” - Sarah, Riverdale

Self-Direction Quiz Take the Quiz Below! Which service, Traditional, or Self-Direction provides the greatest benefit for your child or individual? When transitioning to self-direction, it's important to consider various factors. Utilize my tool to compare options and determine the best fit for your family. What Parents Say “...Chantel has been an invaluable resource for me and my family. Her expertise and support have helped us navigate the complex world of self direction with ease.” - Sarah, Riverdale Read More Testimonials

Frequently asked questions General Budget Questions SD Process Questions Budget Categories Questions Staff Questions Therapy Questions Reimbursement Questions Travel Questions Budget Amendment Questions Housing Questions 01 What is Self-Direction? Self-direction (https://opwdd.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/03/025_self_direction_342020.pdf)is a service model designed for individuals with developmental disabilities. This model empowers people to have greater control over the delivery of Waiver and State plan services. It allows individuals to create a customized plan that best meets their needs and interests, providing them with more personal choice and control. 02 What is a Broker? The Broker is a professional that is responsible for: • Providing support to a person who chooses to take on Budget Authority. • Educating the person and their family on Self-Directed service options • Assisting with developing and maintaining a Self-Direction budget • Writing the Staff Action Plans • Assisting the person with creating their Circle of Support • Facilitating Circle of Support Meetings • Other support tasks Brokers can be independent contractors or may work for an agency. Note: There are two types of brokers. A START-UP BROKER assists a Self-Direction participant in developing his/her initial Self-Direction Budget, with reimbursement capped at $2,631. A SUPPORT BROKER assists a Self-Direction participant in managing their already approved budget. 03 What is a Fiscal Intermediary (FI)? The FI is a non-profit agency that serves as the “employer of record” for Self-Direction plans with Budget Authority. The FI is responsible for: • performing background checks on staff • collecting service-related documentation • paying for or reimbursing budget-approved goods and services • providing payroll/benefit services • monitoring and reporting on the yearly budget 04 How is my child's SD budget amount determined? The Personal Resource Account (PRA) is the maximum amount of funding allocated to budget your child's supports and services. It is reviewed annually and determined through your child's Developmental Disabilities Profile (DDP-2) scores. The DDP-2 assesses your child's needs in the following areas: medical, sensory/motor, cognitive/communication, behavior, self-care/daily living skills, and clinical services. 05 What is the Circle of Support? The Circle of Support (COS) is a group of people you choose to help create and support your child by identifying goals, needs, and supports. The COS is required to meet at least two times per year. A Circle of Support must include: • The person self-directing services (and/or their advocate) • Broker • Care manager Other members may include: • family members, friends • teachers, paraprofessionals, guidance counselors • staff supporting the self-directing person • anyone the self-directing person trusts to provide guidance and support. 06 If I have self-direction, can I use other Medicaid programs? Yes, Yes and Yes! You can utilize the following services with the help of your care manager: • Assistive Technology: Devices that allow a person to live safely in the community. (for example, augmentative communication devices and vehicle modifications) • Environmental modifications: Physical adaptations to the home that increase or maintain an individual’s ability to live independently at home. • Personal Care Assistance: Personal care can be accessed through Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services (formerly CDPAP). 07 My child needs tutoring. Can I get tutoring in the budget? Sorry, No! Medicaid believes that academic tutoring is a service that should be pursued through the DOE, school district, or college setting. NOTE: Some FIs are very strict that academic tutoring/homework is not an appropriate task for your staff. Frequently Asked Questions

Chantel the Broker Terms of Use January 1st, 2023 Last Updated: January 1st , 2024 Welcome to Chantelthebroker.com! We take your privacy seriously. Please visit https://www.chantelthebroker.com/privacy-policy to review our privacy policy. By accessing and using our website, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use our website. No Warranty: Chantelthebroker.com is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Use Restriction: You agree not to use Chantelthebroker.com for any unlawful purpose or in any way that could damage the website or impair the experience of other users. You also agree not to attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the website. Email Address: By providing your email address, you consent to receive communications from us, including but not limited to newsletters, updates, and promotional materials. You may opt-out of these communications at any time by following the instructions in the emails. Linked Sites: Our website may contain links to external websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. However, we have no control over the nature, content, and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorsement of the views expressed within them. Text Messages: By providing your phone number, you consent to receive text messages from us, including informational and promotional messages. Standard text message rates may apply. You may opt-out of these messages by replying "STOP" to any text message you receive from us. Opting Out: If you no longer wish to use our website or receive communications from us, you may opt-out by contacting us at Chantelthebroker@protonmail.com. We will promptly process your request in accordance with applicable privacy laws. These terms are subject to change without notice. It is your responsibility to review these terms periodically for updates. If you have any questions or concerns about these terms, please contact us at chantelthebroker@protonmail.com . Thank you for using www.chantelthebroker @protonmail.com">www.chantelthebroker @protonmail.com!

My Special Education Advocacy Services As a special education advocate, I've shifted to providing remote support services. Although I no longer attend meetings in person, I remain dedicated to empowering parents by offering valuable assistance. This includes reviewing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), evaluations, crafting action plans, and composing necessary letters. Please choose the support option(s) that align best with your needs below. Service Name I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Service Name I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Service Name I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Service Name I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Get a Quote Can't find what you're looking for? No worries! Just tell me what you need, and I'll shoot you an email with a quote and the next steps. Let's get you sorted! First Name Last Name Email Send Your email has been sent!

Grow your business while supporting the OPWDD community! Sponsor our monthly newsletter for targeted exposure, increased brand visibility, and the opportunity to showcase your commitment to inclusion. Become a sponsor today! Become a Sponsor of Our Monthly Newsletter Want to make a meaningful impact while elevating your company’s visibility? Sponsor our monthly newsletter and place your business in front of a growing community. As a sponsor, you’ll contribute to the empowerment and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities, while gaining exposure for your brand. Here’s what sponsoring our newsletter can offer: Community Engagement: Showcase your logo and message to our diverse audience seeking services for the child. Purpose-Driven Exposure: Reach individuals, families, and professionals who value services that make a difference and support the community we serve. Acknowledgment: Be recognized as a committed partner to the cause, showing your dedication to supporting the community. We partner only with organizations and businesses that share our mission of fostering inclusion and offering quality services. If that’s you, and you’re looking to expand your positive impact and align your brand with a meaningful cause, become a sponsor today! Become a Sponser