Meet Carly

I’m Carly Buck, a Texas-certified Educational Diagnostician with more than 14 years of experience in special education. My background includes classroom teaching, special education leadership, educational evaluation, IEP development, and supporting children, teens, young adults, and their families across a wide range of learning and developmental needs. My experience both in the classroom and in special education leadership has given me valuable insight into the Texas public school system, including how evaluations, eligibility decisions, IEPs, accommodations, and services are implemented in real-world school settings.

I’m passionate about identifying each individual’s strengths and using those strengths as a foundation for growth. Whether I’m completing an evaluation, building independent living skills, or supporting social development, I want to understand what already works for that person and use it to create practical, meaningful next steps. I believe support should be individualized, strengths-based, and connected to real life rather than focused only on deficits.

One of my greatest professional passions is supporting transition and independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I love helping young people build the skills that make everyday life more accessible, meaningful, and self-directed, from executive functioning and adaptive behavior to community participation, relationships, and daily living skills.

I created Social Compass Abilities Coaching to give families access to thoughtful, individualized support that extends beyond a test score, diagnosis, or classroom. My goal is to help individuals and families better understand strengths and needs, build confidence, and develop skills that support greater independence in school, at home, and in the community.

Educational Diagnostician • M.Ed. • UCLA PEERS® Certified • 14+ Years in Special Education