Katy chib: Founder & Education consultant

My passion for advocacy developed in the classroom.   I started out as a substitute teacher in rural Michigan but spent the majority of my teaching career working with students with disabilities in central and southern Los Angeles.  Later, as an IEP chair and school administrator, I gained an intricate knowledge of best practice in writing and implementing hundreds of IEPs but also learned to navigate the “system”: the mechanisms through which school teams can deny services to students.

My related credentialing includes an M.S. in Special Education and Crosscultural, Language, and Academic Development (CLAD) Certification from the University of LaVerne, Autism Authorization from UCLA, and School Leadership and Administration from Johns Hopkins. 

Lynnea Cornish: Special Education Advocate

I am no newcomer to advocacy - in fact, I began speaking up for children at the age of 22. After working for a large revenue-producing tutoring franchise, I was compelled by the amount of services provided to families of children with IEPs for FAPE violations — in turn I began teaching in Baltimore City.

After 15 years of educational leadership, I was not prepared to handle the educational crisis in my own home. I struggled through the process and to obtain effective accommodations and services. I am a product of the strain the process put on me and my family. As a result of my faith and good people on my team, I persevered.

A refreshing turn of events has afforded me to be present with my family and strengthen the relationships around us. Being a visionary, I gladly provide children and families a
perceptive of peace and wholeness in the educational institutions they entrust.

Shanice Hendrix: Advocate & FAmily Coach

I am Shanice, a native of Baltimore County and a mother of 4. My journey to becoming a special education advocate happened organically by being motivated to advocate for my son’s educational needs and refusing to settle for less than what I knew he needed, which led to eventual private placement.

I have learned the ropes by living through the process: I’ve attended countless IEP team meetings and have learned to how to work with a school team—rather than against them—to get what a child needs. As a parent I know first-hand what it’s like to want so much for your child—especially when they have unique needs that the school struggles to support—and persevere to see those things happen.