Our Mission Statement
Empowering parents with the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to advocate for their children's educational success.
Here's How We Can Help
No matter where you are in your child's educational journey, Empowered Parent Advocacy is here to provide the guidance, support, and encouragement you need to move forward with confidence. We partner with families to help them better understand the special education process, make informed decisions, and effectively advocate for their child's educational success.
We provide personalized guidance and support with:
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Section 504 Plans
Educational Advocacy
Parent Coaching
Educational Record Reviews
School Meeting Preparation
Attendance at IEP and Section 504 Meetings
Accommodation Recommendations
Educational Evaluation Reviews
Transition Planning
Whether you're requesting your child's first IEP or 504 Plan, preparing for an important school meeting, reviewing an existing educational plan, or simply looking for guidance, we're committed to helping you feel informed, prepared, and empowered every step of the way.
Together, we'll help you navigate the process with confidence so you can focus on what matters most—helping your child reach their fullest potential.
Reserve a Consultation
We're Here to Help
Have questions or ready to schedule a consultation? We'd love to hear from you. Whether you're just beginning the IEP or 504 process or need guidance with an existing plan, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation or to learn more about how Empowered Parent Advocacy can support you and your family.
Empowering Parents Advocating for Every Child
At Empowered Parent Advocacy, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and every parent deserves to feel informed, supported, and confident when navigating the special education process.
Whether you're requesting your child's first Individualized Education Program (IEP), exploring a Section 504 Plan, preparing for an upcoming school meeting, or simply trying to understand your child's educational rights, we're here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Our mission is simple: to empower parents with the knowledge, guidance, and confidence needed to advocate effectively for their child's educational success.
Meet Denean Russell, M.A.
Founder | Parent & Educational Advocate
My passion for educational advocacy wasn't born solely from my education or professional experience; it was born from my heart as a mother.
I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and have spent more than 15 years working in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), supporting children and families with diverse developmental and behavioral needs. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working alongside educators, therapists, clinicians, and families to help children reach their fullest potential.
While my professional experience has given me the knowledge to support others, my greatest lessons came from raising my own children.
As the mother of three incredible children diagnosed with ADHD, including one on the autism spectrum, I understand firsthand the emotions that come with advocating for your child. I know what it feels like to wonder if your child will receive the support they deserve, to sit through meetings filled with unfamiliar terminology, to review evaluations that can feel overwhelming, and to leave wondering if you asked all the right questions.
I've experienced the uncertainty, the frustration, the victories, and the moments when simply taking the time to explain the process would have made all the difference.
Those experiences shaped not only who I am as a parent but also who I am as an advocate.
I founded Empowered Parent Advocacy because I believe no parent should have to navigate the special education process feeling confused, intimidated, or alone. Every family deserves someone who will listen, educate, and walk beside them with compassion and integrity.
My goal is not to speak for parents but to empower them—to provide the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to become their child's strongest advocate.
Because when parents feel empowered, children have the opportunity to thrive.
To me, advocacy is more than attending meetings; it is helping parents find their voice, understand their rights, and confidently advocate for the future their child deserves.
EPA Philosophy
We believe that the strongest advocates for a child are the people who love them most: their parents.
Too often, families walk into school meetings feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or afraid to ask questions. Our mission is to change that. We believe that when parents are informed, prepared, and confident in understanding their child's educational rights, they become powerful partners in shaping their child's future.
We believe advocacy is built on collaboration, respect, and open communication. Our goal is not to create conflict, but to foster productive partnerships between families and school teams that keep the child's best interests at the center of every decision.
No two children learn the same way, and no two families share the same journey. That's why we take the time to listen, understand your concerns, celebrate your child's unique strengths, and provide personalized guidance that reflects your family's individual needs and goals.
Above all, we want every parent to leave feeling empowered—not intimidated. We want you to walk into every meeting with confidence, equipped with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to advocate for your child with clarity and purpose.
Because every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and every parent deserves someone who believes in them just as much as they believe in their child.
Dear Parent,
I know reaching out for help isn't always easy.
You may be feeling frustrated, confused, overwhelmed, or simply exhausted from trying to navigate a system that can feel complicated and intimidating.
Maybe you've left a school meeting with more questions than answers. Maybe you've wondered if your child is getting the support they deserve. Or perhaps you've thought, "I just wish someone would help me understand this.
want you to know something...
You are not alone.
No one knows your child better than you do.
My role isn't to speak for you—it's to help you speak with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Together, we'll prepare.
Together, we'll learn.
Together, we'll advocate.
And together, we'll work toward ensuring your child receives the educational opportunities they deserve.
It would be an honor to walk alongside your family and support you every step of the way.
With compassion,
Denean Russell
Founder | Empowered Parent Advocacy
Helping Parents Find Their Voice—One Child at a Time.