Special Education Academy Advocate Partner Logo

Special Education Academy™ (SEA)

Advocate Partners

We’re excited to announce that Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss™, and the Special Education Academy™ are collaborating with dedicated advocates personally trained by Karen. Together, we’re committed to delivering the best advocacy services to families in need.

Our Special Education Academy Advocate Partners have joined the team to enhance our mission, paving the way for successful student outcomes. We’re united in our dedication to empowering every student to thrive. 

“Remember, when we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.”

~ Karen Mayer Cunningham 

Shannon Mares, Special Education Academy Advocate Partner
Travis S. Moses, Advocate
Special Education Academy Advocate Partner Logo
Shannon Mares, Special Education Academy Advocate Partner
Photograph of Stephanie Rodriguez-Barnett, Advocate
Travis S. Moses, Advocate

Click Advocate Photograph for bio.

Having a daughter with a genetic condition, 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, led to her passion for helping families by advocating for students. Shannon has the compassion, communication skills, and knowledge to work with families and school districts, bringing them all together to create successful IEPs for students.

Shannon Mares

Advocate Partner, Special Education Academy™

I am a Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate and expert in advising and educating parents that are seeking support for their child. My role is to ensure that your rights are not being violated and that your child is receiving special education services that allow for positive outcomes. I will support you at every stage of your child’s education and guide the IEP Team to provide your child with all educational services required under federal law. 

My experince began at birth having visual impairment. At the age of 23 I became legally blind. All the while stuggling through Universities mostly studying  social work. At one point having to sue the University to get me and other students the accommodations that we were suppose to get. Carrying someone’s burden means making sure that the needs of  kiddo with disabilities and their families are met. My goal is to walk with you through the IEP process and create an IEP that meets your child’s unique needs. If you’re facing issues with your child and the education system, I am here to help you.

Travis S. Moses

Advocate Partner, Special Education Academy™

Stephanie is a distinguished operations leader and advocate for special education, with over twenty years of diverse professional experience. She currently serves as a School Board Trustee and has made significant strides in advocating for students, special education, and public schools, demonstrating a deep commitment to educational issues.

Her dedication to special education is rooted in personal experience. Married to a military veteran and a mother of three, Stephanie’s journey into special education began in 2017 after her child was diagnosed with ADHD, expressive language impairment and multiple learning disabilities. Her mission is clear: to ensure that every child she serves receives a free appropriate public education. Stephanie’s unique blend of professional skills and personal dedication positions her as a powerful advocate for special education. As a mother to children with special needs and having endured a traumatic brain injury herself, Stephanie’s advocacy is both personal and profound.

Stephanie has represented educational interests on Capitol Hill and at the Texas Capitol, and has trained elected officials on special education topics with entities like the Texas Association of School Boards and the National School Boards Association. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas, along with a certificate in volunteer management and she’s certified in mergers and acquisitions.

Stephanie Rodriguez-Barnett

Advocate Partner, Special Education Academy™

Rachel Mottern brings both personal and professional experience to her advocacy, guiding families through the complexities of the special education system. Growing up with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD, Rachel faced overwhelming challenges in school until she became eligible for special education services. Thanks to the support of a dedicated special education teacher, she transformed her struggles into strengths, eventually earning a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University, the nation’s top institution for Special Education.

With nearly a decade of experience as a special education teacher and firsthand insight into living with disabilities, Rachel is deeply committed to ensuring every child receives a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). She works diligently to ensure students with disabilities receive the accommodations, modifications, and specially designed instruction tailored to their unique educational needs.

Rachel’s advocacy is driven by data-informed decisions that prioritize the best interest of the child. Collaborating closely with families, educators, and specialists, she analyzes educational data to develop strategies that lead to successful outcomes for students. Her mission is to empower children with disabilities, helping them—and their families—navigate the special education system so they can thrive.

Rachel Mottern, M.Ed.

Advocate Partner, Special Education Academy™

My driving passion is to ensure every child has absolutely everything they need and has every opportunity to prepare them for further education, independent living, and future employment. I have dedicated my life and career to education by earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in Emotional Handicap and another in Varying Exceptionalities from Nova Southeastern University. With 27 years of experience as a teacher with a National Board Certification in Early Childhood Generalist, having years of experience as a Literacy Specialist, and serving as part of the School Administration Team, I am eager to get the best outcome for your child.

My Special Education career continues today as I navigate my last child through his transition years as part of the 18–21-year-old Transition Program. I have represented him at a due process hearing to fight for his Assistive Technology needs to be recognized and met. We have already successfully navigated three of our children through special education and transition programs, gaining employment and independent living after accessing and receiving services in Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Speech and Language Impairment, Specific Learning Disabilities, and Occupational Therapy programs.

As an advocate, I work tirelessly to help children achieve their best life by ensuring they receive all the needed support and opportunities by using excellent communication skills to show your child’s unique needs and circumstances.

Cindy M. Bockleslaugh

Advocate Partner, Special Education Academy™

With 35+ years in education and a personal drive, Elena is now a dedicated advocate for children with special needs. Since retiring from teaching, she focuses on helping families navigate their educational journeys for their kids’ success.

Elena holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Southern Connecticut State University and has endorsements in Reading, ESOL, and Financial Planning. She has always been a strong advocate for her students, ensuring they have the support they need. Elena’s advocacy is personal, too, as she fights for her 19-year-old nephew with severe Autism and ADHD. Her goal is his happiness and success. Highly organized and effective under pressure, Elena builds strong relationships with families to find the best solutions for their children. She is committed to discovering and supporting what’s best for each student.

Elena S. Thomas

Advocate Partner, Special Education Academy™

All Advocate Partners associated with Special Education Academy are independent consultants and not employees of Special Education Academy™, Special Education Boss™, or Karen Mayer Cunningham. Each ‘Partner’ has been trained by ‘the Boss’, has advocacy experience, and comes highly recommended by Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss™. However, it’s essential to note that they operate independently and bear individual responsibility for their actions, advice, and services.

While we consistently aim to collaborate with professionals and have confidence in those we’ve trained, any arising issues, disputes, or disagreements should be addressed directly with the Partner involved. Neither Special Education Academy™, Special Education Boss™, nor Karen Mayer Cunningham holds liability for any Partner actions and is to be held harmless for any advice, activities, or actions undertaken by them.

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