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Michelle McGowan

"It is my goal to change the law in order to ensure that every child that enters the foster care system is assigned an education advocate to support their unique needs and to bring an extra layer of support to struggling families."

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About Michelle

Michelle has dedicated the past 25+ years to advocating for students with disabilities. Through her continued commitment to professional development and growth, she has become a leader in the field of special education advocacy.

 

Michelle is an enthusiastic Special Education Advocate with passion for supporting the unique educational needs of students with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Emotional Disturbance, and Intellectual Impairment.

 

Michelle also dedicates her time to advocating for youth in the District Attorney’s Juvenile Diversion Initiative program. Within this program, she advocates for kids in the justice system to stay diploma-bound, collaborate with schools to overturn expulsions, and educate parents on their children’s educational rights.

Training in Special Education Advocacy

The Theory and Practice of Mediation– National Conflict Resolution Center (2024)

Known nationally and internationally for the practical, step-by-step process that helps people learn how to mediate in a concrete way, this workshop gives participants a thorough understanding of conflict resolution, mediation theory, and interest-based negotiation. 40 hours of training. 

Art of Inclusive Information– National Conflict Resolution Center (2024)

Workshop focusing on creating an inclusive space where everyone feels valued, respected, and understood.

Trauma-informed Client Connection– National Conflict Resolution Center (2024)

This training provided key information to the leadership team on the impact of trauma and how it shapes clients’ ability to utilize the services offered by the organization successfully. 

SEAS Program– St. Mary’s University School of Law (2024)

Comprehensive training on applicable laws, ethics, best practices in advocacy, strategies for working with parents and schools, and dispute resolution procedures. 

Overcoming Dyslexia Certification– Yale University (2023)

This was an in-depth look into understanding dyslexia and its impact on children and their education to identify how to best advocate for students and ensure their success. 

Dyslexia Training Institute (2023)

This training provided key information to the leadership team on the impact of trauma and how it shapes clients’ ability to utilize the services offered by the organization successfully. 

Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills– University of Michigan (2023)

This training provided key information to the leadership team on the impact of trauma and how it shapes clients’ ability to utilize the services offered by the organization successfully. 

Independent Facilitator Training– Regional Center Self-Determination Program (2023)

This training provided key information to the leadership team on the impact of trauma and how it shapes clients’ ability to utilize the services offered by the organization successfully. 

Autism– Beyond Limitations Conference (2023)

This training provided key information to the leadership team on the impact of trauma and how it shapes clients’ ability to utilize the services offered by the organization successfully. 

East County SELPA Special Education Training (2023)

This training provided key information to the leadership team on the impact of trauma and how it shapes clients’ ability to utilize the services offered by the organization successfully. 

SEAT Advanced Training– COPAA - Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (2021)

Special Education Law. This training focused on mediation and due process for special education matter. 

BREN Program– San Joaquin College of Law (2020)

This extensive series worked to understand federal guidelines under IDEA, the California Educational Code, the IEP process, and walking the child through their educational journey.

SEAT 2.0– COPAA - Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (2020)

Special Education Law. This was an intense year-long program followed by a practicum in a law office working with Special  Education Attorneys. 

ISEA Program– William And Mary Law School (2018)

 Special Education Law. 

SELAS Program– University of San Diego (2016)

 Completed professional development in Special Education Law. 

Community Partnerships

In partnership with:

 

  • San Diego County District Attorney's Office - Juvenile Diversion Initiative 

  • Autism Tree Navigating Neurodiversity Grant 

  • South Bay Community Services

  • YMCA Kinship

  • San Diego's D.A. Community Grant Office

  • San Diego Youth Services 

 

Michelle seeks to build a community dedicated to improving the educational outcomes of foster, adopted, and homeless youth and young adults.

Contact

I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.

(619) 738-4747

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