Founder, Executive Director, and Non-Attorney Parent Advocate
JAMIE KIRSCHNER, FOUNDER
Introducing Jamie Kirschner, a devoted mother to 18-year-old Grace and an accomplished advocate, educator, and community developer with over 28 years of experience in her field.
Having previously served as a principal and educational leader, Jamie is dedicated to championing education, coaching parents/families, fostering inclusivity, and driving community growth. From classrooms to corporate settings, Jamie passionately imparts inclusive practices, enhancing leadership development and employee engagement.
With the esteemed title of National Board-Certified Special Education Advocate (BCASE) awarded by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) in 2021, Jamie stands as a committed member of prominent associations. These include the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), National Association of Professional Special Education Advocates (NAPSEA), Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Council of Administrators of Exceptional Student Education (CASE), and Division of Developmental Disabilities (DADD). Jamie also proudly serves as a Board Member of “The Sensory Safe Salon and Spa” (www.thesensorysafesalon.org), a rapidly expanding initiative across the US.
A University of Florida graduate of 1998, Jamie earned a B.A. in Specific Learning Disabilities and Emotional Mental Handicaps. She possesses a K-12 special education teaching license, along with credentials in educational leadership and school principalship. With a Master’s in Education acquired in 2005, Jamie is certified in Autism and Dyslexia, and trained in Orton Gillingham. Her extensive background includes teaching a diverse range of K-12 students with disabilities both in the US and Europe, as well as educating fellow educators.
Over her career, Jamie has actively participated in more than 3,500 Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings and contributed to the resolution of over 200+ Due Process Complaints. As a teacher, administrator, and advocate, she has successfully crafted employee training programs, conducted business needs assessments, and devised certification strategies for community stakeholders to improve inclusive practices.
Jamie and her team of consultants and advocates are ready to help your family or business today!
info@eduamerica.org or 239.340.0929
DR. GABRIELLE BAKER, PRESIDENT
Introducing Dr. Gabrielle Baker, a mom to three, accomplished advocate, educator and behavior therapist with over 13 years in her field.
Having previously served as a private behavior specialist, district autism consultant, special education teacher and more, Gabrielle is passionate about inclusion, academic and social/ emotional growth and parent participation. Over her career, Gabrielle has participated in over 1500 Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings.
Dr. Baker currently holds a PhD in Education, Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, and undergraduate degree in Learning and Behavioral Disorders. She is a member of many national organizations, including but not limited to: the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), National Association of Professional Special Education Advocates (NAPSEA), and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
Gabrielle also proudly serves on the board for The Lucky Mama Project, Buckeye Friends School and the PANCAN: Indianapolis.
Dr. Gabrielle Baker, Advocate
MATTELIN MCREYNOLDS
Introducing Mattelin McReynolds, a loving mom to a little boy, and an accomplished advocate, educator, and mentor with over 10 years in her field.
Having previously served as an educator in multiple states as a special education teacher, administrator, and compliance coordinator. Over her career, she has actively participated in over 2,000 Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings. Mattelin is devoted to empowering families to know and understand their rights to best support their children’s needs and help develop growth.
Mattelin has her Masters in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Special Education, from The University of Cincinnati. She is a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). She possesses a K-12 special education teaching license, a general education PK-3 teaching license in multiple states, along with credentials in educational leadership.
Mattelin McReynolds
Rachel Nicholson, M.A.
RACHEL NICHOLSON
Rachel Nicholson is a proud mom to 2 daughters, a Special Education educator and coordinator for over 15 years, and an advocate for inclusion and equity for all. Over her 15 years as a teacher, Rachel has taught in multiple classroom settings, mentored and developed classroom interventions, modifications, and accommodations for general education classroom teachers, and ensured that students had every available resource available to them. In her capacity as a coordinator, she organized RTI and Special Education services for all students in her building, helped families find appropriate placements in other buildings, liaised with community organizations, and educated both families and educators on Special Education processes. Rachel received a Bachelors of Science in Human Development with a focus on Child Development from Cornell University, a dual Masters of Arts in Elementary Education (1-6) and Teaching Students with Disabilities (1-6) from Teachers College at Columbia University, and certificates in New York State School Building Leader and School District Leader from Hunter College’s School Leadership Program.