Who We Are

Kara Hopko, Founder

I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a teacher. Engaging students and helping them to succeed has always been a passion of mine. Early in my teaching career I saw students who were falling behind even with supports in place. I knew there were other supports to offer but oftentimes they weren’t offered. The students were frustrated, the parents were frustrated, and I was frustrated.

I spoke with colleagues and found that because I had a dual certification in special education and general education, I knew the process, the possibilities, and the law better than they did. They may not have known how or when to advocate for their students, but I did.

Throughout my 16 year teaching career I saw the importance of students receiving the correct support. I saw the compounding issues created when a student’s needs were brushed aside, sometimes for years. I saw families who were trying to get their child more support but it often fell on deaf ears. That’s when I began my career in advocacy.

Throughout the years I have worked with many families just like yours. I have sat in countless meetings with school districts and parents. Many times my job is to act as a bridge between the student’s needs and the school’s suggestions. My many years of experience as a teacher give me a unique insight into classroom expectations, student needs, and best practices in education.

I am passionate about this work. As a mother of 3, one of whom I have had to advocate for, I know how helpless it can feel. You can see your child is slipping. They are crying out for help. You are doing all that you know how to do. But you don’t know what you don’t know. My joy comes from the relief I hear in parents’ voices after our first meeting when they realize that they don’t have to do it alone. It comes from sitting in meetings and knowing that the program that was created for the student is the right program. My joy comes from empowering parents like you and helping your student to succeed. With the right guide this process will be much easier and usually take less time to get to the desired outcomes.

Parents and students make up one part of the Planning and Placement Team. The school team makes up the other part. My knowledge and expertise from serving on school teams for years leads to better communication between the school team and you. School teams listen to me and know that I understand their best practices. This trust and connection leads to a more streamlined process and allows for results to be achieved quicker.