IEP DEFENDERS

MEET THE SUPERHEROES BEHIND IEPDefenders.com

Your Champions in Advocacy

At IEPDefenders.com, we are more than just attorneys, we are passionate advocates who have a personal and heartfelt connection to the difficulties faced by students with special needs. Our legal team comprises members who possess not only legal expertise but also a profound and personal understanding of the challenges faced by both parents and students. Our community partners are passionate about helping children and their families navigate the complexities of the education system.

Our Legal Team

OUR SHARED EXPERIENCES: THE FOUNDATION OF OUR EMPATHY
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Empathetic Ears

Our attorneys have navigated the IEP process, fought for accommodations, and celebrated milestones both as legal counsel and as parents with special needs. Their journeys fuel their passion for advocating for your child's rights.

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Overcoming Challenges

Many of our attorneys were once students with disabilities or disadvantages. They understand the challenges of education systems and can effectively advocate for your child.

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Parent and Child Advocates

Our attorneys have navigated the IEP process, fought for accommodations, and celebrated milestones both as legal counsel and as parents with special needs. Their journeys fuel their passion for advocating for your child's rights.

Photo of Sam Castor, Esq.

Sam Castor, Esq.
David Gardner, Esq., Attorney

David Gardner, Esq.
Mike Falater, Esq., Attorney

Mike Falater, Esq.
Vincent Garrido, Esq., Attorney

Vincent Garrido, Esq.
Dylan Lawter, Esq., Attorney

Dylan Lawter, Esq.
Justin Fernstrom, Esq., Attorney

Justin Fernstrom, Esq.
Kristen Rothman, Esq., Attorney

Kristen Rothman, Esq.
Lolita Brown Fletcher, Esq., Attorney

Lolita Brown Fletcher, Esq.
Sauda Johnson-McNeal, Esq., Attorney

Sauda Johnson-McNeal, Esq.
Naomi Barerra, Esq., Attorney

Naomi Barerra, Esq.
Kathleen Ireland, Esq., Attorney

Kathleen Ireland, Esq.
Maliaca Wong, Esq., Attorney

Maliaca Wong, Esq.
Tamaryn Da Pointe, Esq., Attorney

Tamaryn Da Pointe, Esq.
Keith Peck, Esq., Attorney

Keith Peck, Esq.
Melissa Gardner, Paralegals

Melissa Gardner
Nancy Ruiz, Paralegals

Nancy Ruiz
Maria Martinez, Paralegals

Maria Martinez
Photo of Stephanie Wynn

Stephanie Wynn
Dr. Jeremy Henderson, Ed.D, Paralegals

Dr. Jeremy Henderson, Ed.D
Dr. Alfonso Padron, PhD, Paralegals

Dr. Alfonso Padron, PhD
Courtney Burnett, SLPA, B.C.A.S.E., Paralegals

Courtney Burnett, SLPA, B.C.A.S.E.
Fiona Sifontes, Paralegals

Fiona Sifontes
Mindy Rodrigues-Habib M.Ed.,Ed.S., Paralegals

Mindy Rodrigues-Habib M.Ed.,Ed.S.
Lori Bitar, Paralegals

Lori Bitar
Cynthia Escamilla, Paralegals

Cynthia Escamilla
Charitie Carpenter, Paralegals

Charitie Carpenter
Jenna Nicole Scott, Esq., Paralegals

Jenna Nicole Scott, Esq.
Amanda Gabel, LCSW, B.S. ECEHD, Paralegals

Amanda Gabel, LCSW, B.S. ECEHD
Bonnie Klein, Paralegals

Bonnie Klein
Becca Simmons-Thompson, Paralegals

Becca Simmons-Thompson
Sonna Robison, Staff

Sonna Robison
Sage Hardy, Staff

Sage Hardy
Kim Wood, Staff

Kim Wood
Dulce Maria Solian, Staff

Dulce Maria Solian
Samuel Gomez, Staff

Samuel Gomez
Amy Graves, Staff

Amy Graves
Adriane Casolari, Staff

Adriane Casolari
Roberto Santiago-Garcia, Staff

Roberto Santiago-Garcia

Our Community Partners

WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY TO BRIDGE DIVERSE VOICES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Special Education Advocates

Wynn Advocacy Logo
Stephanie Wynn
Illuminated Minds Educational Services Logo
Dr. Jeremy Henderson, Ed.D
Dr. Alfonso Padron, PhD
NY Advocates 4 Kids Logo
Fiona Sifontes
Courtney Burnett Logo
Courtney Burnett, SLPA, B.C.A.S.E.
4 Kids Advocacy Logomark
Becca Simmons-Thompson
Patricia Schuppe, Triesha Foglia-Edwards
IEP With Help Logomark
Madelyn Sologuren, Diego Sologuren
Prepared Parent Advocate Logomark
Monica Trost
Cares Group Logo
Jennifer Dewey
Julie S Cole Logo
Julie Cole
Sierra Special Education Advocacy Logo
Bonnie Klein
Amanda Gabel Consulting Logo
Amanda Gabel, LCSW, B.S. ECEHD, Liza Mordkovich
Jenna Scott Advocacy Headshot
Jenna Nicole Scott, Esq.
My Family Connection Logo
Charitie Carpenter
Cynthia Escamilla
Lori Bitar Logo
Lori Bitar
Mindy Rodrigues-Habib Advocate Headshot
Mindy Rodrigues-Habib M.Ed.,Ed.S.
JDM Advanced Advocacy Logo
Joseph Martinez