How We Can Help

I’m Kaitlyn Varone, a passionate special education advocate with 16 years of experience supporting students with diverse needs. I hold a degree in Special Education from Rhode Island College (2009) and a Master’s in School Administration (2024). Throughout my career, I’ve worked across all grade levels in both self-contained and inclusion settings, helping students access the support they need to succeed. I am deeply committed to collaborating with families and schools to create positive, student-centered educational experiences.

Six years ago, I discovered my true calling in advocacy while assisting families in need. I quickly realized that many parents are unaware of their rights in the special education process, and I am dedicated to empowering them with knowledge and confidence. I believe that when families and schools work together, students receive the individualized support they need to thrive. My guiding philosophy is simple: “If you don’t advocate for your child, who will?”

At IEP Solutions, I help families navigate the complexities of IEP and 504 meetings, ensuring their children receive the services and accommodations they are entitled to. I also collaborate with schools by offering professional development on IEP development, co-teaching strategies, and executive functioning skills. These trainings equip educators with practical tools to support students with disabilities more effectively in the classroom.

Whether I’m guiding parents through the special education process or providing educators with valuable strategies, my goal is to foster strong partnerships that lead to meaningful, lasting outcomes for students. I am committed to making a difference—one family, one student, and one IEP at a time.

I’m Abigail Shideler, a dedicated special education advocate committed to empowering families and ensuring students receive the support they deserve. I earned my degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from the University of Rhode Island in 2023 and am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Special Education. With three years of teaching experience, I’ve worked closely with students, parents, and educators to support a wide range of learning needs.

Through my work in special education, I witnessed how complex the special education system can be for families to navigate. This experience fueled my passion for advocacy, driving me to help families understand their rights and confidently participate in IEP and 504 meetings. I firmly believe that informed parents are powerful advocates, and I am committed to ensuring they have the knowledge and resources needed to secure the best possible education for their children.

At IEP Solutions, I provide personalized support to families, helping them obtain the individualized services and opportunities their children need to succeed. I believe that IEPs should never be one-size-fits-all—they should be thoughtfully designed to reflect each student’s unique strengths, challenges, and goals. I not only support families through advocacy but also empower educators by offering professional development on special needs. Through these trainings, I equip teachers with effective strategies to better support students with disabilities, fostering more inclusive and successful learning environments. I also provide practical tips for parents, helping them become stronger advocates for their children by understanding their rights and navigating the special education process with confidence.

My mission is to ensure that every student receives the accommodations, modifications, and support they deserve, empowering them to thrive in their educational journey.

My name is Laura Almeida, and I am passionate about helping students with disabilities thrive by supporting families, educators, and schools through advocacy and professional development.

I have been an educator for over 20 years, beginning my career after earning my bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education from Roger Williams University in 2004. I spent my early years teaching 1st and 5th grade while also teaching GED classes at night. It was through working with GED students that I found my true calling—supporting high school students with disabilities who needed just a little extra push or someone to show them they mattered.

I went back to school to earn my master’s degree in Special Education (PK-12) from American International College while teaching as a high school special education teacher. Later, I continued my studies and earned a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Educational Leadership with a focus on Special Education.

Even with my leadership training, I choose to stay in the classroom because I believe in the power of direct student connections. Through IEP Solutions, I bring my years of experience to families and educators, helping them navigate the special education process, understand their rights, and become strong advocates for their children. Whether you’re a parent looking for guidance or a professional seeking training, IEP Solutions is here to support you every step of the way.

Let’s work together to make sure every student gets the opportunities they deserve!