Angela Gowans, Educational Advocate, Founder

Since 2005, Angela has worked with families throughout the United States and internationally to advocate for an appropriate education for their children with disabilities. Prior to that, she worked for then-Congressman, now Senator Bernie Sanders, and the American Federation of Teachers. Angela has a broad understanding of state and federal education laws that she brings to her practice of educational advocacy.

"I bring my vast political and legislative knowledge to help problem-solve and advocate for children with special needs,"  explained Angela.

Her family-centered approach focuses on building collaborative teams (school and parents) that get win-win results. Angela uses my training as an advocate; as a MA state-certified mediator; and as a family coach to help families navigate the complex education and service systems, including securing out-district placements or appropriate in-district placements. Angela represents families from initial evaluations through mediation. Often she collaborates with attorneys and independent educational professionals (i.e.: doctors, special educators, neuropsychologists, SLPs, OTs, PTs, agencies, and consultants).

Angela currently or served on the following boards, New England Consortium on Deafblindness (NEC) Advisory Committee; the Landmark School Parents' Association; Founder of Camp Kaleidoscope; U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders’s Disability Advisory Council; and was the first parent member on the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program advisory board at the University of Vermont School of Medicine.

Angela Gowans lives in Beverly, MA, with her husband, Robert, and three sons, Tristan, Dylan, and Liam. She parents two children with disabilities and understands the daily choices and challenges that families face.