Good Trouble, Done Right
Presentations, Partnerships, and Moments That Matter
We’re proud to share the work we’re doing in the community.
National Presentation
at COPAA 2025
At the 2025 Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) National Conference, Kelly and Maia had the honor of presenting their session:“Adapting IEPs and FBAs for Students with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)”. Or, the affirming version - Persistent Drive for Autonomy.
This topic resonated deeply with advocates, attorneys, parents, and providers alike—especially for a final-day session, the room was full, engaged, and energized.
The presentation focused on practical strategies for adapting IEPs and Functional Behavior Assessments to better support students with high anxiety-based demand avoidance profiles, often misunderstood or misidentified within traditional frameworks.
Kelly and Maia emphasized:
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How standard behavior plans can unintentionally escalate distress in PDA-identified students
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How to approach goal-setting, accommodations, and data collection through a neurodivergent-affirming lens
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Real-world examples of how collaborative teams can create effective, individualized supports without relying on compliance-driven models
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The response was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees expressed appreciation for the clarity, compassion, and practical insight the session offered—particularly in an area that remains under-recognized in many schools.
This moment was not just a professional milestone—it was a reflection of why Upcountry Advocate exists: to bridge understanding, challenge assumptions, and advocate for supports that actually work.
“We were blown away by how many people not only showed up, but stayed, asked questions, and wanted to keep the conversation going. It was a powerful reminder that the field is ready to do better—and families deserve that.”— Maia & Kelly
Want to bring this training to your school, organization, or community? We’re available for custom presentations, team trainings, and professional development workshops—tailored to your audience and needs.Email us at team@upcountryadvocate.com to start the conversation.
SELPA ADR Conference 2025 – Bridging the Gap
In March 2025, Maia and Kelly were honored to present at the SELPA Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Conference, where their session—“Shifting Perspectives: Fostering Positive Dynamics with Neurodivergent-Affirming Strategies”—drew a full and deeply engaged audience.
This presentation focused on putting our core mission into action: using collaborative, strengths-based approaches to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that center the student, reduce conflict, and foster trust between families and school teams.
Kelly and Maia shared:
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Practical tools for shifting from compliance-driven to student-centered conversations
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Real-world examples of IEP successes built on relationship repair, clear communication, and mutual respect
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Concrete strategies to affirm neurodivergent identities and build on student strengths—even in complex or high-stakes IEP meetings
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The presentation was especially meaningful in the context of ADR—where the goal is not just resolution, but rebuilding relationships in service of better outcomes for students.
“We believe in bridging the gap, not building more walls. When both sides come to the table with shared purpose and student-centered values, we all win. This session showed just how possible that is.”— Kelly & Maia
Interested in district-wide or SELPA-level training? We offer professional development tailored for educators, service providers, and administrators on topics like collaborative IEP practices, neurodivergent-affirming strategies, and effective family-school partnerships. To request a training or presentation for your team, email us at team@upcountryadvocate.com
Community First
At Upcountry Advocate, we believe advocacy starts at home. Supporting families in our own community—right here in Amador County—is at the heart of everything they do.
We, at UA, are proud to offer free IEP audits for families in the Amador County Unified School District. Families can send in their current IEP, and it will be reviewed for alignment with student needs, to ensure it meets requirements, and to ensure it has overall clarity. The goal is to help local families feel informed, empowered, and supported—even before there's a conflict.
Maia serves on the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for Special Education, helping elevate parent voices and community perspectives within our district. She (and this year, one of her sons) also participates in SELPA Legislation Day, advocating at the state level on behalf of Amador County families.
In collaboration with other local parents, Maia and Kelly work to bring awareness campaigns and educational events to Amador County, and they continue to support the Amador SELPA’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process with a focus on collaboration and transparency.
If you live in Amador County and would like a free IEP audit, email us at team@upcountryadvocate.com.
We offer a limited number of free audits each month. Once we receive your request, we’ll follow up with the next steps and details about what to send.
This is a no-pressure, confidential way to get feedback and better understand your child’s current IEP.
“We live here. We serve here. And we’re invested in making Amador County a better place for every student and family navigating special education.” - Maia and Kelly
Need a Workshop for Your CAC?
We offer engaging, parent-centered workshops designed for Community Advisory Committees across California. Whether your members are looking to better understand the IEP process, learn about neurodivergent-affirming strategies, or build collaborative advocacy skills, we’ll tailor the session to your group’s needs. Most workshops will be virtual unless within a two-hour radius - travel time may apply.
To request a workshop or presentation for your CAC, email us at team@upcountryadvocate.com.
COPAA Conference & SEAT 2.0 Connection
A highlight of the conference was the SEAT 2.0 cohort meet-up. SEAT 2.0 (Special Education Advocate Training) is COPAA's intensive, nationally recognized program designed to deepen the knowledge and skills of practicing non-attorney special education advocates. Maia is a proud graduate of this program. Connecting with fellow SEAT 2.0 advocates in person was both inspiring and affirming. It reinforced our commitment to continuous learning and collaborative advocacy. Being part of this dedicated community enhances our ability to support families effectively and ensures that we stay at the forefront of special education advocacy.
In March, when Kelly and Maia attended the annual conference of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)—a pivotal organization dedicated to protecting the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families. COPAA's mission is to empower parents, attorneys, and advocates to collaborate as equal partners in the educational process, ensuring that every child receives a Free Appropriate Public Education as mandated by IDEA.
"Being part of COPAA and the SEAT 2.0 program has profoundly impacted our advocacy work. The conference was a reminder of the power of community and the importance of staying informed and connected."— Kelly & Maia
Michael’s Team
This is personal.
Maia’s journey into advocacy began with her own son, Michael—a bright, creative, complex learner who needed more than a checklist approach. Along the way, Kelly and Maia met while working on Michael’s case, and a true partnership began.
Today, Michael is supported by an extraordinary IEP team—one that didn’t come pre-packaged, but grew into something cohesive, collaborative, and student-centered. Every specialist on his team—across communication, sensory, physical, and academic domains—works together, not in solos. They listen, adjust, and stay focused on what matters most: Michael’s growth.One unforgettable moment? Michael and his APE provider created a flag together to celebrate progress on difficult terrain—both literally and figuratively. It was a symbol of hard work, trust, and shared success.That doesn’t mean everything is perfect. But the difference between this team and a previous one—moments in the past so stressful they led to recurring shingles—is night and day. The key difference? This team sees Michael. They collaborate. And they care.
This is what’s possible when student-centered practice isn’t just a phrase—it’s a commitment.