What happens when a fiercely intelligent parent is told her child just isn’t “a good fit” for school?
In this raw and powerful episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, sits down with Kentucky-based mom, medical professional, and now advocate, Angie Pannuti. What began as a personal struggle with sleep-deprived nights, guilt-filled days, and a nonverbal toddler has turned into a mission to shift entire school systems—starting with her son, Michael.
Angie shares her journey:
Navigating early intervention and a rocky preschool transition
Feeling like she was failing as a parent (despite being a physician assistant!)
The moment she realized something had to change
Finding Karen’s videos late one night on Facebook Reels
Attending board meetings, joining the Academy, and becoming “all in”
Starting a nonprofit, Special Education Lifeline, to support families in Kentucky
This episode is a masterclass in what happens when a parent is empowered with the right tools, training, and support—and the ripple effect it creates in communities, classrooms, and systems.
💡 You’ll hear:
Why Angie had to step back as “just mom” to truly advocate
The power of saying, “Show me the data.”
How a structured classroom transformed Michael’s school year
Why teachers, not just parents, are joining the Academy in record numbers
What it really means to “train everyone at the IEP/504 table”
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, outnumbered, or underprepared in special education—this conversation is your lifeline.
🔗 Join The Academy: https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about
💌 Got a question? Email advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
Want more training? https://specialeducationacademy.com/training
#SpecialEducationBoss, #KarenMayerCunningham, #IEPHelp, #504Plan, #SpecialEducation, #IEPAdvocate, #ParentAdvocate, #SPEDLaw, #IDEA2004, #CompensatoryServices, #Paraprofessional, #StateComplaint, #FAPE, #BehaviorSupport, #InclusionMatters, #SpecialEducationRights, #IEPMeetingTips, #DisabilityAdvocacy, #KnowYourRights, #AskTheAdvocate
In this raw and powerful episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, sits down with Kentucky-based mom, medical professional, and now advocate, Angie Pannuti. What began as a personal struggle with sleep-deprived nights, guilt-filled days, and a nonverbal toddler has turned into a mission to shift entire school systems—starting with her son, Michael.
Angie shares her journey:
Navigating early intervention and a rocky preschool transition
Feeling like she was failing as a parent (despite being a physician assistant!)
The moment she realized something had to change
Finding Karen’s videos late one night on Facebook Reels
Attending board meetings, joining the Academy, and becoming “all in”
Starting a nonprofit, Special Education Lifeline, to support families in Kentucky
This episode is a masterclass in what happens when a parent is empowered with the right tools, training, and support—and the ripple effect it creates in communities, classrooms, and systems.
💡 You’ll hear:
Why Angie had to step back as “just mom” to truly advocate
The power of saying, “Show me the data.”
How a structured classroom transformed Michael’s school year
Why teachers, not just parents, are joining the Academy in record numbers
What it really means to “train everyone at the IEP/504 table”
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, outnumbered, or underprepared in special education—this conversation is your lifeline.
🔗 Join The Academy: https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about
💌 Got a question? Email advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
Want more training? https://specialeducationacademy.com/training
#SpecialEducationBoss, #KarenMayerCunningham, #IEPHelp, #504Plan, #SpecialEducation, #IEPAdvocate, #ParentAdvocate, #SPEDLaw, #IDEA2004, #CompensatoryServices, #Paraprofessional, #StateComplaint, #FAPE, #BehaviorSupport, #InclusionMatters, #SpecialEducationRights, #IEPMeetingTips, #DisabilityAdvocacy, #KnowYourRights, #AskTheAdvocate