What is your background in special education?

I have extensive experience in special education across instructional planning, IEP development, data-based decision making, and individualized support design. My work is grounded in both practical classroom experience and a deep understanding of compliant, meaningful special education programming.

Who do you work with?

I support families, educators, and school teams navigating a wide range of special education needs--from understanding IEPs and evaluations to strengthening implementation and planning more effective supports.

What makes your approach different?

My approach blends practical expertise, collaborative advocacy, and a deeply individualized perspective. I believe strong special education support should be both compliant and meaningful--grounded in data, tailored to the student, and built for real-world implementation.

Do you work with schools, families, or both?

Both. I partner with families, educators, and teams because meaningful student progress happens when everyone has clarity and strategy.

Are you an attorney or legal advocate?

No. I provide educational consultation, advocacy support, and strategic guidance, but I do not provide legal advice.

Why did you start Spesh?

I started Spesh because too many families and educators are navigating complex special education decisions without the clarity, support, or strategy they deserve. My goal is to make that process feel less overwhelming and more actionable.

What do clients appreciate most about working with you?

Clients often tell me they appreciate that I make complicated information feel manageable, bring both warmth and honesty to hard conversations, and help them leave with practical next steps--not just more information.

What do you believe about special education?

I believe every student has something to say, every plan should be meaningful, and support should be individualized--not built around compliance alone. Strong special education balances compassion, strategy, data, and high expectations.

To The Spesh Moms: I See You

Charley Jo Vaughn
May 10
2 min read

To the spesh moms--

I'm not a spesh mom, so I don't know exactly what it feels like to walk in your shoes every single day. But I have spent my whole life closely connected to spesh moms, and I want you to know this:

I see you.

I notice how tired you are.

I recognize the grief that can come with letting go of the life you once imagined for your child.

I feel the hurt that comes when people don't understand, include, or make space for your child the way they should.

But I also see the pride on your face when your child accomplishes something others may call "small," even though you know it took mountains to get there.

I see the appointments, the advocacy, the paperwork, the late nights, the constant worry, and the unconditional love that never stops showing up.

And I hope you know how important you are.

Your love matters.

Your care matters.

The way you fight for your child matters.

I hope you have people around you who step in and give you a moment to breathe--a village that reminds you that you don't have to carry everything alone. I know that village can sometimes be hard to find when you're parenting a child with a disability.

But please know this:

What you are doing is extraordinary.

Happy Mother's Day to the moms who love fiercely, advocate endlessly, and celebrate every single win along the way.

You are very spesh.

If you are a Spesh mom reading this today, I hope you know that your work matters--even on the days when no one claps for it. The small wins are not small. The advocacy is exhausting. The love you pour into your child changes their world every single day.

Spesh celebrates inclusion, support, and the people who show up again and again for children who deserve to be fully seen and fully valued.

Today, we celebrate you.

Share the Love

If there's a spesh mom in your life who deserves to be celebrated today, share this post with her and remind her that she's not alone.