Lauren A. Baum: Law is Lauren’s second career. She received a B.S. in Finance from St. John’s University, then an M.B.A. from St. John’s University, and worked in banking until changing direction and seeking a J.D. from Hofstra University. Lauren has practiced education law, primarily special education law, representing parents and students for more than twenty-eight years, interacting with a large number of school districts, schools, and other educational institutions. In 2004, Lauren opened her own firm focusing on special education matters from Long Island through Orange and Dutchess Counties. Lauren has lectured on issues relating to special education law for the Practicing Law Institute, National Business Institute, the New York Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, the New York State Bar Association, as well as various local schools. She has also served as an Instructor/Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University School of Law, having been invited to instruct students in Foundational Lawyering Skills since 2016. Lauren is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey, as well as the Second Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.

Lauren A. Goldberg: Lauren has worked as a special education attorney throughout her legal career. She entered the world of special education law in 2009, through a legal internship. Lauren has since guided families through IEP meetings, mediations, resolution sessions, impartial due process hearings, and administrative and federal court appeals, in both public interest and private law firm settings. She has been a featured speaker in multiple parent workshops and previously presented at COPAA’s annual nation-wide conference. In January 2022, she became one of the founding partners of The AGS Firm, P.C., which represents special education students and their families in the New York City metropolitan area, as well as the Portland, Ore. Metro Region. Lauren holds a BA from Adelphi University Honors College and a JD from Brooklyn Law School. She is admitted to practice law in New York and Oregon. Prior to entering law school, Lauren worked as a 1:1 reading instructor for Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes.

Dana Jonson is a dedicated Civil Rights attorney based in Connecticut. As a special education attorney, her private practice is devoted to championing the civil and legal rights of children with disabilities, advocating for them in every step of the special education process, from IEP meetings to litigation. In addition, Dana conducts workshops for parents and educators alike, equipping them with the knowledge to understand their rights and responsibilities within this sphere. Dana has been admitted to the Connecticut State and Federal Bar and the United States Supreme Court. Her personal experience as a mother to five children with various special education needs and as a foster parent to many more adds a profound layer of empathy and understanding to her professional pursuits. Having graduated from Northeastern University School of Law, Dana brings a rich educational background and an invaluable insider perspective on special education to her practice. Before her legal career, she served as a special education teacher and administrator in Boston, holding a K-12 certification in Intensive Special Needs. Moreover, her educational journey includes a JD from the Northeastern School of Law, a Master of Science in Education from Simmons College, focusing on Intensive Special Needs, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Fairfield University, focusing on Developmental Psyc

Jennifer D. Laviano, (CT) holds a B.A. in English Literature from Skidmore College and earned her J.D., cum laude, from Quinnipiac University School of Law. Jennifer Laviano is an attorney in private practice in Connecticut who focuses on the representation of children and adolescents under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Her representation includes attendance at IEP team meetings and mediation and zealous advocacy in litigation in due process hearings and federal court. Attorney Laviano is a regular presenter, locally and nationally, on the Civil Rights of students with disabilities, and is the co-author of the popular book, Your Special Education Rights: What Your School District Isn't Telling You.