Learning Center

Parent Member Meeting - Free for Parent Members

Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 12/16/2024 at 6:00 PM (EST)

COPAA Parent Committee Co-Chairs, Missy Alexander and Theresa Sester, are facilitating a Parent Member meeting to gain insight on what parents hope to gain from their COPAA membership, provide information on the Parent Committee, notify parent members where to submit feedback for upcoming Parent Committee events and resources, review what resources are available to COPAA parent members, and more!

If you need ADA accommodations outside of captions (which are always provided), please email learningcenter@copaa.org

Missy Alexander

Director of Education, Parents' Place Maryland and COPAA Board Member

Parents' Place Maryland and COPAA Board Member

Missy Alexander is the Director of Education at The Parents’ Place of Maryland, has been with the organization since 2002. She is the mother of an adult daughter with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, who was educated in the St. Mary’s County Public Schools for her entire academic career. She is the Co-Chair of the St. Mary’s County Local Management Board, serving as a community member. She is an active member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), serving on its Board of Directors where she was the first advocate to serve as Board Chair. Missy’s approach in working with families is driven by the firm belief that parents are the best advocates for their children, and she provides them with the information, support and encouragement to empower them to do so.

Theresa Sester

Advocate & Parent Committee Co-Chair

Advocacy Office of Theresa Sester (AOTS) Group

Theresa Sester, a mother of three, including one child with Autism and another with ADHD, has firsthand experience navigating the California public school system. She specializes in a broad range of services, from advocacy and dispute resolution to vocational planning for young adults. Theresa's deep understanding of federal and state laws enables her to bridge the achievement gap, ensuring that children with special needs receive appropriate educational programs and services. She actively participates in IEP meetings, reviews evaluations, and, when necessary, advocates for additional assessments. Theresa also excels in facilitating positive relationships between families and school districts, offering parent coaching and linking families with essential community resources. Her comprehensive approach and dedication to advocacy make her an invaluable asset to parents navigating the special education system. Beyond her advocacy, Theresa is an active member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and serves as the Co-Chair on the Parent Committee. 

Key:

Complete
Failed
Available
Locked
COPAA Parent Member Meeting
05/23/2024 at 4:30 PM (EDT)  |  60 minutes
05/23/2024 at 4:30 PM (EDT)  |  60 minutes COPAA Parent Committee Co-Chairs, Missy Alexander and Theresa Sester, are facilitating a Parent Member Meeting to gain insight on what parents hope to gain from their membership, provide information on the Parent Committee, where to submit feedback for Parent Committee events and resources, what resources are available to them through COPAA, and more!more!
Survey for COPAA Parent Members
Recorded 04/19/2024  |  5 minutes
Recorded 04/19/2024  |  5 minutes Please take a few minutes to fill out the parent survey so the Parent Committee can learn how to better serve you!
Slide Deck for 6.17.2024 Meeting
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Parent Resources Document
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
PDF of Rights and Responsibilities Slide Deck
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Setting Measurable Goals & Monitoring Progress for IEPs
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Decoding Goals and Progress
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Decoding Goal Progress Graph
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Parent Meeting: Understanding Evaluations Slide Deck
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Parent Meeting: Supplementary Aids and Services, Accommodations, Modifications
11/18/2024 at 6:00 PM (EST)  |  60 minutes
11/18/2024 at 6:00 PM (EST)  |  60 minutes
Parent Meeting: IEP Development
12/16/2024 at 6:00 PM (EST)  |  60 minutes
12/16/2024 at 6:00 PM (EST)  |  60 minutes
Parent Meeting: Conflict Resolution
01/20/2025 at 6:00 PM (EST)  |  60 minutes
01/20/2025 at 6:00 PM (EST)  |  60 minutes
Parent Meeting: Writing Effective Letters
02/17/2025 at 6:00 PM (EST)  |  60 minutes
02/17/2025 at 6:00 PM (EST)  |  60 minutes
Parent Meeting: Least Restrictive Environment
03/17/2025 at 6:00 PM (EDT)  |  60 minutes
03/17/2025 at 6:00 PM (EDT)  |  60 minutes
Side Deck: Supplementary Aids and Services, Accommodations and Modifications
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.