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.