Chris Roe serves as Director of State Policy for the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. In this role, he supports COPAA members in advocating for policies that support students with disabilities at the state and local levels. In addition, Roe currently serves as the co-chair of the Special Education Advisory Council for New Orleans Public Schools and co-founded Sunshine Parents, an advocacy and support group that empowers parents and guardians of students with disabilities to successfully advocate for their students at the school and district level. Roe is also the founder and President of EnAbled Learning Partners, which supports families, organizations and agencies in strengthening special education programs and policy. Roe received his Master’s of Public Policy from the University of California-Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy and his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Roe lives in New Orleans, Louisiana where he and his husband are raising two young boys, both of whom attend public schools and have a range of learning disabilities. 

Courtney Hansen is a passionate special education advocate, educator, and parent based in Northern Colorado. A former journalist, teacher, and military spouse, she’s fought for inclusive education across six states—driven by her experience raising a child with Down syndrome.

Courtney is an instructor for COPAA’s SBEAT advocacy training and serves as its State & Local Policy Coordinator. With a Master’s in Education and years in the classroom, she now champions inclusive IEPs and systemic reform focused on belonging and meaningful inclusion at every level.

Through her blog, Inclusion Evolution, and her advocacy services—offered in Colorado, Wyoming, and nationwide—Courtney empowers families and educators to ensure every child with a disability learns alongside their nondisabled peers.

Lucia Frohling is a passionate advocate, former public school teacher, and Director of Parent Services at an education non-profit. A mother of three, her journey began when two of her children were diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia, inspiring her to lead efforts that improve education policy and access to evidence-based interventions. Lucia also serves on the State & Local Advocacy team with COPAA, helping build a network of advocates driving systemic change for students with disabilities. She advises multiple state agencies, serves on several education boards and councils, and is deeply committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.