Meet Maureen Brown

We were lucky to catch up with Maureen Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maureen, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

My optimism didn’t come from a single moment — it was built over time through watching families fight for their children and realizing that real change is possible. When you work in special education advocacy, you see the cracks in the system up close. You also see extraordinary resilience — in kids who keep showing up, in parents who refuse to give up, and in moments when a school finally says, ‘Yes, we can do better.’

For me, optimism isn’t blind faith; it’s a conscious choice to keep believing in what’s possible even when the odds feel stacked. I’ve walked this journey personally as a parent and professionally as an advocate, so I know how dark and exhausting it can get. But I’ve also seen what happens when the right support is in place — kids thrive, families exhale, and futures open up. That’s where my optimism lives: in those breakthroughs.”

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder of Ask the Advocate, a special education advocacy and consulting practice that’s been supporting families for over two decades. My work sits at the intersection of education, law, and heart — I help families navigate the often overwhelming world of IEPs, 504 plans, therapeutic placements, and transition planning. What makes this work special to me is that it’s deeply personal. I’ve walked this road as a parent myself, so I understand both the fear and the hope that come with fighting for a child’s future.

What excites me most is watching the transformation that happens when families are finally heard, when a child gets the right supports, and when a door that once felt locked suddenly opens. That’s not just paperwork — that’s a turning point in a child’s life.

I’m also focused on expanding Ask the Advocate to make high-quality advocacy more accessible. I’ve launched new membership options, virtual consultation services, and partnerships with organizations and employers to bring advocacy support directly to families. My mission is simple: to make sure no family ever has to walk this road alone.

This isn’t just my work — it’s my purpose.”

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

“Looking back, I can say without hesitation that three qualities shaped everything about my journey: persistence, clear communication, and deep knowledge of the system.

First, persistence — because advocacy isn’t easy work. Whether you’re supporting a family in crisis or pushing against layers of bureaucracy, there are moments when it would be easier to back down. But change only happens when someone keeps showing up. I’ve learned to lean into that persistence — to keep knocking on doors until they open.

Second, clear communication has been everything. Families are often overwhelmed, and schools are often defensive. Being able to translate legal language into plain language, to keep emotions steady while making a strong case — that’s what moves things forward.

And third, deep knowledge of the system gives you power. You can’t change what you don’t understand. I made it my business to learn the laws, the processes, and the pathways — and to stay current as they evolve. That knowledge allows me to not just react, but to anticipate and strategize.

For anyone starting out, my advice is: start with listening, then build your foundation. Listen to families. Learn the law. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even when you feel inexperienced. Over time, your confidence grows not from having all the answers, but from knowing how to find them and never giving up on the people you serve.”

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

“Yes, absolutely — I’m always looking to collaborate and grow alongside like-minded individuals and organizations. Ask the Advocate was built on the belief that real change happens when people come together with a shared vision, and I truly believe collaboration is where the magic happens.

I’m especially interested in connecting with educators, therapists, parent advocates, nonprofit leaders, businesses with strong employee support programs, and anyone who’s passionate about ensuring every child has access to the right educational supports and opportunities.

Whether it’s building new programs, creating resources for families, or partnering to expand access to advocacy, I’m open to conversations that move the work forward. If you’re reading this and feel aligned with that mission — reach out. Let’s talk, share ideas, and see what we can build together.”

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