We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jamie Kirschner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamie , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with something countless entrepreneurs have had to figure out on the fly – how have you dealt with the rise of remote work?

Education Advocates of America was founded as a fully remote organization from my home and has since grown to support over 2,000 clients across more than 40 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. Our remote structure allows multiple advocates, including myself, to provide expert guidance to families and professionals without geographic limitations, ensuring accessibility to those who may not have local advocacy resources.

By operating remotely, we have significantly reduced overhead costs, which allows us to allocate more funds toward professional development, training, and collaboration among our advocates. This model also provides greater flexibility for both our team and the families we support, making advocacy services more adaptable to individual needs.

However, remote work does come with challenges. Time zone differences, virtual communication barriers, and the lack of in-person rapport can sometimes present obstacles. To overcome these, we have implemented **structured virtual meetings, robust communication tools, and ongoing team engagement efforts** to maintain strong connections and ensure seamless collaboration.

One of the unexpected benefits of remote advocacy is the ability to quickly connect with experts across different regions, facilitating a broader exchange of knowledge and strategies. Additionally, by leveraging technology, we have been able to*streamline processes, improve documentation, and enhance client accessibility, ultimately strengthening the quality and impact of our advocacy work.

Jamie , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I write something recently for an award I was nominated for. I think this would be appropriate for you all.

Jamie Kirschner is a devoted mother to 20-year-old Grace and an accomplished advocate, educator, and community developer with over 29 years of experience in education, special education advocacy, and inclusive leadership. Her journey began as a special education teacher, where she worked tirelessly to support students with disabilities. Over time, she transitioned into roles as a school administrator and principal, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges families face in navigating the education system. These experiences fueled her passion for advocacy, leading her to establish Education Advocates of America (EAA)—a mission-driven organization dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to a meaningful education while empowering families and communities with knowledge and resources.

Jamie is not just an advocate—she is a nationally recognized expert in special education advocacy and inclusive practices. Holding the esteemed National Board-Certified Special Education Advocate (BCASE) credential from the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET), she is also an active member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), National Association of Professional Special Education Advocates (NAPSEA), Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Council of Administrators of Exceptional Student Education (CASE), and Division of Developmental Disabilities (DADD). Additionally, Jamie serves as a Board Member for The Sensory Safe Solution, a rapidly growing initiative ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

A 1998 graduate of the University of Florida, Jamie holds a B.A. in Specific Learning Disabilities and Emotional/Mental Handicaps, along with a Master’s in Education (2005). She possesses K-12 special education teaching credentials, certifications in Autism and Dyslexia, and training in Orton Gillingham. Her work has spanned teaching in both the U.S. and Europe, advocating in over 3,500 IEP meetings, and contributing to the resolution of over 200 Due Process Complaints. As an educator and business consultant, she has designed employee training programs, conducted business needs assessments, and developed certification strategies to improve inclusion in workplaces and community spaces.

Jamie and her team of advocates and consultants work directly with families, educators, and businesses to navigate the IEP and 504 Plan process, ensuring children receive the support they deserve. They advocate for families in disputes with school districts, including mediation and due process cases, while also training educators, therapists, and business owners on inclusive practices and compliance with disability laws. Additionally, they develop legislative initiatives to drive systemic change in education and accessibility and provide consulting services to corporations looking to create disability-friendly workplaces.

Jamie’s commitment to excellence in education was recognized in 2004 when she received the Golden Apple Teacher Award, one of the highest honors for educators. This award highlights her unwavering dedication to empowering students and advocating for educational equity. At the heart of Jamie’s work is a deep belief in the power of community, education, and advocacy. Whether helping a family secure vital educational services, training professionals on inclusive practices, or speaking at national conferences, her mission remains the same: to ensure that every child, every family, and every community has access to the resources they need to thrive.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

As the founder of Education Advocates of America, I believe that a strong team is the foundation of success, which is why I have built an environment that prioritizes support, collaboration, and shared purpose. I make sure my advocates feel empowered by fostering open communication, trust, and professional growth opportunities. By leading with transparency and integrity, I encourage my team to take initiative, problem-solve, and make a real impact in the lives of the families we serve. Recognizing and celebrating their achievements is essential, as is ensuring they have the resources and work-life balance needed to thrive. I emphasize continuous learning, mentorship, and a culture of teamwork, where we lift each other up rather than compete. Challenges are inevitable in our field, but I address them head-on with solutions and support, reinforcing resilience and motivation. By maintaining high morale and strong values, I create a space where my advocates feel valued, engaged, and driven by our shared mission—ensuring every child receives the education and support they deserve.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation within the advocacy and education market has been built on a foundation of expertise, integrity, and a relentless commitment to ensuring families and students receive the support they deserve. With over 29 years of experience in education, special education advocacy, and leadership, I have established myself as a trusted voice by consistently delivering results, empowering families, and educating communities on inclusive practices. However, it’s not just my reputation—it’s the reputation of the incredible team I’ve built. Every member of my team at Education Advocates of America is a certified teacher with years of experience working directly with families, bringing a wealth of knowledge and dedication to every case.

Beyond individual advocacy, I have built a mission-driven organization that prioritizes teamwork, innovation, and community engagement. The impact we make in schools and communities is a direct reflection of the expertise and passion my team brings to the families we serve. Our reviews speak for themselves—families trust us because we not only understand the system inside and out but also truly care about making a difference.

Ultimately, what has helped solidify our reputation is our unwavering dedication to the families we serve, our ability to create meaningful change, and our willingness to challenge systems to ensure every child has access to the education they deserve. We have never been afraid to advocate fiercely, push for legislative change, and fight for families who feel unheard—and that commitment has resonated deeply within the market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eduamerica.org
• Instagram: edu.advocates
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18hayWvFvF/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.facebook.com/share/18hayWvFvF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/jamie-kirschner-m-ed-a0967a17a http://linkedin.com/in/jamie-kirschner-m-ed-a0967a17a