We were lucky to catch up with Steaven Hamlin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Steaven thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When you were first starting out, did you join a firm or start your own?

After dedicating 19 years to education, with 12 of those years serving as a Director of Special Education for Public Charter Schools in Washington, DC, I found myself at a crossroads. My passion for advocating for students with disabilities and supporting their families was unwavering, but I had reached a point where I felt I had accomplished all I could within my organization. The drive to do more, to extend my impact beyond the confines of my role, led me on a journey of self-discovery and purpose.

The tug-of-war between knowing the students I served needed me and the desire to find my true calling was not an easy battle. It was during this time, after numerous discussions with leaders, mentors, and close friends, that a powerful idea began to take shape. The notion that students with disabilities needed “someone like me” – someone deeply committed to their success and well-being – resonated profoundly. It was this realization that sparked the inception of a new venture, one that would allow me to continue serving students while also fulfilling a deeper purpose.

In response to this calling, I began developing a series of professional development trainings aimed at equipping my direct reports with the knowledge and skills I had acquired over my years as a Special Education Leader. These trainings were designed to build capacity and empower educators to better support students with disabilities. It was through this initiative that SPEDtacular Educational Solutions was born, officially launching in 2021.

SPEDtacular Educational Solutions initially offered two specific programs. The first, SPEDology, is a special education consulting and coaching program designed to enhance the capacity of educators who support students with disabilities. Through SPEDology, we work diligently with schools, leaders, and teachers to elevate their daily practices, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive. Since its launch, we have partnered with various District of Columbia Public Schools and Public Charter Schools, as well as one of the top special education nonprofit organizations in the area. Most recently, we have also begun working with the Little Rock School District, expanding our reach and impact.

Building on the success of SPEDtacular Educational Solutions, I embarked on another venture close to my heart – Margie’s Kids Kare. This afterschool program focuses on Performing Arts, Social-Emotional Development, and wellness for all children, with a special emphasis on those identified as students with disabilities. Margie’s Kids Kare, affectionately named after my grandmother, Margie N. Jefferson, serves as a safe haven for children and families, much like my grandmother did for me and my family. Since its inception, we have provided care to close to 100 children in the District of Columbia area, creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

Margie’s Kids Kare is not just a program; it is a tribute to my grandmother’s legacy of love, care, and community. It represents a commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their abilities, has a place where they are valued and supported. As I continue this journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the students and families we serve, and I am excited to see where this path will lead in the future.

The decision to step away from a stable career in special education was not an easy one, but it was the right one. It allowed me to channel my passion and expertise into something new, something that could continue to grow and evolve. SPEDtacular Educational Solutions and Margie’s Kids Kare are the embodiment of my commitment to education, advocacy, and community, and I am honored to be able to contribute to the success and well-being of the next generation.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not have read about me before, my name is Steaven R. Hamlin, Jr., and I’m the child of an amazing mother who is disabled. Growing up, I was deeply involved in supporting my mom and witnessing her perseverance through countless challenges. Those formative years laid the foundation for the work I am deeply connected to today: advocating for and supporting families and students with disabilities.

Over the past 19 years, I’ve dedicated my life to the field of education, with a particular focus on special education. My journey in this field began as a GED Instructor for incarcerated juveniles, where I learned firsthand the transformative power of education. This experience solidified my belief in the potential of every individual, regardless of their circumstances. From there, I transitioned through various roles, including General Education Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, and ultimately, Director of Special Education.

Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for advocacy and a deep commitment to ensuring that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed. I have always been drawn to programming and instructional design for these students, as well as to coaching and supporting educators—especially those who are in their first year of teaching or who are school leaders and paraprofessionals eager to elevate their skills to better serve students with disabilities.

This passion led to the creation of SPEDtacular Educational Solutions and its flagship program, SPEDology. SPEDology is a professional development and coaching program designed to improve the abilities of educators, particularly special educators and school leaders. Through this program, we focus on developing and monitoring high-quality Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and other support plans. We align evidence-based interventions and instructional strategies with the specific needs of students, ensuring they have access to grade-level curricula and the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

While I am proud of the work we’ve done through SPEDtacular Educational Solutions, my newest venture, Margie’s Kids Kare (MKK), holds a special place in my heart. Named in honor of my grandmother, Margie N. Jefferson, MKK is an afterschool program that provides an inclusive and safe space for students with varying needs. We integrate evidence-based intervention strategies with high-interest and engaging enrichment clubs, giving students, including those with disabilities, the opportunity to explore their interests in areas such as martial arts, vocal performance, and dance.

What I am most proud of is seeing the growth and development of the students we serve. Watching them take safe risks, explore their unique interests, and experience those “A ha!” moments brings me immense joy. I am grateful to be a part of their journey and to contribute to creating environments where all children can thrive.

Through both SPEDtacular Educational Solutions and Margie’s Kids Kare, my mission remains clear: to empower educators, support students, and advocate for families, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to succeed.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation within the market is the many years I spent doing this work—and doing it at a high level. The foundation of my reputation was laid through hands-on experience, where I was fully immersed in the challenges and triumphs of special education. I didn’t just talk about the work; I did the work. Whether it was assisting in deescalating a crisis intervention, providing feedback on an Individualized Education Program (IEP), rolling up my sleeves and getting into the weeds to get things done, or developing a plan with a school team and modeling how to implement proposed interventions and strategies, educators saw me in action. They witnessed my commitment, my willingness to engage directly with the challenges, and my ability to lead by example.

I’d be remiss not to mention the importance of having and being connected to professionals in the education sector who also had a proven track record of success. These mentors and colleagues helped develop me and prepared me to take the next step in my career. Their guidance, coupled with my dedication, played a critical role in shaping who I am today.

If there’s something I’ve learned that I’d like to pass on, it’s this: success is not just about having the knowledge or the title; it’s about being willing to do the work, to learn continuously, and to surround yourself with people who inspire you to be better. Your reputation is built over time, and one bad experience can have a lasting impact. So always strive to put your best foot forward, be consistent in your efforts, and remember that every interaction is an opportunity to build trust and credibility.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has been a combination of word of mouth and sharing via social media. I’ve learned that in this industry, it’s both what you know and who you know—and just as importantly, who knows your work, your work ethic, and your track record. Most of my clientele come to me through introductions, and from there, I let the work speak for itself.

The process of building client relationships doesn’t start once the contract is signed; it begins in all the micro-moments that occur throughout networking. This includes returning calls and emails promptly, not over-promising and under-delivering, and truly listening to the client’s needs. It’s about going on the journey with them, showing that you’re committed to their success from the very beginning. That’s been my experience in closing deals with new clients, and it’s a strategy that has consistently worked for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://spedtacularedsolutions.com/
• Instagram: @spedtacularedsolutions ; @margieskidskare
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steaven-hamlin-jr-916b2120b/

Image Credits

Kollin Benson – https://www.instagram.com/kollinbenson_/
Dorian Michael – https://www.instagram.com/dorianmichaelphotos/
Mark McCrae – https://www.instagram.com/_marked_visuals/