Centering Students, Families, and Family Support Staff in the IEP Process

Alexis Florence, CAGS, is a recognized leader in special education, systems-level strategist, and national conference presenter with more than 20 years of experience advancing inclusive, compliant, and effective services in large urban and regional school districts. Her work centers on strengthening instructional practice, building sustainable service delivery systems, and fostering authentic family–school partnerships that improve outcomes for students with complex needs. Alexis has held central office leadership roles across special education, bringing expertise in program design, service quality, equitable access, and continuity of care. A core focus of her leadership is aligning high-quality IEP development with effective service delivery through student-centered, data-informed practices. She has led districtwide professional learning initiatives grounded in culturally responsive, linguistically inclusive, and research-based approaches, with family engagement embedded through transparency, shared decision-making, and trust. Alexis is the Co-Owner and Content Expert for Access Consulting and Training, LLC, delivering research-informed professional learning nationwide.

As an educator, advocate, and mother of three boys, T’Sheba Martin understands that education is personal. With over 25 years of experience in urban school districts—her skills span from the classroom to the principal’s office—T’Sheba currently serves as the Executive Director of Inclusion for the Boston Public Schools. She is a bicultural leader who believes that school systems must be designed to honor the identities and brilliance of every student. A lifelong learner, T’Sheba holds degrees from Wheelock College in Human Development, Early Childhood and Elementary Education in Urban Settings and is currently pursuing her Doctorate at Boston College, focusing on how we can create more equitable, inclusive spaces for minoritized students and their families.