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EmpowerEd Consulting & Advocacy

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Ashley Traylor, M.A. Ed.
​Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate

Founder - Ashley Traylor, MA Ed.

A Parent's Heart. A Teacher's Insight. Your Child's Advocate.

Hi, I’m Ashley Traylor — founder of Bridges 2 Advocacy, special education advocate, and most importantly, a parent who’s been in your shoes.

Before launching this work, I spent years as a classroom teacher and later found myself on the other side of the IEP table — advocating for my own child. I know how overwhelming it can feel to navigate the special education system, ask the right questions, and make sure your child gets what they need to thrive.

That’s why I started EmpowerEd Consulting & Advocacy: to stand alongside families and help them not only understand their rights, but feel empowered to use them. I bring both professional expertise and personal passion to every case I take on.

I believe in collaboration over conflict, thoughtful planning over quick fixes, and family-centered solutions that last far beyond a single school year. Whether it’s reviewing records, attending meetings, or connecting you to trusted community resources, I’m here to help build a bridge toward the future you envision for your child.


Services We Offer​

EmpowerEd Consulting & Advocacy provides compassionate, expert support for families navigating special education. Whether you're just beginning the IEP process or need help addressing a challenging situation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation

IEP & 504 Plan Review

We take a deep dive into your child’s current IEP or 504 Plan to identify:
• Missing or vague goals
• Gaps in services
• Compliance issues
• Opportunities for improvement
You’ll receive a written summary and a clear action plan for moving forward.

Meeting Representation & Support

Attend school meetings with confidence. We support families during:
• IEP and eligibility meetings
• Manifestation determinations
• Re-evaluations and reviews
• Disciplinary or dispute resolution meetings
We’ll help you advocate effectively while maintaining a collaborative tone.

Strategic Planning & Advocacy Coaching

Get expert advice on your specific situation. In one-on-one consultations, we help you:
• Set priorities
• Prepare questions
• Draft requests and communications
• Create a step-by-step advocacy plan

Communication Support

Say the right thing the right way. We help families draft or review:
• Evaluation and IEP requests
• Formal Written Notices (FWNs)
• Complaints and appeals
• Emails to school teams and district staff

Evaluation & Eligibility Guidance

We guide you through requesting evaluations and understanding the results, including:
• Initial and re-evaluation timelines
• Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)
• What the data means—and how to use it to support your child

Behavioral & Autism Support

Specialized help for students with challenging behavior or autism diagnoses, including:
• Reviewing FBAs and BIPs
• Supporting sensory, behavioral, or social-emotional needs
• Recommending strategies and community-based resources

Transition Planning for Teens & Young Adults

Support for life beyond high school, including:
• Transition assessments and IEP goals
• Post-secondary planning
• Independent living and vocational skills
• Referrals to adult services

Parent Workshops & Community Training

We offer customized training and workshops for:
• Parent groups
• Schools and educators
• Nonprofits and community partners
Popular topics include:
✔️ Understanding Your Rights
✔️ Writing Better IEP Goals
✔️ Building Strong School Partnerships

Resource Navigation

We connect you with:

• Local support groups
• Mental health and therapy providers
• Assistive technology assessments
• Disability services and funding options
If we don’t offer it—we’ll help you find it.

Experience the EmpowerEd Advantage

Lived Experience. Professional Expertise.


Founder and Executive Director of Bridges 2 Advocacy, a non-profit special education advocacy organization


17 years of experience in education and disability services


Master’s Degree in Special Education


COPAA-trained advocate (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates)


Board Member, Autism Society of the Quad Cities


Deep knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and student/family rights


Specializes in autism, challenging behaviors, and transition planning


Parent of a child with special needs — bringing lived experience to every case

EmpowerEd Consulting & Advocacy

Voices of satisfaction: what our customers say

Re​al Clients. Real Reviews.

I can't recommend Ashley Traylor enough.  She recently helped me in an IEP meeting where my ex-husband did not welcome her, interrupted her, questioned her background and was just down right rude. Needless to say, his disrespect had nothing to do with my son, and everything to do with me. Ashley was able to remain poised and professional, and she got the provisions necessary that will benefit my sons educational future down the road. - CJ B.

I am thankful to have had the privilege of working with Ashley to help me through my daughter's IEP meetings. She truly fights to make sure your child's educational needs are being met. Honestly, I would not have been able to identify the issues and struggles my daughter was facing had it not been for her. She is very understanding with your struggles as a parent but also very thorough when it comes to making sure she has all the information and facts she needs to support you and your child when you need it most. Thank you Ashley for all your support!  I look forward to continuing working with you. - Laura B.

Ashley is a private educational advocate that I have retained for our family for the past few months. She works with clients nationwide, and is absolutely phenomenal. I can not recommend her enough. It's so funny how much the school listens & does the right thing when she is involved. - Ashley G.