What Our Clients Have To Say

"We felt that something was not quite right with our son's school experience.  After observing our son at school we felt that his education was inappropriate.  We were not sure what to do because we felt unheard by the school.  We turned to Inclusion Advocates to help us right the many wrongs.  Inclusion Advocates did a thorough examination of school records and showed us clearly that in fact he was not making progress and his IEP's were vague and confusing.  Our advocate wintered the storm  with us every step of the way through preparing for and attending each school meeting.  Our advocate in turn taught us how to advocate for our child and to never expect less that what is appropriate.  He had many needs that affected his ability to perform appropriately in the classroom that were being swept under the rug.   We brought the truth to light and feel like we are now on track for more success for our son.  Our only regret is that we didn't turn to them sooner.  We are grateful for their services.  Had it not been for our advocate shedding light on the situation at school, we would all still be frustrated in the dark.  Our child's time at school is too precious to waste."     -Parent (anonymous)


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"Inclusion Advocates dove into our issues and helped us confront my son's school about things that were not right.  They know the law and became completely knowledgeable about our situation. They went into each meeting armed with data and got the district's attention. Our advocate was able to change our child's school experience for the better. She armed us with words and tools that we can use as we are now better able to advocate for our son on our own. We highly recommend the services of Inclusion Advocates."    -Parent (anonymous)

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"Inclusion Advocates helped our family in ways that we could not imagine.  Like many parents, we are consumed in the day to day care of our children.  Our knowledge about IEPs, state laws, school district regulations, etc. was quite limited. Ellen worked tirelessly to be the voice we never had to get the services our son needs.  Because of her, he has a better chance to succeed.  We know that everything possible has been done to ensure his success. We will forever be grateful."     -Bryan & Karina Osterday


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"If you have a child with a disability who is attending public you have to be more than just cautious. When  teachers and district administrators start to tell you what would be best for your child, it is hard to know how to get them to see our perspective.  I was a member of the school board, and still couldn’t make progress with my daughter’s school team until I started working with Inclusion Advocates.  I would not recommend anyone go into an IEP meeting without an advocate from Inclusion Advocates.  They know the law, they know the schools and they know what it’s like to have a child with a disability.  When you go to an IEP meeting without an advocate you are outnumbered.  It’s just you against everyone else at the table.  But INCLUSION ADVOCATES will not only go to the meetings with you and  fight for your child’s education, they will show you what you need to do in order to fight for your child’s education yourself.  My daughter’s life is better thanks to Ellen and the advocates at IA."     -Michael Flannery


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"Ellen is simply amazing! She has extraordinary patience and a profound knowledge and level of understanding of how parents of children with disabilities can work with schools to improve their children's educational experience. Ellen listens and helps parents navigate the difficult and overwhelming challenges the educational system inherently presents. We are so grateful to her for her time, tireless efforts and her hard work. Ellen gives children and their parents a voice."     -Dr. Elizabeth Maimon


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"Ellen has extensive knowledge of the Cincinnati educational system and her approach to clients is professional and supportive."     

     -Kim Corrigan


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"Inclusion Advocates is an amazing resource. They provide a wealth of information on a wide variety of services for all individuals with any disability, student and parent rights. I highly recommend them."     -Peggy Curry


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​​“Words cannot express our gratitude for Ellen’s service and dedication to our son’s many challenges.  Simply said, she is amazing!  Her knowledge and practices are unparalleled to any other advocate I've met.   Ellen has been at our side over the last 6 years and has made a significant difference in my son's life.  She has helped us navigate through the special education system by familiarizing us with Special Education State and Federal Law and recommending appropriate services and placement.  Furthermore and most importantly she taught me how to be an effective advocate for my son.  She showed me how to prepare for meetings, how to write IEP’s and the importance of documentation and testing among many other things.  Thanks to Ellen our son is thriving academically and socially in a fully inclusive environment. Thanks!”       -Karen and Jim Louder

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"Ellen has an amazing aptitude for advocacy work. She has a keen understanding of special education law and a full appreciation of the essence from which it was researched and enacted. She also has a wealth of experience from which she draws from, as well as a passion for ensuring that the rights of her clients are protected. My relationship with her over the past 4 years has had a profound impact on my son's educational pathway. My son's vision for his future was paramount in our work together and he is now living the vision that he held at the college of his dreams. I see my relationship with Ellen as one of the key components in making this dream a reality. I will be eternally grateful for the support, advice, insights and education that she provided to me that empowered me to advocate in his behalf. "        

     -Marilyn Thomas

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“Ellen Mavriplis is an amazingly strong advocate for children with special needs.  When my daughter was going into kindergarten, the school district that we were living in at the time predetermined what they thought my daughter was going to be able to accomplish (or more accurately, not accomplish). I knew my daughter was capable of so much more and that I had to stand up for her, but I did not know where to begin. A friend told me about Ellen and the services that she offered. Working with her was the best thing that could have ever happened. Ellen worked with me every step of the way. She helped me come up with a plan for how to get my daughter what she needed through her vast knowledge of special education law. One of the most important things that she did was to help me become educated about special education law and procedures so that I could be a better advocate for my daughter. She attended IEP meetings with me and stuck with things even when they became quite unpleasant. She encouraged me and hung in there with me even when I wanted to give up. I am happy to report that my daughter is now a thriving and happy fifth grader who has far exceeded the expectations of our original school district. I know this is in large part due to the help that we received from Ellen. As a parent, I have been able to continue to be an advocate for my daughter over the years because of the things that Ellen taught me.”      - Michelle Neumann

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"Ellen is very knowledgeable in all aspects of IDEA law and current case precedent.  She provided excellent guidance to help navigate through the murky waters of parent advocacy.  Ellen is well versed in testing methodologies required to obtain necessary and appropriate school services.  If needed, she can provide references to professional legal aid.  She believes all children can succeed in school if provided with the appropriate researched based curricula, services and accommodations.  Ellen has made it her mission to provide parents with the education and support to advocate for their children."      -Lisa and Ned Portune

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“As first time parents of a child diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, enrolling our daughter into preschool in our public school system was both intimidating and challenging.  Ellen Mavriplis of Inclusion Advocates, worked tirelessly to educate us on how to advocate for our daughter’s needs.  Ellen is kind, patient, and in our humble opinion, an expert in special education law.  With Ellen's support, guidance, and encouragement, we were not "bullied" into accepting the "standard."  Instead, we were able to obtain the individualized services our daughter required to become the thriving, productive fifth grade student she is today.”        -James and Melanie Johnson

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“Ellen’s knowledge and expertise in the field of special education, inclusive practices and higher academic expectations is remarkable.  Working with Ellen has truly been a life changing experience.  Her role has enhanced our son’s life and our family life as well.  I cannot imagine, nor do I want to imagine, where we might be today had Ellen not been a key player on our team.”       -Bill and Peggy Curry

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“Ellen Mavriplis and Inclusion Advocates positively changed the educational direction and future of our daughter, Kathleen.  With her keen knowledge of special education law, Mrs. Mavriplis empowered us to research, learn and develop the tools needed to advocate for our daughter while serving as a calm facilitator in the face of emotional and educational turmoil.  Would we recommend her?  You bet!  We could not have secured the educational future for our daughter without her!”        - Jim and Leslie Daly

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“Ellen Mavriplis has been an extremely positive influence in assisting me become a successful advocate for my daughter with Down syndrome.  Ellen helps me navigate through the overwhelming and complex school issues I am faced with year to year.   She provides a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the IEP process, my child’s rights, and special education law.  Ellen has demonstrated the importance of teamwork while assisting me in IEP meetings.  Her presence at IEP meetings has always been positive, professional, and respectful of all involved.  The insight and wisdom she offers into individuals’ with disabilities has been invaluable to me as a parent and advocate.  I highly recommend Ellen as a key team player when advocating for your child’s success in school, the community, and other areas of life. “       -Chris and Cheryl Rowane


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"We wanted to just say thank you so much for lending both your time and expertise for our Support Group last week!  We have gotten such a positive response from the families that were there!  Sean, the program manager of the CCED, was extremely happy with the meeting as well!  We would love to continue to have you as a resource for our families going forward.  Your commitment to understanding Eosinophilic Disorders, was evident throughout this entire process.  And we cannot thank you enough for that. Thank you"     -Cathy and Melissa