Personal Introduction

Dr. Katherine Fugate

I am a retired public school special education teacher, school counselor, administrator, and former Director of Special Education and 504 programs in grades K-12.
I have a Masters Degree in Counseling and a Doctorate in Special Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. I have taught undergraduate and graduate students aspiring to be special education teachers. In addition, I am also a certified mediator and arbitrator.

My proudest accomplishment is my beautiful daughter. She has a disability and I advocated for her throughout her public school experience at the same time working for the school district she attended.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about special education advocacy, consulting,
and services for schools and parents.

What is Special Education Advocacy?

Special education advocacy involves supporting parents and students in navigating the special education system to ensure that children receive the services and accommodations they are entitled to under the law. An advocate helps families understand their rights, prepares them for IEP (Individualized Education Program) and 504 Plan meetings, and works to secure the best possible educational outcomes for students with disabilities. At KFL Special Education Advocacy and Mediation, we provide expert guidance to empower parents and ensure that schools meet their legal obligations to support students with special needs.

Do You Only Work with Parents?

No, we work with both parents and schools/districts to improve special education outcomes. While we primarily support parents in advocating for their children’s rights, we also offer professional development, IEP facilitation, and mediation services for schools. Our goal is to foster collaboration between families and educators to create a better educational experience for all students.

Can You Help with 504 Accommodations?

Yes! We specialize in helping families navigate the 504 Plan process. We assist in determining eligibility, requesting appropriate accommodations, and ensuring that schools properly implement the plan. Whether your child needs classroom modifications, testing accommodations, or other support, we work with families to ensure that their rights under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are upheld.

How Can I Get Started with Your Services?

Getting started is simple! You can contact us via phone or email to schedule an initial consultation. During this meeting, we will discuss your child’s unique educational needs, review any existing IEPs or 504 Plans, and determine how we can best support your family. Whether you need assistance with school meetings, evaluations, or conflict resolution, we will create a personalized advocacy plan to help you navigate the special education process

What is the Process for Getting Support for My Child’s Education?

Our process is designed to be as smooth and stress-free as possible:

  1. Initial Consultation – We discuss your concerns, review documents (IEP, 504 Plan evaluations), and identify areas of need.
  2. Plan Development – We create a tailored advocacy strategy, which may include reviewing school assessments, requesting additional evaluations, or preparing for meetings.
  3. Support & Advocacy – We attend IEP or 504 meetings with you, negotiate necessary services, and help address any conflicts with the school.
  4. Follow-up & Ongoing Support – We continue to assist with progress monitoring, additional meetings, and any adjustments needed to your child’s education plan.
How Do You Ensure Confidentiality?

Confidentiality is a top priority at KFL Special Education Advocacy and Mediation. We maintain strict privacy standards and do not share any personal or educational information without explicit consent. All discussions, documents, and interactions with us remain confidential to protect your family’s privacy and ensure a safe and secure advocacy
experience.

Testimonials

Client Success Stories

Read how Dr. Fugate’s advocacy and consulting services have empowered families
and schools to succeed.

I have known Dr. Katherine Fugate for over 7 years and have worked with her on several Austin ISD-related Special Education issues involving advocacy for students and their families.  Dr. Fugate has an expert-level knowledge of laws regulating Special Education services for students.  She knows how those students should be served in their classrooms, having supervised numerous Special Education student teachers.  She is a calm, informed advocate for Special Education students when present at meetings with school administrators.  I can’t think of anyone better to have at a Special Education hearing.
Ann Teich
Our family is incredibly grateful for Dr. Fugate’s support as an advocate. Dr. Fugate is very knowledgeable and familiar with the school district’s practices and was easy able to help guide and support us. She listened to our situation and hear what our child’s needs were and made suggestions that were in our child’s best interest. At meetings, Dr. Fugate posed questions that helps develop accountability and helped support my child so that they could find their voice to speak up for themself at their ARD meeting. Dr. Fugate is a passionate educator who is dedicated in supporting the students to receive the services they need to be successful.
Sarah McKenna
Dr. Fugate is an incredible advocate and wonderful person. She is always ready and willing to attend a meeting where I felt support would be beneficial. She embodies the phrase “Speak softly and carry a big stick”. Her kindness and support has helped me find confidence in myself, not just as an advocate, but as an individual. This school year was challenging as a student who was not receiving adequate supports and she helped me get through it. I owe her a lot, and I am so grateful to have met her.
Addison
Katherine helped us so much and was an amazing advocate for my son. The school had been stonewalling us for over a year before Katherine was involved. Within a few days of the first meeting, my son was receiving more services, set up for additional testing, and going from half days at school to building up to full days. I am now receiving regular communication from his teachers and he’s happier. My son is now receiving so much more help. This would have not happened without Katherine.