Our Organization

Jamie Wong is a proven leader who has devoted the past 20-years of her career to advancing outcomes of students with disabilities. As President of SPED Strategies, Jamie drives the organization's strategy for tackling the most pressing challenges facing students with disabilities and growing the organization to provide innovative system level support and high quality resources to partners across the nation.  

Prior to founding SPED Strategies, Jamie served as the State Director of Special Education at the Louisiana Department of Education and President of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) where she designed and executed state and national strategy to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Jamie began her career in Washington DC where she served as a special education teacher,  Director of Evaluations and Center Manager for the D.C. Public Schools Early Stages Evaluation Center, and as the Education Policy Legislative Correspondent for former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu.

Lauren LeBental has been relentless in her pursuit of creating a more equitable and inclusive society. Through her experiences in New York City (NYC) Public Schools, Lauren recognized the enormous influence and impact individual teachers and leaders have on a child's educational experience. As the Vice President of Strategy and Operations, Lauren leads the organization’s efforts to improve the training and development provided to teachers and leaders to ensure all students feel a sense of belonging in school.

Prior to joining SPED Strategies, Lauren served as the Assistant Dean of Special Education at Relay Graduate School of Education, NY. There, she led the strategy and development of all special education programs and faculty at the campus. This work aimed at improving the pre-service and in-service experience for special education teachers and ensured they developed the knowledge and skills needed to teach all students across NY.

Lauren began her career in education because of her younger brother. His high school diagnosis of ADHD impacted his belief in his ability to learn and she watched as that influenced every element of his life. Dedicated to creating different realities for kids, Lauren joined Teach For America (TFA) and worked as a special education teacher in NYC Public Schools. In pursuit of revitalizing teacher and leader preparation she subsequently played several key roles including a school-based instructional coach, Manager of Teacher Leadership Development at TFA, a Consultant, Strategy and Development in the office of Teacher Recruitment and Quality in the NYC Department of Education and the Director of Professional Learning at Zearn.

David is an ever-optimistic systems thinker. He loves the challenge of connecting state and district strategy to real change at the classroom level. As the Managing Director of Implementation and Scale, David leads the work of customizing support for each partner while helping them maximize their impact across schools.

In his decade as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator in Seattle, David won state and national awards for his entrepreneurial work supporting classroom instruction. As the Education Director at Intentional Futures, he led strategic research and design work, including the development of the Mastery Transcript, a gradeless, digital transcript used by 400 schools nationwide. As the Director of Implementation for Zearn Math, he designed and launched Zearn’s Implementation Playbook, a web-based tool supporting thousands of districts in student-centered HQIM implementation.

David has pioneered work in developing tools and approaches that support effective implementation at scale. He is also a committed practitioner of equity-centered design, ensuring that the solutions he helps build are co-designed with the communities they are meant to serve.

Emily Art is a seasoned educator and design expert with extensive experience in special education and school leadership. Her career trajectory reflects a deep commitment to improving educational outcomes for all students. She began as a special educator, working across various classroom settings and grade levels. As she gained insight into the enabling conditions necessary for effective special education delivery, she transitioned into leadership roles to create broader systemic impact. This included her time as Principal at Leadership Prep Brownsville Charter School, ensuring its ranking as 6th in New York state for growth on state assessments, and during her tenure as Dean of Academic Programs at Relay Graduate School of Education. Emily’s expertise in teacher development led her to higher education, where she collaboratively designed and implemented a Master's program for in-service Special Education teachers.

Emily holds a Master of Arts in Sociology, Urban Education & Statistical Methods, as well as a Master of Science in Education, with specializations in Teaching Students with Mild Disabilities and Elementary Education. Her diverse academic background informs her comprehensive approach to educational improvement.

As a Managing Director at SPED Strategies, Emily ensures every interaction with clients is intentional, leveraging a deep understanding of design principles to empower communities to more effectively support leaders and educators in valuing the unique strengths of all learners.

When Emily is not working to create more effective learning environments for all students, she enjoys rock climbing, soaking in hot springs, and traveling to new places with the people she loves.

Brittney is a passionate special education leader and advocate committed to providing equitable outcomes for students with disabilities. As a Director of Partnerships, Brittney leads the logistical and programmatic elements of district and school partnerships for the organization.

Prior to joining SPED Strategies, Brittney served as the Director of High School Student Services at KIPP New Orleans where they developed a comprehensive and inclusive special education vision, strategy and plan for KNOS High Schools that ensured all students with disabilities met rigorous academic expectations while having a rich high school experience.

Brittney began their career as a special education teacher and coordinator in southern Louisiana. Brittney also served as a Director of Special Education Compliance for a charter management organization in New Orleans.

Leslie Knight brings a distinct perspective to special education transformation, rooted in her journey from high school science classrooms to educational leadership. Her career began with reimagining curriculum and instructional practices alongside her colleagues, where she discovered her passion for helping educators think differently about inclusive education.

Through strategic leadership roles in both school and district administration, Leslie has cultivated expertise in facilitating transformative change initiatives that touch every aspect of the educational experience, from curriculum design to reimagined school structures. Her work as an instructional coach revealed her gift for helping educators discover fresh perspectives on their practice, creating those pivotal moments where possibility becomes clear.

As a Senior Manager of Implementation, Leslie's approach embodies the belief that education serves as society's foundation, and that creating truly inclusive learning environments requires both a sophisticated understanding and practical implementation strategies. Her work helps our clients and educators in their communities move beyond compliance toward authentic transformation that honors each student's potential.

When she’s not reimagining educational possibilities, Leslie finds renewal through running, tending her garden, and exploring the mountains with her family.

Shelly is a dedicated advocate for inclusive education and equitable access for all students. With a diverse background spanning education leadership, teaching, and instructional coaching, Shelly brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role.

Before joining SPED Strategies, Shelly served as a Project Director at the University of Arkansas, where she focused on enhancing educators' knowledge and skills in supporting English learners and culturally diverse students. Her responsibilities included teaching TESOL graduate courses, facilitating online professional development, and fostering community engagement.

With a deep understanding of the complexities of education, Shelly's work has always centered around personalized learning and inclusive practices. Her experience as a classroom teacher in special education settings has provided her with firsthand insights into the needs of diverse learners. As an instructional coach, she partnered with teachers to improve teaching practices and student outcomes, emphasizing scaffolded instruction, differentiated learning, and personalized instruction.

Shelly's commitment to professional development extends beyond her role as an educator. She has provided continuous training for schools and districts in Arkansas, focusing on inclusive education and equity for all students. Shelly's dedication to lifelong learning is evident by her achievement of a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership.

Megan Chauvin brings extensive experience in strategic communications and brand development from the education sector to the SPED Strategies team. Most recently as the Director of Communications at FirstLine Schools in New Orleans, LA, Megan also served as Manager of Development and Communications at Crescent City Schools, advancing through progressive leadership roles at both organizations.

At FirstLine Schools, she spearheaded comprehensive initiatives for a multi-school network, leveraging data-driven insights to optimize positioning and audience engagement across four institutions. She developed targeted marketing collateral using strategic analytics, tailoring content to diverse stakeholder groups including employees, families, donors, media, and community partners. Her work included orchestrating end-to-end content development and publication initiatives, conceptualizing multimedia content through professional photography and videography, and managing complex vendor and media relationships.

Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Business Administration with a concentration in Public Relations from Louisiana State University. She is Crisis Communication certified by PRSA and Together Project Manager certified, with proficiency in various digital platforms and professional photography.

At SPED Strategies, Megan conducts market research, develops external messaging, leads website development, and designs impact storytelling initiatives. She supervises implementation of integrated marketing project plans and is passionate about helping organizations articulate their value and strengthen recognition.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog (Magnolia), practicing her photography, and cheering on the New Orleans Saints.

Aida is an enthusiastic and dedicated advocate for improving outcomes for diverse learners.  As the Implementation Manager, Aida manages the organization’s efforts in the development and execution of professional learning projects that increase school teams’ knowledge of inclusive education.

Prior to joining SPED Strategies, Aida served as the lead teacher for a self contained classroom for children with moderate to severe exceptionalities.  In this role, she created new systems and traditions that allowed for more collaboration and inclusion between general education teachers and self contained classes.  

Aida has worked as a special education teacher in New Orleans for nearly 10 years.  In the past decade, she has had the opportunity to serve as an ELL Coordinator, 504 Coordinator and Special Education Coordinator. Before moving to New Orleans, she supported leadership and educational programming for a non-profit organization that advanced the opportunities for disadvantaged youth in New Haven, CT.

Jana's career trajectory reflects her unwavering commitment to education for all students. She began her teaching career at the high school from which she graduated, an experience she treasured. There, she worked in team-taught classrooms supporting both students with disabilities and multilingual learners, which ignited her passion for ensuring every student receives a strong education. Throughout her work in both Virginia and New Orleans, her focus remained consistent: supporting whole school systems and staff in providing quality instruction. This dedication ultimately led to her role overseeing activities, both in-school and after-school, with a focus on ensuring universal accessibility to programming.

Among her notable professional achievements, Jana was selected as a First Year Teacher of the Year Finalist at West Potomac in Fairfax County Public Schools. She successfully established LHSAA sanctioned athletic programming and maintained it with zero violations over multiple seasons. Additionally, she created and expanded successful high school PBIS programming, demonstrating her ability to implement and sustain effective student support systems.

Jana holds both a Master of Education and a Master of Public Administration and Policy, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of educational practice and policy implementation.

As an Implementation Specialist at SPED Strategies, Jana leverages her extensive experience to ensure seamless communication and support for the educators and projects she serves.

When she's not supporting leaders and educators, Jana prioritizes her own well-being through fitness, spending time with her dogs, and immersing herself in New Orleans' vibrant festival and parade culture.

Megan Gold brings deep expertise in special education and transition services to the SPED Strategies team. Most recently, Megan served as Career and Transition Counselor at Abramson Sci Academy, where she previously held the role of MTSS Scholar Support Coordinator. Before that, she was Founding Program Director of Opportunities Academy at Collegiate Academies.

Megan began her career in national service with AmeriCorps NCCC, where she discovered her passion for ensuring access to opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This led her to education, where she designed curriculum and founded New Orleans' first postsecondary program for young adults with disabilities. Her work evolved to focus on systemic changes, building inclusive support systems and expanding career pathways for diverse learners.

Among her notable professional achievements, Megan is a UCLA PEERS for Young Adults Certified Provider and completed the Intervention Leadership Fellowship at Collegiate Academies. Her innovative work in special education was recognized in the Walton Family Foundation feature "Removing Barriers: Special Education Program Provides Vital Services in NOLA," highlighting her impact on students and families in New Orleans.

Megan holds a Master's Degree in Secondary Special Education and Transition Services, providing her with specialized expertise in supporting students with disabilities as they transition to adult life and work.

At SPED Strategies, Megan is motivated by the opportunity to continue her mission-driven work on a much broader scale, working with districts and positively impacting students across the country.

Outside of expanding opportunities for students with disabilities, Megan finds inspiration through reading, experiencing live music, and connecting with her family.

Jane Shapiro brings more than a decade of experience in schools to her work at SPED Strategies. She is a fierce advocate for teachers, and believes that teachers empowered with the knowledge and skills of inclusive education have the ability to change the trajectory of their student’s lives. As an Implementation Specialist, Jane uses her relentless attention to detail to support SPED Strategies’ initiatives.

Prior to joining SPED Strategies, Jane served as a Learning Specialist and Academic Coach. In this role, she spearheaded new faculty professional development and evaluation systems designed to support teachers in their inclusive education practice.

Jane began her career as an English teacher in New York City, where she quickly discovered her passion for education and ensuring all students had a successful, joyful school experience. She furthered her education with a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Fordham University and an Advanced Certificate in Teaching Exceptional Learners from the Relay Graduate School of Education.