About Bonnie Klein - Special Education Advocate

Like many parents, I never expected to become a special education advocate.

My journey began in 2011 when my own child entered the public school system and required special education services. As I experienced firsthand the complexities of the IDEA process, I developed a deep interest in special education advocacy and helping other families navigate the system with knowledge and confidence.

In the years that followed, I immersed myself in the field of special education, expanding my knowledge, developing my advocacy skills, and laying the foundation for my work as an advocate, instructor, and mediator. 

In 2018, I joined the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), completed the Special Education Advocate Training (SEAT) program, and have remained actively involved in the organization ever since. Today, I serve as a SEAT 2.0 Training Instructor, providing practical, skills-based instruction while mentoring special education advocates from across the country. I also serve as a Training Instructor for COPAA's The Business of Special Education Advocacy course, helping advocates develop and manage successful advocacy businesses.

As the founder of Sierra Special Education Advocacy, I partner with families and school teams to navigate complex special education issues. My work is grounded in comprehensive case analysis, effective issue identification, strategic problem solving, skilled negotiation, and collaborative decision-making to help identify practical paths toward resolution. While there are times when disagreement is unavoidable, I believe the most effective advocacy combines thoughtful analysis with meaningful collaboration, helping families and school teams make informed decisions that support positive outcomes for students.

I am committed to continually strengthening my collaborative approach to dispute resolution. I completed the 40-hour mediation training program through the UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law's Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution and currently participate in a court-connected mediation mentorship program. This experience continues to strengthen my ability to facilitate productive discussions, build collaborative working relationships, support informed decision-making, and help families and school teams navigate difficult conversations.

Before entering the field of special education, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an MBA before spending ten years in corporate marketing and brand management. That experience continues to shape my work through strategic planning, communication, leadership, and thoughtful problem solving.

Whether I'm supporting a family through an IEP meeting, collaborating with a school team, mentoring new advocates, or instructing future professionals, my goal is the same: to help others navigate the special education process with clarity, confidence, and a focus on practical solutions that support student success.