Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlotte Dudley.
Hi Charlotte, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My heart for working with children with special needs began early in life. Growing up next to a neighbor with significant disabilities, I didn’t fully understand his challenges at the time—I only knew that he loved to play and valued having a friend. That early connection sparked a lifelong calling, which years later led me to pursue a career in special education.
I began my career in 1994 as a Behavior Disorders teacher, later earning a Master’s degree in Special Education with a specialization in Behavior Disorders. Over the years, I’ve taught in three states across a wide range of special education settings and eligibilities. No matter the setting, my focus has always been on recognizing the individuality of each child’s needs and supporting them in reaching their fullest potential.
When I became a parent myself, I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges families face. Even with my background as a special education teacher, navigating the system for my own child was overwhelming. Knowing the “lingo” didn’t always make advocating for her any easier. I often wished for someone who could guide, support, and help bridge the gap between home and school.
That experience, combined with my years in the classroom, inspired me to use my dual perspective—both as an educator and as a parent—to help other families. My goal is to empower parents to understand the special education system, the laws, and their rights, while also working collaboratively with schools to secure the services and supports children need.
In 2019, I founded Dudley Advocacy and Consulting to serve families in the North Texas area. Thanks to the shift toward virtual meetings during COVID, I am now able to extend that support to families across the entire state.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Struggles? Of course—there have been many. Starting a business came with a steep learning curve, and I leaned on the expertise of others to guide me through everything from publicity and business practices to organization and growth. On top of that, Texas laws are constantly evolving and often open to interpretation, with school districts applying them in different—and sometimes very creative—ways.
Staying current is one of the biggest challenges, because having the most accurate, up-to-date information is essential to serving families well. I work to overcome this by building a strong network of fellow advocates, participating in ongoing trainings, and continuously researching. These efforts ensure I can provide families with the guidance and support they need in an ever-changing system.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Dudley Advocacy and Consulting was founded to guide and support parents as they navigate the often complex special education process. We help families understand special education procedures, their parental rights, and the laws that protect their children. Just as importantly, we work to foster collaboration with school districts to create plans that set students on a path toward success.
Our mission is to empower parents with the knowledge and confidence they need, to sit alongside them at the table with their child’s school, and to bridge gaps in communication. By facilitating understanding and building collaboration, we strive to ensure that every child receives the services and support they deserve.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I am deeply grateful to the many people and organizations who have supported me on this journey. My family has been my foundation, encouraging me every step of the way. I’ve also leaned on friends for their business and marketing expertise, and I value the professional networks within this field that provide insight, guidance, and a sounding board for new ideas. Resources such as the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), the Texas Organization of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (TOPAA), and Wrightslaw have been instrumental in expanding my knowledge and keeping me current. Most importantly, I want to thank the many parents who have trusted me to walk alongside them in advocating for their children over the years—your trust is the greatest honor of all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DudleyAdvocacyandConsulting.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tx_specialedadvocate/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/DudleyAdvocacyandConsulting/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/charlotte-dudley-9a176a286
- Twitter: https://x.com/TX_SpedAdvocate
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpJ8XnawTtjuWtcKXMWVtjw
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/dudley-advocacy-and-consulting-plano
Image Credits
Golden Light Creative
