Angela Gowans
Founder/Educational Advocate
Angela Gowans brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her educational advocacy practice, serving families across the US and internationally since 2005. Her background includes working with then-Congressman Bernie Sanders, the American Federation of Teachers, and holding various advisory positions, including the New England Consortium on Deafblindness Advisory Committee and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders’s Disability Advisory Council.
As a parent of two children with disabilities, Angela offers a family-centered approach, emphasizing collaboration between parents and schools to achieve positive outcomes. She utilizes her training as an advocate, mediator, and family coach to guide families through the complexities of the education and service systems, assisting with securing appropriate placements and representing families from initial evaluations through mediation. Angela often collaborates with attorneys and independent educational professionals to provide comprehensive support.
Angela's vast political and legislative knowledge, combined with her deep understanding of state and federal education laws, allows her to effectively problem-solve and advocate for children with special needs. She lives in Beverly, MA, with her husband, Robert, and enjoys spending time with their five adult children.
Emily Dean
Educational Consultant/Transition Specialist
Emily holds a B.A. in Anthropology and an M.A. in American Studies from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, an M.Ed from Boston University, and a Graduate Certificate in Teaching Bilingual Learners with Disabilities from Lasell University.
Emily has extensive experience working with learners across all grade levels as both a teacher and an administrator in Massachusetts public schools. She is licensed as an academic teacher, ESL, and Special Education Teacher, as well as a Director, Special Education Administrator, and Assistant Superintendent/Superintendent. Emily's deep understanding of state and federal laws concerning student and family rights informs her work. She is adept at navigating district protocols and procedures, and collaborating with the BSEA to resolve cases while prioritizing student needs. In her most recent role, she specialized in assisting families with the transition from Special Education to adult services for their complex learners who were turning 22. Emily has substantial experience working with the Department of Developmental Services (Autism and Intellectual), Department of Mental Health, and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. She has collaborated with families to identify suitable out-of-district placements for their students and to facilitate successful transitions to the least restrictive settings that meet their children's unique needs. Additionally, Emily has extensive experience working with programs designed for students with autism spectrum disorders, medically complex needs, and emotional/mental health disabilities.
Emily has participated in extensive mediation and dispute resolution training. In her free time, she volunteers as a case reviewer for the Department of Children and Families, ensuring that vulnerable children receive the full range of services they need within their communities.
As a resident of Woburn and a parent of a child with medically complex needs, Emily has firsthand experience with the unique perspectives and challenges that parents encounter as they advocate for their children's access to education and community services. Emily is eager to transition into family and student centered advocacy and is dedicated to supporting families as they navigate the process of accessing services for their children.
Michelle Lin
Educational Advocate
Michelle, who holds a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Communication from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, is a compassionate and dedicated professional. Her career has been diverse. She has guided newly diagnosed patients with Autism in accessing critical healthcare resources, coordinated care plans for Medicaid beneficiaries with complex needs in New Hampshire, and advocated for students and families as a middle school guidance counselor in Massachusetts.
Michelle's commitment to advocacy extends beyond her professional work. She has been actively involved in community organizations, serving on the Family Advisory Board for the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and the Board of Directors for PathWays of the River Valley Developmental Disability Community Agency. She has also advocated at the national level, meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for increased funding for pediatric residency programs and children's Medicaid.
As a mother of two, including a child who is DeafBlind, Michelle has personal experience caring for and advocating for a medically complex child. She understands the challenges and triumphs that come with ensuring access to education and community involvement. Drawing from her personal journey, Michelle provides families with strategic and empathetic educational advocacy and comprehensive support.
Michelle currently lives in New Hampshire with her family, where she continues to positively impact both her community and beyond.
Megan Swaim
Educational Advocate
Megan joins the EmpowerED CG team with a firm belief in every child's unique potential and the need for an educational environment that fosters growth in all aspects - physical, mental, emotional, and social. She is passionate about ensuring that all children have access to this type of education, recognizing the responsibility educational professionals have in helping each child reach their full potential.
Megan holds a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Northeastern University, with an additional licensure in Special Education, Moderate Disabilities. Her experience of over ten years as a general educator, working with students from diverse backgrounds, and her more recent roles as a specialized literacy teacher and curriculum designer highlight her commitment to education. Megan is dedicated to supporting families as they navigate the complexities of the educational system. Her background in inclusion classrooms provides her with a unique perspective that allows her to guide families through every step of the process. She firmly believes that collaboration and creative problem-solving among families, administrators, teachers, and staff can ensure that every student receives the necessary support for success.
Megan, her husband Tyler, their daughter Ella, son Oliver, and their Golden Retriever reside in Hamilton.
