Today we’d like to introduce you to Mindy Wilson.
Hi Mindy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As a special education teacher in the comprehensive developmental classroom, I began to feel increasingly disconnected from the system after a recent change in the school district. I felt like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole. In my role, I was expected to ensure that students could participate in their least restrictive environment with their same-age peers—during recess, lunch, specials, and inclusion time. However, the lack of support staff made this incredibly difficult. I spent most of my time managing behaviors and was often told to stay quiet and “stay in my lane.”
I had come from a school system where I was able to create successful strategies that challenged students academically while fully integrating them with their peers. But in my new position, my enthusiasm for bringing about systemic and radical changes wasn’t welcomed. I was told that my ideas for improving the system and pushing for necessary support weren’t a priority. This led me to the difficult decision to resign after 14 years of teaching and truly reflect on whether I could continue fitting into such a system.
My desire to create meaningful change for students led me to start Xander’s Place, originally a nonprofit model designed to be a resource hub for special needs families, offering advocacy services to hold schools accountable for implementing IEPs. However, I soon realized that the nonprofit model would limit me to only serving lower-income families, even though I knew there was a high need for support across all income levels. Many families—both from my classroom and within my own family—didn’t fall within that financial group but still needed help.
This realization led to the creation of AdvoKids, a for-profit business where I could serve all families, regardless of their financial situation. AdvoKids allows me to advocate for systemic change and provide the support families truly need. Xander’s Place continues to operate as a sister business to AdvoKids, with the ultimate goal of connecting families to programs like Family Support and Katie Beckett State Programs, which provide financial assistance for advocacy services.
Through both AdvoKids and Xander’s Place, I am now able to help families access the resources and support they need, and I am more determined than ever to drive the change I know is necessary.
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?
Obstacles/Challenges
Gosh, I wish I could say that the road has been all sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns, but the reality has been much different. I went into this business model blindly, and it hasn’t been as smooth as I initially anticipated. There have been so many tears shed that I truly understand the meaning of “blood, sweat, and tears.”
At first, it was so much fun finding the office space and creating a safe, welcoming environment with furniture and decor that truly represented who I am and what I wanted to create. But then came all the new business aspects—business licenses, lease agreements, building the brand, engaging with social media, creating video content, and designing t-shirts and swag gear. Then, I started receiving my very first clients, and I felt extremely underprepared and unsure of what I had gotten myself into. I remember attending my very first IEP meeting, so nervous and unsure of what I truly brought to the table. However, after that meeting, my client gushed about how amazing I had made the process for her. That’s when I realized I had tapped into something that could truly change my business model. I offer a unique way of working directly with the school and parents, helping to bridge the gap in communication.
I have a way of taking what parents want to express and relaying it in a manner that the school best understands. This approach typically leads to the school seeing ways to implement the parents’ concerns. My deep understanding of education lingo and acronyms—especially those used in special education—has been a huge asset. I coached the parent through every section of the IEP, discussing their frustrating moments with the school and brainstorming solutions. We worked together on statements that would either be directly copied into the IEP or adjusted through a professional conversation with the team to make sure both sides were satisfied.
Hiring an advocate is like having your boss show up to work. It brings a whole new level of professionalism, open conversations, and appropriate follow-through, making meetings feel how they should have always felt. I’ve had so many families reflect afterward and ask, “Was it supposed to be that easy?” It felt strange to them because they were used to resistance.
The current obstacle I’m facing is funding. We’re actively seeking donors and/or investors who are 100% behind our mission and understand the true need for advocacy in the IEP process.
To explain the importance of what we do: an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 Plan is a legal document created by public schools for students who have specific learning needs or disabilities. It outlines the services and accommodations these students are entitled to receive to ensure they have equal access to education. Public schools are legally required to create an IEP for students who qualify based on their disabilities or learning challenges. In Tennessee alone, there are thousands of students who have IEPs or 504 plans in place. This is not optional—it’s a must-have for families with children who need additional support in school, which makes the work we do even more crucial.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m Mindy, and my journey to AdvoKids has been anything but conventional. I began my educational journey at Carson-Newman University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Special Education K-12. I stayed an additional semester to become a highly qualified regular education teacher for K-6. Afterward, I pursued my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and later earned my Educational Specialist degree in Administration in Education. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching in various capacities. I’ve worked in the resource classroom, created an innovative gifted and talented program, and even revamped the Coordinated School Health program at a school system. I’ve taught 5th and 6th grade English Language Arts and Social Studies, and I spent several years in a comprehensive developmental classroom where I created opportunities for my special needs students, like running a concession stand at weekly basketball games. I also expanded our Special Olympics participation to include events like bowling, basketball, bocce ball, tennis, and track and field.
Looking back, most people are unsure how I’ve made it this far, both personally and professionally, but I’ve always had a deep desire to push forward, overcome obstacles, and create positive change for the students I work with.
I’m known for my strong, fierce, and bubbly personality. I’m someone who isn’t afraid to take a stand for people and causes that don’t have a voice. Whether it’s advocating for students with special needs or ensuring that every child gets the education they deserve, I’m committed to making sure their voices are heard.
I’m most proud of the way I empower families to advocate for their children. I help them feel confident in IEP meetings, teaching them the ins and outs of the process so they can go in prepared with the right statements and goals. I’ve been told time and again by parents that I’ve made the process easier and more transparent for them, and that feedback is what fuels my passion for what I do.
What sets me apart from others is my personal experience as a former special education teacher, as well as my ability to work directly with schools and families. I understand the challenges that both sides face and have the unique perspective of being able to speak the educational language fluently. This allows me to coach families through the process with a level of professionalism and understanding that often feels like a game-changer for them. I’m also very proud of the work I do through Xander’s Place and AdvoKids—both of which have evolved into sister businesses, allowing me to provide support to families across different financial backgrounds. By creating both for-profit and nonprofit models, I can ensure that families get the resources they need, regardless of their income level.
In addition to my career, I’m also a proud mom of three beautiful children—Cooper (11), Caroline (7), and Charlie Pearl (3). Our family is completed by two Australian Shepherds, Lily and Louie, and our precious new addition, a tabby cat named Lincoln (Link for short).
Ultimately, what sets me apart is my genuine passion for systemic change and helping families feel empowered in a process that can often feel overwhelming and disheartening. I’m not just an advocate—I’m a partner in their journey.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is all of the sports I played growing up. I was always super active and athletic, and you could always find me on the sidelines cheering, playing softball, running up and down the court playing basketball, or in high school, I developed a love for volleyball. Being involved in sports, both school and travel teams, opened me up to so many friendships and connections in and around my community—friendships that I still cherish today. I’ve always loved the spirit of sports and the sense of community that comes with being part of a team. It taught me so much about teamwork, dedication, and the power of building lasting relationships through shared experiences.
Pricing:
- AdvoKids In-Person Advocacy $200 hourly rate
- AdvoKids Virtual Advocacy $150 hourly rate
- AdvoKids Professional Coaching $250 flat rate
Contact Info:
- Website: www.goadvokids.org
- Instagram: @mindysue234
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18WaGbEfNd/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-wilson-5b8a96243?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
