A Glimpse Into Our Passion
OUR MISSION
We focus on the 4 major “PEAKS” of the journey: Early Intervention, Early Childhood, Special Education, and Transition Planning for Adulthood. Through collaborative meetings and trainings, we help the team members and families overcome the “fog” that sometimes interrupts the progress to those pinnacle moments of the journey. We serve clients across the great Commonwealth of Virginia in understanding the process and resources available. We do not offer legal advice but are lay advocates and parents who have taken the same journey with our children.
WHAT WE VALUE
Integrity
We are all about doing the right thing. That means being honest, fair, and respectful in all our dealings, especially when it comes to supporting kids with special needs. We follow the COPAA Voluntary Code of Ethics for Advocates, which boils down to being knowledgeable, treating everyone well, giving you the info you need, being upfront about any conflicts, staying honest and law-abiding, and keeping things professional. Our goal? To provide top-notch advocacy for your child’s special education journey.
Collaboration
We believe in working together, listening to everyone’s ideas, and creating plans that aren’t just short-term fixes but are built to last a lifetime. We understand that childhood is a journey of self-discovery and finding one’s place in the world. Our focus is to build a team of pros and resources to support your child’s goals every step of the way. We follow the principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), aimed at meeting your child’s unique needs and preparing them for more education, employment, and independent living.
Accountability
We are all about putting the child’s unique needs first. We believe in accountability and responsibility on this journey, making sure that everyone in the team is equally important. We base all our decisions on solid data, not just personal opinions. It’s about knowing each person’s role and, if issues come up, using dispute resolution options to keep things on track.
Integrity
We are all about doing the right thing. That means being honest, fair, and respectful in all our dealings, especially when it comes to supporting kids with special needs. We follow the COPAA Voluntary Code of Ethics for Advocates, which boils down to being knowledgeable, treating everyone well, giving you the info you need, being upfront about any conflicts, staying honest and law-abiding, and keeping things professional. Our goal? To provide top-notch advocacy for your child’s special education journey.
Collaboration
We believe in working together, listening to everyone’s ideas, and creating plans that aren’t just short-term fixes but are built to last a lifetime. We understand that childhood is a journey of self-discovery and finding one’s place in the world. Our focus is to build a team of pros and resources to support your child’s goals every step of the way. We follow the principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), aimed at meeting your child’s unique needs and preparing them for more education, employment, and independent living.
Accountability
We are all about putting the child’s unique needs first. We believe in accountability and responsibility on this journey, making sure that everyone in the team is equally important. We base all our decisions on solid data, not just personal opinions. It’s about knowing each person’s role and, if issues come up, using dispute resolution options to keep things on track.
MEET THE TEAM
Courtney Pugh, Owner and Lead Advocate
Courtney, a dedicated mother of two special needs children, embarked on her educational advocacy journey when her youngest child was two. She was initially told not to expect a high quality of life for her child, but inspired by a fellow advocate, she committed herself to learning the intricacies of regulations and strategies to support her child and other families facing similar challenges.
With a degree in Business Management & Administration from Emory & Henry College, Courtney viewed this journey not just as an educational endeavor but also through a business lens. Over 17 years, she expanded her knowledge and assistance to others, working with the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) and completing extensive training. Courtney is an active member of COPAA, a Master IEP Coach, and an alumni member of the William & Mary Law Institute of Special Education Advocacy (ISEA). She currently serves as the Global Advocacy Director for the International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion (ICARS). Additionally, she strongly advocates for inclusion and appropriate support for every child, ensuring success at every step of their educational journey.
Dani Roupe, Office Manager
Dani is the invaluable office manager at 4 PEAKS Educational Consulting LLC. She manages scheduling, documents, invoicing, and collections, providing essential support to our owner. Dani also guides new clients through their advocacy journey from the very beginning.
Dani’s life is a blend of roles – a devoted wife, mother of two, and the proud owner of three rescue giant breed dogs. With a decade of special needs education experience, including work in a local school’s special education department and advocacy for her own children, she’s no stranger to the field. Both her children successfully navigated ADHD diagnoses during their teenage years. Heir daughter also managed additional challenges, including dyslexia and a processing disorder. With the support of accurate diagnoses, appropriate school accommodations, medication, and their own determination, both went to graduate from college.
Dani brings over 20 years of medical business office management experience to our team. Her expertise extends to Medicaid Waiver – Consumer Directed Service Facilitation, with six years of experience in this area. Beyond her professional life, Dani enjoys family time, outdoor activities, and globe-trotting adventures, adding a dynamic and compassionate touch to our team.
Kristin R. McNamara, Advocate
Kristin is a devoted mother of two children with unique needs whose personal experiences inspired her path into educational advocacy. One of her children manages Type 1 Diabetes, while the other navigates anxiety, giving Kristin firsthand understanding of the challenges families face when pursuing individualized support within the school system. Motivated by these experiences, she immersed herself in learning the laws, strategies, and processes that ensure all students receive the services they need to succeed.
With over a decade of experience working in public education, Kristin has served many roles including an instructional assistant for high-needs students, special education teacher for children with Autism, and as a Section 504 Facilitator. These roles deepened her expertise in understanding disability regulations, behavioral supports, and effective classroom accommodations for diverse learners.
Kristin holds a master’s degree in Special Education and blends her professional knowledge with genuine empathy in every case. She is deeply committed to fostering collaboration between families and schools, empowering teams to create inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive.
Wendy Yarborough Trail, Advocate
Wendy is a dedicated special education advocate based in Salem, Virginia, whose journey into advocacy began through her own experiences as a parent. After navigating the complexities of IEPs, 504 Plans, and school-based support for her child, she developed a deep passion for helping other families access the resources their children need to thrive.
With more than 20 years of experience, Wendy has supported over 100 families across the southern Appalachian region. She specializes in assisting children with Autism, ADHD, and developmental delays, as well as providing guidance for transition planning for older students. Her unique combination of personal insight and professional expertise allows her to bridge the gap between families and schools, ensuring that every child receives appropriate accommodations and meaningful inclusion.
Wendy has served as President of the Autism Society of America, Greater Roanoke Valley, completed advanced advocacy training through Wrightslaw, mentored under experienced advocates, and served as a regional contact for the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC). She also leads professional development workshops and co-founded the Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center’s annual golf fundraiser.
Known for her compassion, professionalism, and strategic approach, Wendy is a trusted advocate who partners with families to promote collaboration, empowerment, and lasting educational success for every child.
OUR PROCESS
PHASE 1:
Welcoming New Clients
This begins with an initial contact that sets the stage for a complimentary consultation call. During this call, we engage in a meaningful discussion about the challenges you are facing and how our expertise can provide solutions. We’ll also cover the necessary documents, review our agreement, explore flexible payment options, and chart out the exciting next steps in your advocacy journey.
PHASE 2:
Preparing for Progress
This entails gathering essential documents for review, including the 4 PEAKS agreement and consent forms. Additionally, we facilitate the payment of the retainer and seamlessly schedule your consultation with our dedicated advocate. This phase ensures a smooth transition toward your advocacy journey’s next stage.
PHASE 3:
Document Review, Consultation, and Planning
We dive into a comprehensive document review. Following this, we engage in a consultative call to discuss your unique situation. Together, we collaboratively craft a customized plan of action that aligns with your advocacy needs and goals. This phase is all about informed decision-making and setting the course for your educational advocacy journey.
PHASE 4:
Executing the Action Plan
This includes preparing and drafting any essential correspondence, actively participating in crucial meetings (such as eligibility, 504, IEP, IFSP, and manifestation determination meetings), and establishing connections with valuable community resources. Additionally, we engage in open discussions and preparations for dispute resolution options when necessary. This phase is the heart of proactive advocacy, ensuring that your child’s unique needs are addressed comprehensively.
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