ABOUT THE EVENT

Knowledge is the most powerful tool a family can have.

Navigating special education shouldn't feel impossible. Whether you're a parent sitting at an IEP table for the first time, an educator trying to better serve your students, or a community member who believes every child deserves the right support, this event was built for you.

Empowered is a full-day community education summit featuring a dynamic panel discussion, a 3-hour hands-on training session, and a live Q&A — all designed to give you practical tools and real clarity around IEPs, 504 Plans, and the special education system.

A community vendor floor will also be open throughout the event, with specialists directly associated with local special education community resources.

This is the first event of its kind in the Hudson Valley — and it's long overdue.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

🎤 Panel Discussion

A dynamic conversation with our hosts and featured experts on the most pressing topics in special education today.

🙋 Live Q&A

Get your real questions answered by two of the most experienced voices in special education.

📖 VIP: The Epic IEP + Resource Packet

VIP ticket holders receive a copy of Karen's nationally recognized book, The Epic IEP, plus a curated resource packet to help your family prepare for the 2026–2027 school year.

📚 3-Hour Training Session

A hands-on, in-depth training led by Karen Mayer Cunningham covering how to successfully navigate IEPs, 504 Plans, and the special education system — the knowledge they don't teach you anywhere else.

🏢 Community Vendor Floor

A community vendor floor will also be open throughout the event, with specialists directly associated with local special education community resources.

TICKETS

RESERVE YOUR SEAT

Early Bird tickets are available for the first 50 registrants only up until July 9th, 2026 at midnight. Space is limited to 200 total attendees.

Early Bird General Admission

$25

First 50 Tickets | Ends July 9th | Available Now

Full access to all sessions, the panel discussion, 3-hour training, live Q&A, and community vendor floor.

GET YOUR EARLY BIRD TICKETS

General Admission

$40

Available after July 9th

Full access to all sessions, the panel discussion, 3-hour training, live Q&A, and community vendor floor.

GET GA TICKETS [AVAILABLE AFTER 7/9]

VIP

$80

Available Now | Everything in General Admission, plus:

A copy of The Epic IEP by Karen Mayer Cunningham
Priority seating
Curated resource packet for the 2026–2027 school year

GET VIP TICKETS

Meet Your Hosts

Two of the most trusted voices in Special Education

Michelle Costabile

Special Education Administrator | 30-Year Veteran | Founder, EmpowerEd Consulting

Michelle Costabile has spent 30 years in the trenches of special education — as a classroom teacher, a School District Behaviorist, and now as a Special Education Administrator. Throughout her career she has impacted countless students, supported hundreds of families, and mentored educators across her community. She is not just an expert — she is someone who has shown up, year after year, to make sure that every child has what they need to succeed.

Michelle is the founder of EmpowerEd Consulting, a special education advocacy practice built on the belief that every child deserves the right support, and every parent deserves clear guidance. Her work blends deep expertise with genuine empathy — so families can advocate with confidence and students can truly thrive.

"We believe every child deserves the right support and every parent deserves clear guidance."

Karen Mayer cunningham

Nationally Recognized Special Education Advocate | Author | Special Education Boss™

Karen Mayer Cunningham is one of the most trusted and relentless advocates in special education in the country. With over 25 years of experience fighting for children's rights at the IEP and 504 table, Karen has made it her personal mission to educate, equip, and empower every family navigating the special education system.

Her journey began when she fought to get services for her own son — and along the way, she discovered a calling that has since changed the lives of thousands of families across the country.

Karen is the author of The Epic IEP, a nationally recognized guide for families navigating the special education process. She is the founder of the Special Education Academy™, and her trainings have been described by educators and parents alike as the knowledge they never received anywhere else.

"I am relentless in getting the services and resources for every child to succeed in the classroom." — Karen Mayer Cunningham

ABOUT EMPOWERED CONSULTING

Rooted in community. Driven by purpose.

EmpowerEd Consulting was created to help families feel supported and informed when navigating special education. Founded by Michelle Costabile after three decades of direct experience in the field, EmpowerEd exists at the intersection of expertise and empathy — giving families the clarity and confidence they need to advocate for their children.

Services include:

Family support and guidance
IEP and 504 Plan support
Educational consulting
Student-centered planning

EmpowerED: A Special Education Community Summit is an extension of that mission — bringing the knowledge, tools, and community together in one room for the first time in the Hudson Valley.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Who is this event for?

This event is designed for parents and caregivers of students with disabilities, educators and school staff, special education advocates, therapists and service providers, and any community member who wants to better support students with disabilities.

What is included with a VIP ticket?

VIP ticket holders receive a copy of The Epic IEP by Karen Mayer Cunningham, priority seating, and a curated resource packet to help families prepare for the 2026–2027 school year. VIP is limited to 75 seats.

What is the Early Bird rate and when does it expire?

Early Bird tickets are $25 and are available to the first 50 registrants only. This rate expires on July 9, 2026, or when the 50 tickets sell out — whichever comes first.

Where is the event located?

Fishkill Recreational Center, Fishkill, NY. Parking is available on site.

Will there be vendors at the event?

Yes — a community vendor floor will be open throughout the event featuring specialists in the special education community.

I'm interested in sponsoring this event. Who do I contact?

We'd love to have you. Please reach out to Marina Ward, our Event Planner for this event, at marina@marinapaigedesigns.com or 845-240-9540 to learn about our sponsorship opportunities.

This is for your child.

This is for your family. This is for your community.

Space is limited to 200 attendees.

Whether you're coming for the training, the connections, the resources, or all of the above — we can't wait to see you there.

Get Tickets Now

EmpowerEd Consulting

Special education advocacy · Family support · Student-centered planning

Event inquiries & sponsorships: Marina Ward 📧 marina@marinapaigedesigns.com 📞 845-240-9540

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Email us at marina@marinapaigedesigns.com