Who we are
About Gateway Educational Advocacy
We started because we know how overwhelming the special education system can feel — and we believe every family deserves a knowledgeable partner in their corner.
Our mission
Every child deserves an education that meets their needs.
Gateway Educational Advocacy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering parents of children with disabilities. We provide free advocacy, training, and support so that families — regardless of income, education level, or background — can navigate the IEP process and secure the services their child is entitled to under the law.
Family First
We center the needs of the child and family in everything we do. Parents are the most important members of the IEP team.
Equity & Access
Every family deserves quality advocacy support, not just those who can afford an attorney. Our services are free, always.
Empowerment Over Dependence
We don't just advocate for families — we build their capacity to advocate for themselves, long after we're gone.
Integrity
We are honest about what we know, what we don't, and what families can realistically expect. No false promises.
Our story
Born from personal experience.
Gateway Educational Advocacy was founded by parents who had been through the IEP process themselves — and who knew how isolating and confusing it could be. Sitting across the table from a room full of school professionals, not knowing your rights, not understanding the jargon, not knowing if what was being offered was actually enough — that experience is what drives us.
We started small, helping neighbors and friends navigate their children's IEP meetings. Word spread. Families kept calling. We realized the need was far greater than we had imagined, and that a more organized, sustainable approach was needed.
Today, Gateway Educational Advocacy serves families across the St. Louis region and beyond, providing free advocacy, training, and peer support to hundreds of families each year. We are proud to be a community-rooted organization — built by parents, for parents.
What we're building
Our current initiatives
Beyond one-on-one advocacy, Gateway Educational Advocacy runs focused programs designed to close the information gap for families across Missouri.
Parent Empowerment Workshops
Free community workshops that walk parents through the IEP process, their rights under IDEA, and how to prepare for school meetings. Held in libraries, community centers, and churches throughout the St. Louis region.
Know Your Rights Hotline
A direct line for families who need a quick answer before a meeting, a signature deadline, or a school decision. Our advocates respond within one business day — no appointment needed.
Suspension & Discipline Defense
Dedicated support for families whose children are facing repeated suspensions, informal removals, or disciplinary placements. We help parents understand the 10-day rule, request Manifestation Determination Reviews, and push for 504 Plans when the school has not offered one.
Peer Advocate Training Program
We train parents who have been through the IEP process to support other families in their own communities. Peer advocates are matched with families who share similar backgrounds, languages, or disability experiences.
The people behind the work
Meet Our Team
Adrian Daniels
Executive Director
Adrian leads Gateway Advocates for Special Education with a vision of ensuring every family has access to the knowledge, resources, and support they need to advocate for their child. Drawing on his background in educational leadership, nonprofit leadership, and community partnerships, he is committed to building programs that create lasting impact. His passion is equipping parents, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for children with disabilities to thrive.
Colletta Daniels
Chief Advocacy & Policy Officer
Colletta founded Gateway Advocates for Special Education after recognizing that too many families were navigating the special education system without the guidance and support they deserved. As a special education advocate and policy leader, she works alongside families to navigate the IEP process while championing policies that improve educational opportunities for students with disabilities. She is committed to empowering parents, strengthening communities, and advancing meaningful change so every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Ready to work with us?
Whether you need an advocate at your next IEP meeting or just want to understand your rights, we're here to help.