Karen Mayer Cunningham: The Power of Speaking Up - A Mother’s Advocacy Story | Carroll Patrizi

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What if getting it right for one child could change everything?

In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with the remarkable Karen Mayer Cunningham - advocate, educator, truth-teller, and fierce champion for children with disabilities and the families who love them.

Karen doesn’t share this work from theory - she lives it. From the moment her son was diagnosed with autism, her life took an unexpected turn that led her straight into the heart of special education advocacy. What began in pain became a calling. What felt overwhelming became purpose. And what was once misunderstood became a mission rooted in justice, compassion, and hope.

This conversation is honest, heartfelt, and filled with truth you may not realize you need - whether you’re a parent, educator, advocate, or simply someone who cares deeply about children and their future.

In this episode, we reflect on:

💙 Why special education is not just policy - it’s a civil right
💙 How advocating for a child can feel lonely, uncomfortable, and absolutely necessary
💙 The power of assuming competency instead of focusing on deficits
💙 Why what we say over children shapes who they believe they can become
💙 How curiosity, compassion, and proper tools can unlock extraordinary potential
💙 What it really means to “get it right for the child” - and how that benefits everyone

This episode is an invitation:

🕊️ To slow down.
🕊️ To look again.
🕊️ To speak promise instead of problems.
🕊️ To choose advocacy.
🕊️ To choose hope.
🕊️ To choose courage — even when it’s uncomfortable.

If you’ve ever wondered how to show up better for a child…
If you’ve ever felt unsure, overwhelmed, or under-equipped…
If you believe every child deserves to be seen, valued, and supported…
This conversation is for YOU 💙

Love and prayers,
Carroll 💙

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🌍 Connect with Karen Mayer Cunningham!
▪️Instagram:   / specialeducationboss  
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▪️Special Education Boss Facebook:   / specialeducationboss  
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▪️LinkedIn:   / karen-mayer-cunningham-10888127  
▪️X: https://x.com/SpecialEdBoss