COMPASSPOINT SPECIAL EDUCATION CONSULTING
Meet Dr. J
Dr. Ja'Kyta Lawrie
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Principal Special Education Consultant
Experienced Leadership. Informed Advocacy. Empowered Families.
With more than 27 years of experience in education, Dr. J brings extensive leadership experience, specialized knowledge, and a passion for empowering families navigating special education.
A Career Dedicated to Special Education
Throughout her career, Dr. J has served in instructional, administrative, and executive leadership roles, including serving as an Executive Director of Special Education with responsibility for special education programs, services, operations, and compliance across multiple school districts.
Her leadership experience includes overseeing special education services for approximately 3,500 students with disabilities and supporting a workforce of more than 550 special education professionals.
With extensive experience navigating the complexities of special education systems, Dr. J brings a unique perspective to her work with families. She understands not only the requirements of special education law and procedures but also how educational decisions are made, how services are implemented, and where families may need additional guidance.
Areas of Professional Expertise
Individualized Education Program (IEP) development, implementation, and review
Special education evaluations and eligibility determinations
Specially designed instruction and related services
Federal and state special education compliance
Parent-school collaboration and dispute resolution
Special education administration, program development, and systems improvement
Education & Professional Credentials
Dr. J holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), an Education Specialist (Ed.S.), and multiple graduate degrees in education and educational leadership. She also holds special education teaching credentials in Kansas and Missouri.
Her extensive professional experience, advanced education, and commitment to student-centered decision-making provide the foundation for CompassPoint Special Education Consulting.
Why I Founded CompassPoint SPED
Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand how overwhelming and intimidating the special education process can be for families.
Parents are often presented with lengthy documents, unfamiliar terminology, complex procedures, and important educational decisions without always having the guidance necessary to participate confidently.
I believe every parent deserves to understand what their child's IEP says, what services their child should receive, and how to effectively participate in decisions affecting their child's education.
That belief is why I founded CompassPoint Special Education Consulting.
I wanted to create a place where families could receive knowledgeable, individualized guidance from someone who understands special education not only from the perspective of federal and state requirements, but also from years of experience leading and working within special education systems.
My goal is not simply to review educational documents. It is to help families understand those documents, recognize important considerations, ask informed questions, and become empowered participants in their children's educational journeys.
I believe informed parents are empowered parents, and empowered parents are essential partners in their children's educational success.
— Dr. J
My Commitment to Families
At CompassPoint Special Education Consulting, we believe parents and guardians should never feel alone when navigating their child's special education journey.
Our approach is grounded in professional expertise, individualized guidance, meaningful collaboration, and practical strategies that families can use to advocate for their children's educational needs.
Whether reviewing an IEP, examining evaluation results, preparing for an IEP meeting, or providing ongoing family support, our mission remains the same:
To equip families with the knowledge, confidence, and tools necessary to become informed and empowered partners in their children's education.
I am honored to support families nationwide as they navigate the special education process, and I look forward to helping you take the next step in your child's educational journey.
Welcome to CompassPoint. We are Parent Partners!
— Dr. J
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Principal Special Education Consultant
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're seeking a professional review of your child's IEP, guidance in preparing for an IEP meeting, or ongoing special education support, CompassPoint is here to help.
Let us help you become a more informed and empowered Parent Partner.