EmpowerEd Families MA

10/01/2026

Have a school meeting coming up? An evaluation you’re trying to understand? An IEP you’re not sure is meeting your child’s needs?

I’m Jackie Spinelli, founder of EmpowerEd Families, a former special education teacher, and a mom. I have a master’s in educational psychology from UConn and about ten years of teaching experience.

I review IEPs, attend IEP and 504 meetings, and explain evaluations in parent-friendly language so you can understand what the findings mean for your child. I also help connect those findings to goals and supports, communicate with school teams, and answer your questions along the way.

Whether you need help with one concern or support throughout the process, we can start with a free 15-minute consultation.

Based in Franklin, MA, with in-person support available locally and virtual support for Massachusetts and Connecticut families, including Connecticut PPT meetings.

Learn more or book a call:
https://www.empoweredfamiliesma.com

09/23/2026

09/22/2026

This week, a parent forwarded me an email in which a former teacher wrote, “I’m so happy you’re advocating for your child. Otherwise, nothing gets done.”

I know it was meant as a compliment, but it really stayed with me. Why should so much depend on how hard a parent is able to advocate?

This is not a criticism of teachers. So many educators are doing their best with limited staff, resources, and support. It is a systemic problem, and too often, children and families are left carrying the weight.

Unfortunately, the experience described in this article is one that far too many families will recognize.

Richards: The biggest predictor of whether children receive special education services shouldn't be how effectively their parents can advocate.

09/21/2026

There is truly no greater privilege than being trusted to support a family through some of the most important decisions they will make for their children. Knowing that both children are now thriving in the classroom is exactly why I do this work.

09/19/2026

Your child’s annual review may be months away, but you do not have to wait to check in.

Fall is a great time to meet with new teachers, see how the IEP is working, and discuss any adjustments that may be needed. Parents can request an IEP Team meeting at any time you don’t have to wait the full year. 🍎

09/07/2026

Back to school can bring a lot of excitement, but for families navigating special education, it can also bring a lot of questions.

I’m Jackie, a former special education teacher with a Master’s in Educational Psychology, and I support families through IEPs, 504s, evaluations, school meetings, progress concerns, and everything in between.

My goal is simple: help you understand what the school is saying, know what questions to ask, and walk into meetings feeling prepared and confident.

If you’re heading into this school year feeling unsure about your child’s supports, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

www.empoweredfamiliesma.com

05/29/2026

IEP parents and caretakers, this one is for you.

No ESY, but still worried about summer regression?

Wondering if you should hire a tutor, buy a workbook, make your own plan, or just hope for the best?

I get it.

That is exactly why I created the **EmpowerEd Summer Skills Binder**.

Each binder is custom-built from your child’s actual IEP goals and objectives, with activities designed at your child’s independent level so practice feels manageable instead of frustrating.

It can be used independently, with a parent or caregiver, or with a tutor.

Each package includes:

• An in-depth IEP review
• A parent-friendly goal breakdown
• Customized activities targeting your child’s specific skill areas
• 5–10 minute daily practice
• Activities that may support academics, executive functioning, social stories, regulation, games, and practical skill-building

This is not a random workbook.

It is not generic summer busywork.

It is a thoughtful, customized plan built for your child, your family, and your actual summer.

Small daily practice.
Big summer confidence.
Still letting kids be kids.

**EmpowerEd Summer Skills Binder Package: $450**
Limited spots available so each binder can be truly individualized.

Message me “SUMMER” if you would like one created for your child.

05/29/2026

IEP Parents & Caretakers this one's for you

If your child did not qualify for Extended School Year services, but you are still worried about summer regression, you are not alone. And if you are wondering whether you should hire a tutor, buy a workbook, make your own plan, or just hope for the best, I get it.

As the school year winds down, I keep having the same conversation with families:

“What should we do over the summer?”

Not because parents want their kids sitting at the kitchen table doing schoolwork all day. Not because summer should feel like summer school. But because when your child has worked this hard, it is completely understandable to want a plan that helps them hold onto their progress.

That is why I am creating a limited number of EmpowerEd Families MA Summer Skills Binders for students on IEPs.

Each binder is custom-built from your child’s actual IEP goals and objectives, with activities designed at your child’s independent level so they can practice without constant frustration, overwhelm, or battles at home.

Each package includes:
• An in-depth review of your child’s IEP
• A parent-friendly breakdown of your child’s goals and what they actually mean
• A customized binder targeting your child’s specific IEP skill areas, which may include academics, executive functioning, social stories, regulation tools, games, and practical skill-building activities
• Simple 5–10 minute daily practice
• Activities that can be used independently, with a parent, or with a tutor

That is what makes this different.

This is not a random workbook. It is not generic summer busywork. It is not a replacement for tutoring if your child needs intensive instruction.

It is a thoughtful, customized plan built for your child, your family, and your actual summer.

For some families, this may be enough to keep skills warm at home. For others, it can give a tutor, parent, or caregiver a clear, IEP-aligned plan to follow so summer support is actually targeting the skills your child is working on in school.

As a former special education teacher certified in grades K–12, I have written, implemented, and assessed IEP goals firsthand. Now, as an advocate, I am helping families use those goals in a way that feels practical, manageable, and supportive at home.
The goal is simple: small daily practice, big summer confidence, while still letting kids be kids.

EmpowerEd Summer Skills Binder Package: $450
Limited spots available so each binder can be truly individualized.

Message me if you would like one created for your child.

10/31/2025

🎃 No rules on free candy day.
You don’t have to say “trick or treat” to get candy.
You don’t have to make eye contact, or even wear a costume that makes sense.
If you’ve got headphones on… I get it. The world can be loud.
If you’re a teenager who just wants to hang onto a little more childhood… I get that too.
Because honestly… who couldn’t use a little more innocence these days?
So yeah…take the candy.
Smile or don’t. Talk or don’t.
You showed up. And that’s enough.
Because every child… every one…deserves to be part of the magic. 🍬✨.