Lauren Clifton M.Ed

As the founder of Empowered Learning Advocacy and Consulting LLC, Lauren brings over 16 years of experience across a range of special education settings. These roles provide her with firsthand insight into the complexities of meeting diverse student needs in a variety of settings and ensuring students receive comprehensive and individualized supports.

Her career in special education began teaching adapted dance classes then as a special education teacher at a middle school within a co-teach classroom. Lauren was selected by her administration to be part of the crisis team and attended training in Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) to continue supporting students with significant behavioral challenges. The following two years, she devoted herself to teaching in specialized classroom settings working with students with complex needs including various medical conditions and significant impairments. After moving to Texas, Lauren continued her teaching career as an inclusion specialist at the elementary level and a few years after, began as an educational diagnostician.

After a traumatic experience advocating for her mother in a hospital, which sadly resulted in her passing, Lauren realized how overwhelming and frightening the advocacy process can be in a field that is unfamiliar with someone who means so much. Although advocating in a hospital differs from advocating for children with special needs, this experience highlighted the need to have someone specializing in that field to help navigate the process. Lauren has dedicated herself to supporting families with exceptional children. Her extensive background and skills acquired help to alleviate the confusion and fear often associated with navigating the complex special education process.

Lauren attended California Polytechnic State University of Pomona, where she earned a degree in Liberal Studies, along with California credentials in both mild/moderate and moderate/severe special education. She further advanced her expertise by completing a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in special education. Upon relocating, Lauren earned her Texas special education EC-12 certification and then her educational diagnostician certification from Lamar University.

Lauren is dedicated to lifelong learning and has completed special education intensive training courses through the Special Education Academy, actively maintains membership and participation in advocacy organizations, and continues to expand her expertise through professional trainings and extensive reading. These experiences enable Lauren to stay at the forefront of special education advocacy, ensuring she can provide the most effective support to students and families.

Her work as a special education teacher and educational diagnostician has equipped her with the skills to navigate complex assessments, educational planning, and individualized support systems. Additionally, she is a mother who continues to navigate the complexities of special education for her own child. Lauren brings both professional expertise and a deep personal connection to the families she serves. Her passion for inclusion and equity drives her mission to empower students and families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through Empowered Learning Advocacy and Consulting LLC, Lauren strives to make a meaningful difference, one step at a time.