ABOUT US
We are a educational advocacy organization, under the not-for-profit 501.c3 "Does Your Student Need an Advocate?" Corporation. Our team and associates are dedicated to providing students and their parents/guardians with advice and information based on years of experience inside the public school system as educators, services providers, and as parents of exceptional education students.
OUR TEAM
ROBERT MCEACHERN
Founder and CEO
Robert served Okaloosa County schools for 38 years as a teacher/coach, principal, assistant superintendent and retired as the Director of Juvenile Justice.
Robert was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from the School of Social Welfare at Florida State University, a Masters in Guidance and Counseling from Troy State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Florida State.
He was the sponsoring principal for Project CHILD, site-based management, and the development of school based daycare in Okaloosa County.
CLAUDIA MCEACHERN
Founder and COO
Claudia served Okaloosa County schools for 38 years as a teacher and guidance counselor.
Claudia was awarded her Bachelors degree from Mississippi State College for Women and her Masters in Guidance and Counseling from Troy State University.
She has served our community and church in many capacities as a volunteer and most recently a tutor for local elementary children.
JAMIE AVERY
DIRECTOR & LEGAL COUNSEL
Jamie is a lifelong resident of Okaloosa County, having attended Plew Elementary, Ruckel Middle School, and graduating from Niceville High School.
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She earned her Bachelors degree in Finance and Marketing from Florida State University and her Juris Doctorate from Florida State University College of Law.
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LEE GASKIN
TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR & DYSLEXIA ADVOCATE
Lee went to school in Okaloosa County from elementary through high school.
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She earned her Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from and her Master's degree in Education from Florida State University. She is trained in IMSE's (Institute for Multi-Sensory Education) Orton Gillingham Comprehensive course.
Her own children have multiple exceptionalities and learning differences which has lead her to pursue a post-graduate certificate with a specialization in Dyslexia as well as certifications with IMSE in order to support, advise, and advocate for them as well as other students in the community.