Meet The Team

Alicia Special Education Advocate

About Founder

Alicia Tucker

Alicia Tucker holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education and Special Education and has worked in the public school system for 30 years, primarily with students with special needs. She has served as a Special Education Team Leader and as a Special Education Department Chairperson.

She is also a recognized expert in the field of special education and has been a featured speaker on numerous webinars, including several hosted by the Houston Chronicle. Alicia Tucker has completed the Wrightslaw Special Education Advocacy Summit (SEAS), an advanced training program focused on special education law, advocacy strategies, ethics, and dispute resolution. She combines this training with 28 years of experience in public education to support families navigating the special education process. She is also a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) Alicia Tucker Special Education Advocate, LLC is a TEA-approved continuing professional education (CPE) provider for the State of Texas.

Alicia Tucker Special Education Advocate LLC is TEA approved as a continuing professional education (CPE) provider for the State of Texas.

Our Team

Gina Schmidt

Gina Alicia Tucker Advocate

Gina brings over 30 years of classroom experience, with expertise in special education, 504 plans, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and gifted education. For more than 15 years, she served as an instructional coach and special education team leader, partnering with families and educators to support student success. Known for her attention to detail and strong focus on data-driven decisions, Gina is passionate about creating inclusive, individualized learning environments and is highly respected for her collaborative approach.

Our Team

Dr. Michelle Mayes

Michelle-alicia-tucker-special-ed

Advocate Consultant

Michelle has dedicated the past 18 years to the field of education, serving in a variety of roles including special education teacher, general education teacher, music educator, assistant principal, and college professor. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Evangel University, a Master of Education in Teacher Leadership from Lamar University, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Management from Capella University. Throughout her career, Michelle has collaborated closely with families and school systems to foster strong partnerships that support student success. She is passionate about helping families understand the special education process, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans, while advocating for schools to provide appropriate services and supports that meet each student’s unique needs.

Our Team

Candace Romeo

Tucker Education Advocates

Client Services Coordinator

Candace is a seasoned special education professional with 31 years of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs in the public school system. Her extensive background includes roles as a Special Education Team Leader, Registered Music Therapist–Board Certified, Life Skills Teacher, PPCD (Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities) Teacher, and PreK3 Teacher.

 

Throughout her career, Candace has been recognized for her compassion, dedication, strong listening skills, and exceptional organization and attention to detail. She is deeply committed to collaborating with families and educators to ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed.

Our Team

Gina Schmidt

Gina Alicia Tucker Advocate

Gina brings over 30 years of classroom experience, with expertise in special education, 504 plans, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and gifted education. For more than 15 years, she served as an instructional coach and special education team leader, partnering with families and educators to support student success. Known for her attention to detail and strong focus on data-driven decisions, Gina is passionate about creating inclusive, individualized learning environments and is highly respected for her collaborative approach.

Our Team

Sunnye Garza

Alicia Special Education Advocate

Sunnye has a strong educational background, including a B.S. in Applied Learning and Development (Elementary Education) from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.Ed. in Special Education from the University of Houston-Victoria. Sunnye brings ten years of teaching experience in special education, where she has worked closely with diverse learners. Additionally, she has five years of experience as a diagnostician, assessing and identifying student needs, along with nine years as an advocate, supporting families to ensure that children receive the services they require.