Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Kelley.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English and a passion for working with autistic children, which led me to pursue a master’s in education from George Mason University. I began my career in Northern Virginia, where I’m from, before moving to Austin in 2015 and spending six years teaching in AISD. As a teacher, I was known for building strong relationships with students and families, and I took on schoolwide leadership roles focused on improving outcomes for all students.
Feeling like I could effect change on a broader scale, I was awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching and spent time in New Zealand researching special education inclusion and the role leadership and policy play in student success. After stepping out of the classroom when I had my own kids, I became a part of the Austin mom community. I kept seeing parents ask the same kinds of questions—how to understand their child’s education, how to navigate opaque processes, how to collaborate with schools, or how to hold schools accountable.
I realized I had all this niche expertise that could help families, and advocacy gave me a way to use it while still being home with my toddlers. So one day, on a whim, I posted in a local mom group offering my services—and the rest is history. That one step has grown into Kelley Advocacy, where I now help parents feel confident in the special education process and ensure students receive the support they deserve.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
That depends on how far back we’re going. Teaching was certainly not a smooth road. I’ve had two babies who refused to sleep through the night, and I still say there’s no tired quite like teacher tired!
As for my advocacy business, the road has actually been fairly smooth—though I definitely had to learn the ropes of building a website, SEO, and the business side of things. The need for what I do is so strong, and I think I was able to find my niche early on. I approach advocacy from a collaborative standpoint, always presuming positive intent, and I’ve found that appeals to a lot of parents. They want to resolve issues with schools in a way that gets their child what they need without completely damaging relationships, and that’s exactly the space where I try to work.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Kelley Advocacy?
Kelley Advocacy is a special education advocacy practice based here in Austin. I help parents navigate the special education process—everything from understanding their child’s rights, to making sense of IEPs and 504s, to collaborating effectively with schools. My goal is to take what can feel like an overwhelming, opaque system and make it more transparent and manageable, so families feel empowered and students receive the supports they need to thrive.
I specialize in combining deep expertise with a collaborative approach. As a former special education teacher, I’ve sat on the other side of the table and understand the pressures schools face. That perspective helps me build bridges rather than walls—I always presume positive intent, which allows me to advocate strongly for students while maintaining productive relationships with schools. At the same time, I’m not afraid to go toe-to-toe with districts when necessary. I’ve successfully represented families in mediations and know how to hold schools accountable when collaboration alone isn’t enough.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Kelley Advocacy has grown almost entirely by word of mouth. Families trust me not just to know the law and the process, but to walk alongside them in what can be an emotional, high-stakes journey. I want readers to know that my services are flexible—I offer everything from behind-the-scenes coaching and document reviews to full representation in ARD and 504 meetings. Every child deserves the right support, and I’m here to make sure parents don’t have to figure it out alone.
I also offer a free consultation, which can be booked directly on my website!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love best about Austin is that it offers the culture, energy, and opportunities of a big city while still maintaining the feel of a close-knit community. There’s a sense of connection here that’s really special, and it’s easy to get involved and feel part of something.
That said, Austin has grown and changed a lot in the ten years I’ve been here, and I do feel like it’s losing a bit of its funky charm. I really miss when Rainey Street was just a row of cute houses converted into bars where thirty-somethings could hang out and relax—there was a certain laid-back, eclectic vibe that seems harder to find now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kelleyadvocacy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelleyadvocacy/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DSZHSz6TC/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
personal photo: Chris Lang all others: me
