I have known Dr. Katherine Fugate for over 7 years and have worked with her on several Austin ISD-related Special Education issues involving advocacy for students and their families.  Dr. Fugate has an expert-level knowledge of laws regulating Special Education services for students.  She knows how those students should be served in their classrooms, having supervised numerous Special Education student teachers.  She is a calm, informed advocate for Special Education students when present at meetings with school administrators.  I can't think of anyone better to have at a Special Education hearing.

Our family is incredibly grateful for Dr. Fugate’s support as an advocate. Dr. Fugate is very knowledgeable and familiar with the school district’s practices and was easy able to help guide and support us. She listened to our situation and hear what our child’s needs were and made suggestions that were in our child’s best interest. At meetings, Dr. Fugate posed questions that helps develop accountability and helped support my child so that they could find their voice to speak up for themself at their ARD meeting. Dr. Fugate is a passionate educator who is dedicated in supporting the students to receive the services they need to be successful.

Dr. Fugate is an incredible advocate and wonderful person. She is always ready and willing to attend a meeting where I felt support would be beneficial. She embodies the phrase “Speak softly and carry a big stick”. Her kindness and support has helped me find confidence in myself, not just as an advocate, but as an individual. This school year was challenging as a student who was not receiving adequate supports and she helped me get through it. I owe her a lot, and I am so grateful to have met her.

Katherine helped us so much and was an amazing advocate for my son. The school had been stonewalling us for over a year before Katherine was involved. Within a few days of the first meeting, my son was receiving more services, set up for additional testing, and going from half days at school to building up to full days. I am now receiving regular communication from his teachers and he’s happier. My son is now receiving so much more help. This would have not happened without Katherine.