Cari is  founder and  parent of three school age children and  a long time Tracy resident who graduated from San Jose State University. Her involvement in special education began first as an advocate for her own child. She became passionate about special education, advocacy. In 2017 she became a regional leader for Decoding Dyslexia CA a grass roots organization that advocates for Dyslexia awareness.  Cari also volunteers  with Community Advisory Committee  (CAC), is a member of CA Transition Alliance, and a board member Northern California/East Bay Learning Disabilities Association (NCEBLDA). She attended William & Mary School of Law (ISEA) Institute of Special Education Advocacy program. She completed the  COPAA SEAT 2.0 a year long special education law and advocacy training program, and SEAT 3.0. She is passionate about inclusion  and equity in education. She works hard to empower parents to  learn the tools to advocate for their own children. 

Dr. Leppien is founder and director of Reading Access, an educational therapy clinic, where she serves students with learning disabilities and designs reading interventions  to meet each child's unique needs. She has served as an Adjunct professor and Supervisor for Special Education at National University.  She holds a Masters degree in Education -Reading/Language Leadership.  With over 30+ years of experience working with children experiencing learning difficulties she has published reading curriculum adopted by the state of California. She has received numerous awards for literacy and outstanding service and  continues to speak at conferences and offer training to districts and professionals  on literacy and reading intervention. Dr. Leppien is passionate about literacy and the success of her work in her private practice is both inspiring and commendable.  She is changing the lives of kids each day with the gift of literacy and her devotion to  support parents in the IEP process.

Sharelle  is a Tracy resident who has four children, the youngest having special needs. Sharelle became involved in advocacy in  her own battle to have her child educated  in the least restrictive environment and at her local high school. Through hard work, determination and legal assistance Sharrelle was successful in finding an appropriate placement. Sharelle  has worked n  the Tracy Unified School district as a Para Professional for past seven years. She also volunteers on Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for San Joaquin County serving as the CAC Secretary. Sharelle enjoys helping parents understand their rights and empowering them  with the tools  to help their child achieve their full potential. She wants all children to experience inclusion, value and belonging in school and community.