Common Ground Advocacy, LLC is dedicated to supporting families of students with special needs through expert special education advocacy. Founded by Lissa Thompson, a special education teacher with 17 years of experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings, our mission is to ensure every student receives the services and support they need to thrive. With deep expertise in special education law, placement decisions, and best practices, we empower families to navigate the complex IEP process with confidence and clarity.

Lissa’s extensive background includes working with students on the autism spectrum, specific learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, other health impairments, and severe and profound disabilities. After years of advocating within public school systems across multiple states, she recognized that families needed a dedicated partner to help them understand their rights and secure appropriate educational services. Today, Common Ground Advocacy combines comprehensive knowledge of special education law with compassionate, family-centered support to ensure all students receive the education they deserve.