I began this journey because my own daughter was issued an IEP in 3rd grade. I didn't understand special education. When I started my Master's program, I knew I wanted to concentrate on special education. It has been my life's passion. I have spent nearly 30 years helping families navigate the process and become lifetime advocates for their children. My role is supportive, mentoring, informational, and ultimately to provide families with knowledge and resources.
Karen McCree is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Karen meets families in person around Philadelphia and joins IEP meetings by video anywhere in Pennsylvania. The posted rate is $100 per hour. The first call is free. Payment goes to Karen directly, by Zelle and Venmo. The listed age range runs from elementary school through transition-age students up to 22. The work history below starts in 2008. This profile has been listed with us since August 2026. We do not set directory prices or handle payments between you and an independent advocate.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Fayetteville State University · Fayetteville, NC
Master's Degree in Special Education
Alvernia University · Reading, PA
Doctorate in Special Education2026
National University · San Diego, CA
Experience
Director of Special Services5/2024 – 1/2026
Global Leadership Academy Charter School
Supervisor of Special Education7/2023 – 4/2024
1st Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School
School District of Philadelphia – Olney High School Special Education Compliance Monitor / Special Education Teacher | August 2022 – June 20238/2022 – 6/2023
School District of Philadelphia
ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania – Olney Charter High School Compliance Coordinator | October 2021 – July 202210/2021 – 7/2022
ASPIRA, Inc of PA
CBS Therapy – Olney Charter High School Special Education Teacher | August 2020 – October 20218/2020 – 10/2021
CBS Therapy
Laboratory Charter School Special Education Director-Middle School Principal | August 2018 – October 20198/2018 – 6/2019
Laboratory Charter School
Delaware County Intermediate Unit Special Education Teacher | August 2008 – 2015 (Retired)8/2008 – 10/2015
An advocate reads your child's school file, writes to the district, gets you ready for the meeting, and sits in the meeting with you.
Karen is not an attorney and does not give legal advice.
No advocate can promise a result. The district still has to agree to what you ask for, or you have to take the disagreement further.
Hiring is between you and Karen. Find Parent Advocates never assigns an advocate to a family, and the advocates listed here are independent professionals rather than our employees.
What to ask on the first call
Ask Karen these on the first call.
What have you done in my district before?
How many hours does a case like mine usually take, and what does that come to?
Who does the talking in the meeting, you or me?
Do you charge for email and phone time between meetings?
What happens if the school says no?
Common questions
Does Karen McCree serve families in Philadelphia, PA?
Karen McCree works with families in Philadelphia, PA and offers virtual support statewide.
What services does Karen McCree offer as an IEP advocate in Philadelphia?
Karen McCree helps parents with IEP meetings, Section 504 plans, educational records review, dispute resolution, and special education rights under IDEA.
How do I contact an IEP advocate in Philadelphia, PA?
View Karen McCree's profile on Find Parent Advocates to compare services, rates, and parent reviews. Contact the advocate directly. We never assign anyone to you.
How much does Karen McCree charge?
The posted rate is $100 per hour. The first call is free. Rates are set by the advocate, not by Find Parent Advocates, and can change.
Can Karen McCree attend an IEP meeting by video?
Yes. Karen McCree attends meetings in person and by video.
