Karen Mayer Cunningham

Karen Mayer Cunningham is a nationally recognized special education advocate, national bestselling author, and speaker with over 25 years of experience supporting families, educators, and school systems in ensuring equitable access to services for students with disabilities. Known across the country as The Special Education Boss®, Cunningham has dedicated her career to protecting the educational rights of children by providing direct advocacy, training, and public policy support in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other federal education laws.

Cunningham currently serves as the Founder of Special Education Academy, an online training platform designed to equip parents, educators, and advocates with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of special education systems. She is also a certified mediator and a John Maxwell Certified Speaker and Behavioral Analysis Trainer, providing a unique blend of conflict resolution, leadership, and legal strategy to support her work at every level.

She served two terms on the Houston Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, where she chaired the K-12 Education Committee, advocating for systemic improvements in special education services across Greater Houston. She is also a longstanding board member of the Texas A&M Center on Disability and Development Community Advisory Council (CAC), contributing to statewide initiatives focused on disability rights and inclusive education.

As a leading voice on social media, Cunningham engages with a global audience of parents, professionals, and educators. She has over 1 million+ followers across platforms and averages more then 10 million impressions weekly. Through her platforms, she provides accessible, real-time education on special education law, parent rights, and advocacy strategies, making complex regulations understandable for all stakeholders.

Cunningham’s mission is to ensure that every child with a disability receives the specially designed instruction, services, and support to which they are legally entitled while empowering families and professionals to create lasting, positive outcomes within their communities.