About Us

Dr. Dana Marie Cincis has two decades of experience in education and holds a Doctorate in Urban Education Leadership and Policy Studies. She has worked as a high school social studies teacher, a high school special educator and a Team Chairperson for Special Education in both an elementary school and a high school and post secondary program. Dana Marie's areas of expertise include student voice/agency/empowerment, creating high quality and standards based learning opportunities for students with disabilities, incorporating culturally responsive and sustaining learning practices in high school classrooms, as well as supporting families and school teams with transition to and from secondary schools. As an advocate she prides herself on helping families and school teams collaborate effectively respectfully.

Michelle Farrell, MS. Ed. has been an educator for over two decades, first at a private school for students on the Autism spectrum and now at a public school. She has worked as a co-teacher in full inclusion classrooms, as a small group math interventionist, a Special Education Team Chairperson for grades K-8 for a decade, and currently as a grade 8 math teacher where she brings her skills and knowledge of learning differences to all her students on a daily basis. Equity, inclusion and an emphasis on social justice and social emotional learning are the focal points for Michelle’s work.

Our team is committed to professional development and pursuing opportunities both within and outside of school spaces to ensure that we are advocating for the whole child when we work with your family. We hold the following experiences, awards and certifications (and more):

Massachusetts State Teaching licenses in ELA, History, Math and Moderate Disabilities and Special Needs

Dana Marie and Michelle are members of the National Association of Special Education Teachers

Presenters New Hampshire Family Support Conference

Experience coaching Adaptive Basketball and Adaptive Volleyball

Advisor to High School Gay Straight Alliance

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Certification in Restorative Justice
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Certification in Breathe for Change (trauma informed and accessible yoga instructor)

SEI Endorsement through the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

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2022 Autism Symposium attendees
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Unified Sports school based coordinator
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Special Education Advocate Training by the Collaborative on Racialized Disability

Primary Source Global Educator of the Year 2012

Empowered 2 Advocate’s Why

After working with 1,000s of students and caregivers, it is clear to Michelle and Dana Marie that the special education process can be an overwhelming and confusing journey for those not in the field. Empowered 2 Advocate was born to support and guide caregivers to be strong advocates for their children while keeping a strong team focus and avoiding adversarial tension that can arise when many advocates come into the process. The goal when working with caregivers is to empower them with the knowledge of special education, knowledge of the process, and the confidence to ask the questions necessary to ensure their student is getting the most impactful educational plan due to them to access their education.