Our Mission and Values
With over 500 cases referred, our team of experienced professionals is passionate about bridging gaps and building trust among all team members involved in special education.
With over 30 years of combined experience in special education, our experts are dedicated to resolving conflicts and supporting families and schools through tailored dispute resolution services.
We have successfully resolved 98% of all cases referred to us for resolution for a signed IEP without the need for litigation to “Save” the relationship between the school district and the family.
Our Experts
Meet the Team
Ricky Alyassi
Co-Founder
Ricky has over 20 years experience in special education, with over 12 years in resolving disputes. He has worked at the highest level of leadership in special education. Ricky began his journey as a para-educator for a residential treatment center in 2003. He has held several positions since then including School Counselor, Psychologist, Program Specialist, Coordinator, Director of Special Education, and SELPA Chief Administrative Officer.
Regardless of the position Ricky has held, he has always remained steadfast that he is a parent of children with exceptional needs first. This has helped him to maintain collaborative relationships with families and school staff while ensuring he is acting responsibly in the leadership roles that he serves in.
Ricky’s rich experiences in special education as an administrator and a parent have equipped him in mediating the most complex IEP disputes and formal mediation sessions with empathy and professionalism.
Sharon Neault
Co-Founder
Sharon Neault brings over 20 years of experience in special education, advocacy, and family support to her role at Elevate Educational Solutions. While formally educated in the field, Sharon’s most impactful learning came through her lived experience as a parent. Her daughter, Dana, was born with Down syndrome, and Sharon became a tireless advocate, helping Dana thrive both academically and socially.
Sharon’s advocacy has taken her from local IEP meetings to the steps of the Capitol in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., where she has worked to advance policies that promote equity, funding, and inclusion.
Over the past five years, Sharon has served as a Parent Partner, assisting more than 500 families in navigating special education systems and creating strong, student-centered educational plans. Her work is rooted in collaboration and compassion, ensuring that every child has access to the tools and support they need to succeed.
As Co-Founder of Elevate Educational Solutions, Sharon is committed to empowering families, partnering with schools, and shaping inclusive practices that lead to meaningful outcomes for all learners.
Kelly Reed
Parent Partner
Kelly Reed brings more than 30 years of professional experience in Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations to her role as a Parent Partner at Elevate Educational Solutions. Her career path shifted in 2003 with the birth of her daughter, Katelyn, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome. From that moment on, Kelly dedicated herself to understanding, advocating for, and securing the supports her daughter would need—from early intervention through young adulthood.
Now a college student in the Redwood SEED Scholars program at UC Davis, Katelyn’s journey has been shaped by Kelly’s unwavering commitment and hands-on experience navigating complex systems of care and education.
Today, Kelly channels over two decades of lived experience into supporting families throughout Southern California. As a Parent Partner, she offers compassionate guidance and practical expertise—helping families find clear pathways and informed solutions for their child’s unique needs. Kelly is proud to be part of a team that understands the challenges and celebrates the possibilities.
Erin Sutton
Parent Partner
Driven by a deep commitment to educational equity, Erin brings over a decade of experience in special education, with a focus on inclusive practices, student advocacy, and collaborative leadership. Erin has served in a variety of roles across TK–12 and higher education, including Lead Education Specialist in Murrieta Valley Unified School District and Assistant Director at the University of Idaho’s Center for Disability Access and Resources.
Erin’s recent work with Pullman Public Schools involved case management, instruction, and leading a Community Work Experience program for transition-aged students. Currently, Erin serves as an Education Specialist in the San Diego Unified School District, supporting diverse learners at the elementary level. Erin is passionate about building authentic relationships that empower students and promote positive outcomes for all members of the educational community.
Whether working with students, families, educators, or community partners, Erin’s commitment to students with disabilities is paramount as a member of the Elevate Team.