Elevating Special Education. Empowering School Teams. Expanding What’s Possible.

At ElevatEd, we believe that effective, inclusive education is not just a goal, it’s a responsibility.  We partner with schools, districts, and organizations to strengthen systems, build staff capacity, and center the needs of students receiving specialized services.

Founded by experienced educator and leader Katie Zehowski in 2022, ElevatEd was created out of a deep desire to help schools do more than just meet compliance standards, we help them design programs where students thrive, educators feel supported, and families feel seen and heard.

We know the work is complex. But we also know it’s possible and incredibly powerful, when we do it together.

We Serve:

• Charter Schools

• Public School Districts

• Alternative and Therapeutic Programs

• Special Education Directors + Coordinators

• General and Special Educators

• Leadership Teams + Boards

• Families Navigating the SPED Process

What We Do at ElevatEd

At ElevatEd, we provide deeply personalized consulting services to support schools, educators, and families in creating inclusive, high-quality learning environments. With a strong foundation in special education, leadership, and systemic design, we partner with schools across Minnesota and beyond to elevate the experiences of students with diverse needs.

Whether you're a charter school designing your special education program from the ground up, a team leader navigating compliance, or a teacher looking for practical support in behavior planning, we meet you where you are—and build with you from there.

Special Education Services

We offer comprehensive special education support, including individualized education program (IEP) development, due process coaching, and full file reviews to ensure compliance and student-centered alignment. Our team brings deep expertise in autism spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral needs, and low-incidence disabilities. We also provide guidance for Independent Education Evaluations (IEEs), functional behavior assessments (FBAs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs) that are practical, positive, and trauma-informed.

Program Design & Systems Building

We help schools design and refine their special education programs, policies, and systems, especially in charter and alternative settings. From writing handbooks, like your Total Special Education Systems (TSES) and procedures to launching new programming and navigating ESY (Extended School Year) planning, we support schools in building sustainable structures that truly work for students and staff.

Professional Learning & Leadership Coaching

We provide engaging, evidence-based professional development tailored to your needs. Our workshops cover everything from inclusive practices and IEP best practices to restorative approaches and MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support). We also mentor new special educators and coach leaders, building capacity at every level.

Family & Community Partnership

Strong partnerships with families are key to student success. We support parents and guardians in navigating the special education process with confidence and clarity. We also facilitate IEP meetings, provide advocacy-informed coaching, and offer community workshops that bring everyone to the table with empathy and shared purpose.

Flexible, Responsive Support

We know that every school is different, which is why we offer flexible support models, including on-call consultation, project-based work, and ongoing partnerships. Whether you need a thought partner during a staffing change or a long-term consultant to help scale your programs, we bring expertise, heart, and adaptability. Our services are available virtually, on-site, or in hybrid formats to fit your needs.