Meet Our Team

"Every child can achieve success with the right programs, support, and tools. I'm passionate about helping families and schools discover and implement that winning combination."

Janet L. Wynn, Ed.D.

Dr. Janet Wynn is the Executive Director and Lead Advocate of Academic Success Advocates. She has more than 18 years of experience advocating for special needs students and is a certified mediator for special education disputes.

Dr. Wynn's prior experience as a public school principal, university dean, and education law professor contributed to her keen understanding of special education and the laws that govern student rights. However, it was her personal experience advocating for family members with special needs that fueled her passion to help others successfully navigate the complicated system and learn to become their own best advocates.

Dr. Wynn is now dedicated to full-time advocacy in Central Florida and surrounding areas. She regularly participates in professional development opportunities to hone her legal knowledge and negotiation skills and is a member of numerous advocacy groups including COPAA and ISEA. Through her partnership with a national network of professional advocates, she is able to expand the non-profit services of Academic Success Advocates to families throughout Florida and the U.S.

Amanda Schraner, M.A.

Amanda Schraner is an Advocate and liaison to military families for Academic Success Advocates. She is a dedicated professional with a background in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Human Relations. Her journey into special education was deeply influenced by her personal experience as a parent. Motivated by her son's needs, Amanda transitioned into special education where she excelled in writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and implementing 504 plans within classroom settings.

Amanda's career is driven by a profound passion to support individuals in need. She firmly believes in empowering parents with knowledge of their rights and tools to advocate effectively for their children. Amanda understands that parents are the foremost experts on their children's needs and capabilities. Therefore, she emphasizes the critical importance of parental advocacy in ensuring every child receives the educational support they deserve.

With her combined expertise in education and human relations, Amanda Schraner continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and families, striving to create inclusive and supportive learning environments where all children can thrive.

"Empowering parents to advocate for their child is crucial because parents are the true experts on their child's strengths, challenges, and potential."

"Working with special needs children means teaching them the way they learn, not insisting that they learn the way we teach."

Lisa H. Trammell, B.A.

Lisa Trammell is a Director for Academic Success Advocates and our PK-12 Specialist and advisor. She is an experienced special education teacher in Alabama who is skilled in Response to Intervention (RTI), Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and 504 Plans that go beyond the cookie-cutter approach to truly focus on the unique needs of students.

Mrs. Trammell earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with Collaborative Teaching in Special Education. She has both regular education and special education teaching experience.

In her 17 years as an educator, Mrs. Trammell has gained experience with a wide range of students, disabilities, and services. She has worked with students from PK to 12th grade, Drop-Out Prevention to Advanced Placement programs, and resource to inclusion models for students of varying exceptionalities.

Chad C. Jurica, Ed.D.

Dr. Chad Jurica is a Director for Academic Success Advocates and our advisor for transition services and postsecondary education. He is an experienced disability specialist in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Jurica earned a B.S. degree in Disability Support Services, M.A. degree in Student Affairs, and Ed.D. degree in Educational Leadership. He has worked in higher education for the last 10 years, advising individuals with disabilities and helping them gain needed accommodations to support their success.

Dr. Jurica is a champion for diversity, having developed a keen understanding and commitment to the diverse populations he has served. Having witnessed the positive effects of confidence, leadership, and involvement, he is dedicated to building strong student engagement of special needs students to promote their success in school, college, and beyond.

"When I think of one's disability, I focus on their ability, and I envision their potential to achieve greatness."

"We need to keep the I in IEP. Too often schools try to fit a child into their programs instead of fitting the program to the child's needs."

Megan J. Swisher, Ph.D.

Dr. Megan Swisher is an Advisor for Academic Success Advocates with expertise in psychoeducational evaluations. She is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology in Texas with more than 35 years of experience in education.

Dr. Swisher began her career as a special education teacher before transitioning to the role of School Psychologist. Subsequently, she began teaching in higher education and opened a private practice providing therapy, conducting evaluations, and engaging in supervision and consultation. Having worked in the K-12 setting, higher education institutions, and clinical settings, Dr. Swisher is able to view situations through both an educational and a clinical lens.

Currently, Dr. Swisher maintains her private practice and serves as the Assistant Program Director for Clinical and School Psychology programs at a national university.

Justin T. Wynn, J.D.

Justin Wynn, Esq. serves as General Counsel for Academic Success Advocates and legal advisor on issues of regulatory interpretation, compliance, and due process.

Mr. Wynn earned his Juris Doctor degree from Western State College of Law and began his career as a Public Defender in Orange County where he gained early trial experience. He is an experienced attorney in criminal and civil matters and a member in good standing with the Florida and Califonia Bar.

Mr. Wynn's personal experience with special needs family members contributed to his interest in special education law. His experience in litigation, contracts, and procedural due process provide the foundation for sound advice and recommended strategies that have helped our advocates achieve resolution when parents and the school system were previously at an impasse.