Family Advocacy & Professional Evaluations
FAPE, LLC
Elisa Shepard, MS Ed RPED 1918
Elisa holds 2 degrees from the University of Kansas and an advanced certification as an Educational Diagnostician from the University of North Texas
Mission
At FAPE, we are committed to empowering families through expert psychoeducational evaluations and advocacy services tailored to the complexities of special education. Backed by over a quarter of a century of experience, we bring a unique perspective as both a highly skilled evaluator and a seasoned special education administrator who thoroughly understands school district policies, IDEA regulations, and the intricacies of securing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Our mission is to provide clear, comprehensive explanations of evaluation results and practical guidance to help Texas parents effectively navigate the special education process with confidence and clarity.
Participated in over 1000 evaluations, ARDs, 504, Manifestation Determinations and referral meetings.
Services
Our Mission
Expert Advocacy
Our team at FAPE is committed to providing expert advocacy and resources to empower families in navigating the complexities of special education. We believe in transparent and supportive services that prioritize the needs of each child.
Resourceful Guidance
We offer comprehensive guidance and support to parents seeking clarity on educational evaluations. Our mission is to ensure that every child receives the appropriate services and support to thrive in their educational journey.
Parent Empowerment
Empowering parents with knowledge and tools to effectively advocate for their children's educational rights is at the core of our mission. We are dedicated to fostering collaboration between parents and educational institutions for the benefit of the child.
Services
We provide the unique expertise of evaluation administration and interpretation, and educational rights expertise.
Psychoeducational Evaluation Services
We offer comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations for public school, private school, and home school to assess a wide range of learning and attention-related concerns, including:
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Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), such as dyslexia and dysgraphia
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Intellectual Disabilities
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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learner
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Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE)
Psychoeducational Evaluation
Each evaluation is tailored to the individual's unique needs and may include assessments of:
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Cognitive abilities (referred to as IQ)
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Academic achievement
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Information processing
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Social-emotional functioning
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Input from parents, teachers, and standardized rating scales (when needed).
W use the latest evaluation instruments available.
Expert Advocacy for Your Child’s Educational Rights
Whether you're navigating special education for the first time or are new to Texas, understanding your child’s rights can feel overwhelming. At FAPE LLC, we believe no family should have to face this process alone.
With years of hands-on experience in evaluations, ARD/IEP meetings, Manifestation Determination Reviews, and 504 planning, FAPE LLC is a trusted advocate dedicated to ensuring your child receives the support and services they are entitled to. We bring clarity to complex systems and empower families with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.
Your child’s education should be in the hands of experts who care. Let FAPE LLC guide you through every step - advocating, informing, and helping you move forward with confidence.
IEP and Evaluation Review
Whether you're new to the special education process or a veteran of the system, it is important to know that you and your child have rights. Every child deserves an educational plan that is thoughtful, individualized, and aligned with their unique needs. At FAPE LLC, we are committed to helping families feel confident and informed.
With extensive experience in evaluations, ARD/IEP meetings, Manifestation Determination Reviews, and Section 504 planning, we support families in understanding and advocating for appropriate educational services. We help ensure that your child’s education is in expert hands: yours.
Do you know what’s in your child’s Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE)?
Evaluations are required at least every three years, but they can be done more often when needed. Understanding whether your child’s IEP reflects the data in their evaluation is crucial. Is the evaluation comprehensive? Is it formal or informal? If you’re only reading the summary pages, you could be missing critical insights.
We help you unpack and interpret the FIE, so you can make informed decisions and ensure your child’s IEP truly supports their growth and potential.
Fees and FAQ
What is an educational advocate?
An educational advocate is someone with extensive knowledge about special education programs, 504 Plans, IEPs, and academic support that students can receive. This person educates parents, children, and teens about the resources available to them and how to acquire each resource, as needed.
What is FAPE (legally)?
FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) is a provision under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that guarantees students with disabilities the right to receive an education that is tailored to their individual needs at no cost to the family. FAPE ensures that eligible students receive special education and related services designed to help them make meaningful progress in school and prepare for further education, employment, and independent living.
Fees
Evaluation Fee: $120 per hour
The total cost depends on the complexity of the case and the time required for assessment, analysis, report writing, and the final feedback session.
Typical Evaluation Time: 8–15 hours
This includes testing sessions, scoring, interpretation, and a detailed written report with recommendations. A follow-up meeting to review results is included.
Advocacy Fees: $150 per hour