About Me

Michelle Hess brings more than 15 years of deep, cross-sector expertise in special education leadership, compliance, and advocacy—making her exceptionally well-qualified to support and lead work with schools and organizations looking to expand inclusion. Her career demonstrates a consistent commitment to improving outcomes for students with disabilities, especially those navigating complex systems like foster care, institutional placements, and nonpublic school settings.

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Michelle currently serves as Founder and Education Consultant at IncludED LLC, where she directly supports LEAs in enhancing compliance with IDEA and improving the quality of special education services. In this role, she serves as the LEA representative for students placed in alternative settings, conducts detailed special education audits, manages corrective action plans, and provides expert witness testimony in due process hearings.

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Michelle’s leadership experience spans nearly a decade at DC Prep, a prominent charter network in Washington, D.C., where she served in progressively senior roles—including Director and Senior Director of Student Support. In these positions, she oversaw special education, 504, ELL, and homeless student programming across multiple campuses. She led teams of Special Education Coordinators, case managed students placed in nonpublic day schools, and was the LEA’s point of contact for all federal and state reporting—ensuring that the network consistently met high compliance standards. Notably, she designed system-wide professional development and technical assistance models, aligning closely with the SESPP’s emphasis on high-quality volunteer training and supervision.

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Her experience extends to strategic coaching and technical guidance for special education teams, with a strong focus on inclusive practices, data-informed decision-making, and culturally responsive supports. She has worked across rural and urban contexts and brings strong familiarity with student-centered practices, including those responsive to the developmental needs of older youth and students involved in child welfare systems.

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With a Master’s in Special Education from Arizona State University and a BA in Psychology from Georgetown University, Michelle combines academic rigor with field-tested expertise. Her professional integrity, systemic understanding, and student-centered approach will bring critical knowledge and skills to your team!