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ADVOCATE. EDUCATE. EMPOWER.

At Navigating Advocacy for Meaningful Education (N.A.M.E.) we believe every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and belong. Our mission is to ensure that every student regardless of background or ability has access to the meaningful education they deserve. We equip Maryland’s nonprofits, educators, and families with the tools to build inclusive, accessible programs that truly work for all learners.

Through our new program, the Maryland Inclusion Project, we provide statewide, ADA and IDEA trainings that helps out-of-school-time and community organizations meet ADA and Section 504 standards, apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and foster cultures of belonging. For families, our Family Advocacy Program offers IEP/504 meeting attendance, document analysis, and individualized coaching because meaningful education begins with meaningful support.

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  • "I am absolutely thrilled with the progress Tori has made with Shawna & Advocate Baltimore . The tutoring sessions have not only helped my child improve her reading skills, but has also instilled a love for reading that is priceless. Shawna is patient, kind, and creates a warm and supportive learning environment. Tori looks forward to her sessions and is always excited to share what she has learned. I've seen significant growth in my Tori's reading confidence and fluency, and I attribute this directly to Shawna's expert guidance and dedication. I highly recommend Shawna and Advocate Baltimore to anyone seeking a tutor for their child. You won't be disappointed!"

    -Maggie, Mom (2025)

  • “..I was afraid that my 7th grader would've been going to high school with an IEP, but in his last IEP meeting (in which Ms. Shawna willingly attended as his advocate) we were so overjoyed to find out that it looks very promising that by this time next year [my son] will no longer need an IEP. So no high school IEP for [my son]! Granted, I take nothing away from his teachers, but Ms. Shawna sure has been the icing on the cake for us.”

    -Roxanne, Mom (2024)

  • “Throughout the month, Ms.Shawna has been tutoring me. She has help me learn new things, catch up on assignments, pass tests, and study more. At first I thought I never needed and tutor and I didn’t want help. I became comfortable with getting help from someone like Ms.Shawna. She is a great teacher and listener. Thank you for helping me throughout this rough time I was having with my school work.. you’re the best!”

    -Taylor, Student (2024)

  • “From the time she approached me and asked if she could work with ******, my son has actually grown further with her more than his teachers. She has not only worked with ******, but has given me some very successful and fun tools to help me to be able to help him. She has come to have a genuine love for my son that she does not mind making known and for that we adore her as well...”

    -Kerrie, Mom (2024)

  • "From the first week that Shawna started working with my daughter, I saw a difference. She instantly became more confident and applied herself more. Shawna started their sessions by talking with her and finding out her interests as well as what her specific needs were. Shawna explained everything to her on a level she could understand, she also gave her incentives. My daughter really enjoys and looks forward to their sessions together. We haven’t started fall sessions yet, but when we were reading together recently I realized how much her reading had developed. I can’t wait to see what progress she makes during the fall when sessions restart."

    -Sharon, Mom (2024)