Ashley VanCleef

Ashley VanCleef is a distinguished attorney in education law, bringing a wealth of experience as a certified special educator. Her career encompasses diverse roles such as special education teacher, school administrator, and attorney, all dedicated to supporting students with disabilities.

Before establishing Law for Parents, Ashley honed her skills at the Law Office of Brian K. Gruber and served as a staff attorney for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. She also held the position of Supervisor and 504 Coordinator for the Resolution and Compliance Unit, where she developed informal, collaborative strategies to address concerns, aiming for mutually beneficial resolutions. As an attorney for parents, she continues to employ innovative approaches to achieve student-focused outcomes.

Ashley’s background includes serving as a resource teacher in Howard County Public Schools, Maryland, where she trained special educators on instructional strategies, assessment administration, and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Her role also involved case management for students in nonpublic settings and participation in the Central Educational Placement Team (CEPT).

Before her tenure in Maryland, Ashley worked with state departments in Texas and Oklahoma, where she was responsible for compliance monitoring, offering technical assistance to families, and providing statewide training on special education requirements.

Ashley is an active member of the Maryland State Bar Association, Frederick County Bar Association, and the International Dyslexia Association. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys family time and volunteering.