EmpowerED: Ask the Experts – FASD and School Support Panel

Abigail Adkins, JD

Attorney,

An attorney at Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services’ Education Law Advocacy Project, Abigail represents students with disabilities and their families across 33 counties in southern Minnesota. She’s passionate about dismantling barriers to education and fighting for the rights of marginalized youth.

Kim Hicks

Parent, Advocate, Policy Expert,

As a parent of 8 children, a former teacher, and a lifelong advocate, Kim brings lived experience and professional insight to the IEP table. She believes in student-centered solutions and empowering caregivers to ask the right questions and find the right support.

Annie Mogush, Ph.D

Therapist and Caregiver,

A pre-licensed mental health therapist with a background in education, Annie works primarily with individuals shaped by complex trauma. Her deep understanding of both the classroom and the counseling room makes her uniquely equipped to support students with FASD and their caregivers.

Martha Johnson

Education Consultant,

A longtime collaborator with Proof Alliance, Martha is a veteran educator and parent of a young adult with ARND. She spent 28 years in Saint Paul Public Schools and consults on trauma-informed and FASD-informed education. Her work focuses on reducing blame and building stronger, more connected support for families.