About The Founder, Michelle K. McGuire, J.D.
Michelle K McGuire is the team member that motivates the school district to listen and act. She is a special education lawyer who is a literal voice for her clients. From negotiating settlement agreements to representation in due process cases, she ensures that all children with disabilities have available to them "...a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and the related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living...."
Michelle has personal experience with the struggles her clients face. Michelle had to fight for the rights of children in her family. She understands that this struggle is a marathon and not a sprint. This gives her a unique and very personal perspective of the daily challenges and frustrations of her clients.
Since 2003, Michelle’s law practice has been developing relationships with clients that span preschool education to transition to adulthood. She is licensed to practice law in Ohio and Indiana. She works to ensure representation of family lies in special education due process, Section 504, student expulsion, Section 1983, federal litigation and other education law matters. She earned her law degree from Cleveland State Marshall College of Law and her undergraduate from Bowling Green State University. After being licensed to practice law, she was admitted to the Ohio Northern District Court and Southern District of Ohio Court.
Nikki H. Loveless, Advocate
Nikki (Holway) Loveless is a special education advocate who keeps the IEP team focused on the unique educational needs of the student. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), she knows how to collect, analyze and interpret data related to your child’s needs. Her expertise and experience make her a key player in getting these needs accurately interpreted and met by the district.
Nikki is a graduate of Duquesne University with a dual major in early childhood and elementary education and a minor in special education. She earned a Masters of Education in Mind, Brain and Education from Harvard University. While she was at Harvard she worked at the TRANSCEND research laboratory at Massachusetts General (Transcend Research Group (harvard.edu)). She earned her BCBA while working Alexandria Public Schools and was recognized by the Kennedy Krieger Institute for outstanding educational practices.
After she earned her BCBA, Nikki transitioned to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) as Coordinator of Outreach Services for the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism. While at CCF, she oversaw behavior analytic services in clinic, home and school settings.
Then, Nikki opened an outpatient ABA clinic with Dr. Cara Daily where she could pursue her passion for helping kids with autism spectrum disorders with evidence-based interventions through Daily Behavioral Health.
Nikki then went to work with CentralReach, a SAAS end-to-end solution for practice management and clinical programming specializing in ABA services. She initially was the Director of Implementation, overseeing the team of Implementation Coordinators onboarding organizations to the platform. She then transitioned within the organization to a Subject Matter Expert, driving customer and solutions-focused practice for the sales team.
It was after her time at Central Reach that she decided to go back to her roots and directly help the children and families that desperately need her guidance by becoming a special education advocate.
Nikki enjoys cooking, walks in the woods with her dogs, and spending time with her family.
Dawn Fleming, Advocate
Dawn Fleming Kendall is a passionate and experienced special education advocate with a deep commitment to empowering families and working with them to find a holistic solution for their child. As both a former special education director and a mother of five—including children with diverse learning needs—Dawn brings a uniquely informed and empathetic perspective to every case.
With over 15 years of experience in education, Dawn has developed expertise in IEP development, IDEA compliance, placement challenges, trauma-informed care, and advocating for students with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health needs. She has successfully supported families through complex evaluations, eligibility disputes, and district negotiations. Dawn is also well versed in community resources for families to make sure the family is looking at all avenues for support.
At McGuire Law and Advocacy, Dawn uses her background to help parents navigate school systems, understand their rights, and push for individualized, evidence-based interventions. Her practical knowledge, combined with a fierce sense of purpose, makes her a trusted ally for families.
