Welcome! I'm so glad you're here.

My name is Laura Nichols, and I am the founder of Inclusive Pathways LLC.

After more than 14 years in special education, I decided it was time to forge a new path—one that allowed me to support families beyond the classroom. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of special education settings, serving students with diverse learning, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. I am a licensed PK–12 Intervention Specialist in Ohio and hold a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

One value has remained constant throughout my professional journey: every child deserves the opportunity to learn, belong, and thrive alongside their peers whenever appropriate. I have always believed that meaningful inclusion benefits not only students with disabilities but entire school communities. My work has been guided by the belief that decisions should always be centered on what is in the best interest of the child.

My passion for this work is deeply personal.

Growing up as the sibling of a person with disabilities gave me a firsthand understanding of the challenges many families face. I watched my sister work tirelessly to overcome academic, social, and daily living obstacles while my parents navigated a complex educational system in search of the support she needed. My sister graduated high school in 2005, just as significant changes to special education law were beginning to reshape services for students with disabilities. Unfortunately, many of those opportunities came too late to impact her educational experience.

Those experiences shaped not only my career, but also my purpose.

As both an educator and a family member, I have seen the special education process from two very different perspectives. I understand the language, procedures, and legal requirements schools must follow, and I also understand how overwhelming and intimidating that process can feel for parents. Too often, families are expected to make important decisions without fully understanding their rights or the options available to them.

That is why I created Inclusive Pathways LLC.

My mission is to empower families through education, collaboration, and compassionate advocacy. I strive to bridge the gap between home and school by helping parents understand the special education process, navigate educational decisions with confidence, and become informed advocates for their children.

I believe that the best outcomes happen when families and schools work together as partners, united by a shared commitment to the success of the child. Whether I am reviewing educational records, preparing families for an IEP meeting, or providing advocacy and guidance throughout the special education process, my goal is always the same: to ensure that families feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way.

Thank you for trusting Inclusive Pathways LLC. It is an honor to walk alongside families as they advocate for their children, and I look forward to supporting you on your journey.