OUR VALUES
EQUITY IN EDUCATION
COMPASSION-DRIVEN ADVOCACY
COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIP
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH KNOWLEDGE
Our Story
Background Information
Bright Beginnings Advocacy and Consulting was born from personal experience and professional dedication. Our founder grew up as the sister of a child who was unjustly removed from public school due to a severe dyslexia diagnosis, a heartbreaking outcome of a system that failed to support his needs.
This inspired a lifelong commitment to inclusion and equity in education. As a teacher, she was sought out by families from across districts who needed help navigating special education. Recognizing the need went far beyond her own classroom, she founded Bright Beginnings Advocacy and Consulting to ensure no child is left behind or misunderstood simply because they learn differently.
MEET THE TEAM
SAMANTHA BERG
PRESIDENT
Samantha Berg is the Founder of Bright Beginnings Advocacy & Consulting, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering families of students with disabilities. Inspired by her personal experience as a sibling to a brother with severe dyslexia, Samantha has devoted her career to ensuring every child has access to the resources, services, and opportunities they need to succeed. She is a licensed educator in Mathematics (6–9), Elementary Education (K–6), Exceptional Children: General Curriculum (K–12), and School Counseling, bringing both breadth and depth of expertise to her advocacy work. With years of experience as both a teacher and advocate, Samantha specializes in guiding families through IEPs, 504 plans, and special education processes with clarity and compassion. She is set to graduate in May with her Doctorate in Exceptional Children Administration and School Administration, further advancing her commitment to inclusive education and family-centered advocacy. Through Bright Beginnings, Samantha combines professional expertise, lived experience, and a passion for equity to ensure every child receives the support they deserve.
MICHELLE GONZALES
SECRETARY
Michelle Gonzales, MSW, LCSWA, is the Secretary of Bright Beginnings Advocacy & Consulting and a dedicated school social worker and education advocate. She helps families navigate the 504 and IEP process with persistence, empathy, and expertise. With years of professional experience supporting students and families, Michelle has a deep understanding of the challenges within special education and the strategies needed to secure appropriate services. As both a professional and the parent of a child who successfully completed school with an IEP, she brings lived insight alongside her advocacy skills, offering families a compassionate and knowledgeable guide. Michelle is committed to advancing equitable access in education and ensuring that every student receives the support they need to succeed—academically, socially, and emotionally.
MINDY GOLOD
TREASURER
Mindy Golod serves as the Treasurer of Bright Beginnings Advocacy & Consulting and brings a deeply personal perspective to the organization’s mission. As a parent of a child diagnosed with severe dyslexia, Mindy has experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating the special education system and the critical importance of advocacy. Having once needed to hire an advocate herself, she understands the struggles families face, the emotions involved, and the determination required to ensure children receive the support they deserve. Mindy is a passionate fighter for all students, using her lived experience to help families feel empowered and equipped to secure the services that allow their children to thrive. Her dedication to equity in education, paired with her role in overseeing the nonprofit’s financial stewardship, makes her an invaluable part of the Bright Beginnings team
DEBBIE BENFIELD
BOARD MEMBER
Debbie Benfield is a highly experienced educator with extensive training and licensure in supporting exceptional children across multiple disciplines. She is licensed in Exceptional Children: Adapted Curriculum (K–12), EC Science (K–6), EC Language Arts, EC Social Studies (K–6), Mentally Disabled (K–12), and EC Math (K–6). Throughout her career, Debbie has worked with students of diverse abilities, designing individualized instruction and ensuring that each child’s unique strengths are recognized and nurtured. Her broad licensure areas reflect her deep commitment to inclusive education and her ability to meet students’ needs across academic subjects and functional skill areas. Debbie’s expertise and dedication make her a strong advocate for equitable opportunities in education and a trusted guide for families navigating the special education system.
CINDI RAMIREZ
COMMUNITY LIAISON
Cindi Ramirez serves as the Community Liaison for Bright Beginnings Advocacy & Consulting. She is an experienced Instructional Facilitator dedicated to empowering teachers and supporting student success. Cindi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Education with a minor in Culturally Responsive Education, and 18 graduate hours in Special Education. She also earned a Master’s in School Leadership, equipping her with the skills to guide instructional practices and foster inclusive learning environments. Licensed in Exceptional Children: General Curriculum (K–12) and as a School Administrator: Principal, Cindi combines her expertise with a deep passion for equity and inclusion. She is committed to creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences and mentoring educators to implement effective strategies that meet the diverse needs of all learners.
ALIX STEWART
FAMILY SUPPORT VOLUNTEER
Alix Stewart, MS, OTR/L, serves as the Family Support Volunteer for Bright Beginnings Advocacy & Consulting. She helps families navigate the special education system and access the resources their children need to succeed. With a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and a strong background in pediatric therapy, Alix has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across school, clinic, and hospital settings. She brings a compassionate, knowledgeable approach to supporting families and students of all abilities. Through her work, Alix is dedicated to fostering inclusion, promoting equitable access to education, and empowering families to help every child reach their fullest potential.
CHASE MILLER
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Chase is a dedicated college student at High Point University, where he is pursuing a degree in Accounting. As the Administrative Assistant for Bright Beginnings Advocacy & Consulting, Chase supports daily operations through data management, scheduling, and administrative coordination. His strong organizational skills, leadership experience, and commitment to excellence help ensure that the nonprofit runs efficiently and effectively. Chase brings valuable experience from a variety of roles—including management, customer service, and facilities operations—that have strengthened his communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Passionate about supporting a mission-driven organization, Chase is proud to contribute his time and skills to help Bright Beginnings empower families and promote inclusive education.
PEYTON MILLER
SOCIAL MEDIA VOLUNTEER
Peyton Miller is a dedicated student at High Point University, where he is pursuing a double major in Business Analytics and Economics. He is passionate about continuous learning, personal growth, and exploring new challenges that allow him to develop both professionally and creatively. Peyton enjoys analyzing data, discovering trends, and applying innovative ideas to real-world projects that make a difference. As part of the Bright Beginnings Advocacy & Consulting team, Peyton brings a thoughtful and enthusiastic approach to his role as a Social Media Volunteer. He is eager to use his communication and marketing skills to engage families, share meaningful resources, and amplify the organization’s mission of empowering families and supporting students with disabilities. Peyton believes in the power of education, advocacy, and community connection, and he’s excited to contribute his talents to help Bright Beginnings expand its reach and impact across North Carolina.
Malika Sanders
EVENT COORDINATOR VOLUNTEER
Malika Sanders serves as the Event Coordinator Volunteer for Bright Beginnings Advocacy & Consulting. She is licensed in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership/School Administration, and Special Education (K–12). As both a dedicated educator and the parent of a young neurodivergent child, Malika brings personal insight and professional expertise to her work. With a passion for early intervention and inclusive education, she is committed to supporting families and meeting children where they are. Through her role, Malika helps create engaging community events that connect families with resources, foster awareness, and celebrate every child’s unique strengths.