Framingham Special Education Parent Advisory Council

Who We Are

The Framingham Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is an all-volunteer organization of parents and caregivers of children receiving special education services in the Framingham Public Schools and 766 approved private school settings.  In the Framingham school system, there are more than 2000 children with Individualized Education programs (IEPs). 

Whether your child is already receiving support or you are trying to determine if your child needs services, we are here to provide a parent’s perspective and connections.

Our Mission

The mission of the Framingham  SEPAC is to work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with disabilities in our community. 

To that end, the Framingham SEPAC will work to:

Support and encourage an innovative educational environment where students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities and a community environment where all students are encouraged to reach their full potential.

Promote a network for parents of students with disabilities and provide a forum to share information and discuss matters of relative interest and concern.

Support communication and programs within the community to encourage understanding, respect, acceptance, and inclusion of students with disabilities.

Collaborate with the school community to continually improve the educational opportunities available throughout the Framingham  Public Schools that cultivate improved educational outcomes for students with disabilities.

MEET OUR NEWLY ELECTED F-SEPAC BOARD MEMBERS

SEPAC, the Special Education Parent Advisory Council, is a volunteer organization dedicated to serving families of children with
special needs. It provides parents with opportunities to connect, share support, and access resources. As an advisor on matters
related to the education of students with disabilities, F-SEPAC collaborates with school officials through regular meetings to  plan, develop, and evaluate special education programs.

Co- Chair
Katherine Denham Smith
Kate grew up in Framingham, and now lives here with her own family. Her two children attend Hemenway Elementary School.
Kate works as a public school behavior analyst, and as an instructor for Fitchburg State’s graduate special education and
applied behavior analysis programs. A board member since 2020, she strives to draw on her experience as a parent and special
education professional to build collaborative relationships and support best practices.

Co- Chair
Maria Luz Margulis
Maria Luz is the mom of a kindergartener at Dunning Elementary, currently on an IEP and receiving services in an ASD
classroom. Born and raised in Argentina, she is a native Spanish speaker and also speaks some Portuguese. A social worker and
now a psychotherapist, she has long supported the special needs community, helping families across the Commonwealth
advocate for their children, gaining insights into best practices from diverse districts. She hopes to use her personal and
professional experiences to promote best practices and build connections among parents in the district

Co- Chair
Alison Tejeda
Originally from New York, Alison settled in Framingham with her husband, whom originally hails from the Dominican Republic,
in 2014. Together, they have navigated the ups and downs of special education services as parents to a kindergartner on an IEP
in King and a 3rd grader on an IEP in Brophy. Because of this, Alison was inspired to join SEPAC to not only continue her own
education, but to share with and support other families on their individual journeys. Alison is the Director of Conferences and
Events at Suffolk University, where she also chairs the Working Moms Employee Resource Group.

Social Media
Therese Ajtum-Roberts
Therese Ajtum-Roberts, Ed.D., has dedicated most of her career to creating inclusive, equitable, and engaging learning
environments. As the Coordinator of the Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families at Framingham State University, she
collaborates with families and educators to support children with disabilities, gifted learners, and underserved children. As a
child, Therese didn’t speak until the age of 4 and received special education services throughout her K-12 education. She is also
the mother of two daughters who attend Barbieri School, one of whom is dyslexic.

Email us at:

Framinghamsepac@gmail.com