Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Carla Copeland.
Dr. Copeland, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began my career in education in 1998. I had completed my Bachelor of Social Work degree at Georgia State and I was ready to begin graduate school, but I was at a crossroads because I wanted to complete my Masters of Social Work at Georgia State, but I could not afford to attend full-time day classes with a pending divorce and two little ones to take care of. After much prayer, consultation with my Mentor, and my Mom (my number one cheerleader), I decided to pursue a degree in special education. I would still be saving the world (my dream) and working with the specialized population of my passion.
While working on my Masters in Special Education at Clark Atlanta University, I was offered a position in Henry County Schools as a special education teacher. My passion was special education ignited! I absolutely love seeing the kid, considered underdog succeed. and ensuring that their services align with their disability. I went on to earn my Specialist (Ed.S) in Special Education, Educational Leadership in Curriculum & Instruction, and a Doctorate in Human Services Administration. I have worked in three school districts in the metropolitan area. I have over 20 years of experience in special education alone. As I stated, ensuring students with disabilities records are in compliance, FAPE, and that they are in the least restrictive environment is a part of my mission in life.
My passion led me to co-decevelop a non-profit organization in 2015, DeCASA Project Solutions, Inc. Our mission was to provide housing for youth aging of foster care. We were well on the way! My Mom was diagnosed with a terminal illness and life was kinda put on hold for me with my business. She transitioned in 2017. She was one of my biggest supporters and cheerleaders. I needed some time to regroup financially and mentally.
2020, the birth of DeCASA Project Group, LLC, a firm of special education consultants. My firm was birthed out of my passion and the fact that I was seeing a decline in the level of support provided to teachers, leaders, and students in the public schools.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road along the way. I have had many sleepless nights due to career stagnation and being unfulfilled in positions. However, because of my faith in God, I continue to overcome! 2020 is a great year! New beginnings!
Raising two boys without their father’s support was challenging. I am a trailblazer! I was the first in my immediate family to receive my bachelor’ degree. I continued my education, worked two jobs, and raised two black sons who a Critical Thinking Change Agents!
Giving up has never been an option for me. My sons needed a role model and I was determined to give them just that so that their roadmap was laid out.
Decasa Project Group – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My company is DeCASA Project Group, LLC. I am minority-based organization specializing in providing support in all areas of special education: special education services, special education leadership, professional development, teacher retention, compliance, and advocacy are the framework of DeCASA.
2020, the birth of DeCASA Project Group, LLC, a firm of special education consultants. DeCASA was birthed out of my passion for ensuring services for students with disabilities and the fact that I was seeing a decline in the level of support provided to teachers, leaders, and students in the public schools. I wanted to save so many children and provide much needed professional development to new teachers. Collectively, our consultants have over 100 years of experience! We provided specialized instructional strategies. I also developed a software, SpED DOCs © 2020 for teachers and leaders that will be available through our professional development sessions.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
There have been so many proud moments in my life. My proudest moment was becoming a Mother and watching these young men go from being boys to men! Being an African American woman raising two boys on my own was scary, but we did it! They are both very successful!
If I had to select one moment in my career that resonates in my spirit right now it would be one from 2015 when I was teaching a Georgia Assessment for the Certification of Educators (GACE) Preparation class on Saturdays for special education teachers working on certification. I had to create the curriculum for this class. After a couple of sessions of instructional support to new special educators, over 85% of the class passed the certification test. I was one proud teacher leader!!!! I love providing teachers with support through professional development sessions!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.decasaprojectgroup.com
- Phone: 770-630-9665
- Email: deccasaprojectgroup@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decasaprojectgroup
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decasaprojectgroup/
- Yelp: biz.yelp.com/decasaprojectgroup
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