The Emotional Toll of Advocacy
About This Episode
We recently sat down with Missy Purcell, a former educator and accidental advocate whose journey began when her own son’s learning differences became glaringly obvious. Her deep love for children, combined with the frustration of a system she once trusted, fueled her fierce commitment to ensuring every child gets the education they deserve.
In this moving episode, Missy and Flor talk about the emotional cost of advocacy — the courage it takes to challenge a system that often resists change, and the toll it takes on a parent’s heart. They explore how frustration, guilt, and determination intertwine in the process of securing the right support for a child. Missy’s transparency reminds us that advocacy isn’t just a skill; it’s an act of love that often requires rest, reflection, and community.
Episode 2: The Emotional Toll of Advocacy with Missy Purcell | Starting with IEP Podcast – Starting With IEP
Highlighted Advice for Parents: Standing Up for Your Child’s Education
Navigating the system when your child isn’t getting what they need can feel isolating, but Missy shares 5 Essential Tips for Empowered IEP Advocacy:
1. Reject Low Expectations
Don’t let schools compare your child’s progress to low state averages or struggling school performance. As Missy emphasizes:
“They have an individualized plan and they really need us to meet their individualized needs regardless of how poorly the state is meeting everyone else’s needs. That’s not the standard.”
2. Trust Your Gut (and Don’t ‘Wait and See’)
If you’re seeing red flags in preschool or early elementary, act now. Missy recounts being told “he’ll catch up” or “he’s a summer birthday,” which only delayed crucial interventions.
“I don’t have time to wait and see, you know? Like no one does. No parents do.”
3. Know Your Parental Rights (and Use Them!)
If direct requests aren’t working, understand and exercise your legal rights. Despite social pressure, Missy filed a state complaint when her son’s accommodation was repeatedly denied.
“I don’t really care if Camp Creek Elementary School likes me, but I will care if my child does.”
4. You’re Not ‘That Parent’ — You’re an Advocate
Doing what’s right for your child might make you feel “crazy” or “annoying” to some, but it’s about holding systems accountable.
“It’s so unfortunate that you doing the right thing for your kid makes you feel like you’re this crazy, over-the-top parent when really you’re just a parent who wants to help their kid.”
5. Build Community and Amplify Voices
One parent can be ignored, but many cannot. Missy co-founded Gwinnett Advocates for Dyslexia, empowering families to know their rights, speak at board meetings, and engage the press.
“It’s easy to kind of silence one of us, but it’s not easy to silence 10, 20, a hundred or more.”
Guest Spotlight: Missy Purcell
Missy Purcell is a passionate educator-turned-advocate who uses her experience as both a teacher and a parent to shed light on the realities of special education. When her son’s dyslexia went unnoticed in the very system she once worked for, Missy’s perspective shifted — from trusting the process to challenging it.
As the co-founder of Gwinnett Advocates for Dyslexia, she leads efforts to educate parents on their rights, influence school policy, and amplify the stories of families navigating learning differences. Her advocacy has sparked important conversations across Georgia about early intervention, dyslexia screening, and equitable education.
Missy’s story reminds every parent that you don’t have to be an expert to make a difference — you just have to care deeply enough to take the first step.
Reflection
Missy’s story is a powerful reminder that behind every strong advocate is a parent who is simply trying to protect their child. The emotional toll of advocacy is real — and acknowledging that doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human. Advocacy isn’t sustainable without boundaries, community, and self-compassion. Together, we can make it less lonely.
Ready to Learn More?
🎧 Watch the full episode now: Episode 2: The Emotional Toll of Advocacy
Connect with Missy! She’s @missy_purcell on Instagram and her website is MissPurcell
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Join the Conversation
Have you ever felt the emotional toll of advocacy? Share your story or tag us using #SpecialEducation #ParentAdvocacy #StudentRights #LowExpectations #EducationReform #PodcastForParents #LearningDifferences #Dyslexia #ADHD #FlorDeAmelia
