MARLENA VAUGHN
Founder & Executive Director, P.O.S.S.E.

As a native of San Diego, I developed a deep appreciation for charitable work supporting children through my involvement with various nonprofit and community organizations. I believe that reading has the power to transform a child’s world and serves as a critical foundation for learning, confidence, and understanding.
Through these experiences, I gained a strong appreciation for the important role nonprofit organizations can play in improving educational opportunities and supporting children and families within the community.
My commitment to educational support became deeply personal when my son was diagnosed with dyslexia and other learning challenges. That experience strengthened my passion for helping children receive the educational understanding, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.
My career as a paralegal spans more than 40 years working continuously within the legal profession. My journey into special education began through my own experiences as a parent while supporting my son through significant educational challenges within the school system.
As I worked to better understand his educational needs, I became increasingly involved in learning about special education law, educational planning, assessments, intervention programs, and the IEP process. What began as a personal journey evolved into a professional commitment to helping parents better understand and participate meaningfully in their child’s educational journey.
For more than 15 years, I have worked alongside parents and students, helping families organize educational records, understand assessments, prepare for IEP meetings, and participate more confidently in the educational process. My focus continues to center on supporting parents through education, organization, collaboration, and understanding throughout the IEP process.
My educational training includes earning a Certificate from the William & Mary Law School Institute of Special Education Advocacy Program, where I remain a lifetime member of the ISEA Alumni Group. I also earned a Certificate from the University of San Diego School of Law Special Education Advocacy Program and remain a lifetime member of the alumni group.
In addition, I have completed coursework and training through Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Programs and continue advanced educational studies in assessments and testing interpretation. I am currently completing certification coursework through Wrightslaw in Understanding the Bell Curve— Tests and Assessments.
I am also a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPPA), Inc., the International Dyslexia Association, and Autism Speaks, and continue to pursue ongoing educational training to better support families and students navigating the IEP process.
Outside of my professional work, I enjoy photography, dancing, and lip-syncing with my granddaughter.