The Family and Educator Partners are parents of children or young adults with special needs and share a unique perspective with families. If you're looking for a presentation for your community organization, parent group, or school, we'd love to talk to you and share our work. Learn the Family & Educator Partner assigned to your district in the Family & Educator Partner Map
McKaylee Heuton
McKaylee has been with Prairie Lakes AEA since March 2019. Her daughter was diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome at 5 months old. Along with that diagnosis comes developmental delay, motor skill delay, hearing impairment, health concerns, and absent speech for Presley. After using AEA services for her own daughter, she fell in love with what the AEAs do and found a passion for helping other families navigate the world of special needs. Because of her daughter's needs, McKaylee has experienced many AEA supports and services and is able to share unique perspectives with other families. She understands what it's like to need to be a parent, therapist, and doctor for your child.
Deb Maguire
Deb joined Prairie Lakes AEA in June 2019. She previously worked at South Central Calhoun as a teacher associate in the fourth grade, and prior to that she was a registrar for Sarasota County Schools in North Port, Florida. She also served on the Clear Lake Community School Board in Iowa for seven years before moving to Florida in 2014. Deb has four adult children and two granddaughters. Her son is now an adult with disabilities and is currently receiving services from the Howard Center in Sac City. She fully understands what it feels like to be a parent of a child with disabilities and has experienced all of the ups and downs that go along with that.
Deb Shelton
Deb has been part of the Family & Educator Partnership since the mid-1990's which has given her many experiences with all ages, birth to 21. Her focus includes supporting educators and parents as they work together to meet the needs of the child/student. Having an adult son who has a disability gives her a unique perspective in problem-solving with the student's team about concerns, to resolve conflict, and in providing helpful resources and supports.
