Lara has over 25 years of experience as a parent advocate and speech-language pathologist. She works for policy change for disability rights at local, state, and national levels with Missouri Disability Empowerment Foundation and Council of Parent Advocates and Attorneys. She has conducted research in the areas of educator collaboration for classroom-based services through state and national grant-funded projects. Lara assists families and professionals with exploring the research behind evidence-based practices and determining the various educational options available for each child.