Cheryl Takemoto is the executive director of the Parent Education Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) in Springfield, Va. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a master's degree in public administration from San Jose State University, Calif.

Takemoto has substantial professional and personal experience with special education issues, the provision of special education services, and the development of genuine collaborations between parents and professionals in all areas of services for children and adults with disabilities. In her professional capacity, she has focused on building partnerships between parents and schools that provide parents with practical and highly useful information and strategies for obtaining the most appropriate special education services for their children and for working in partnership with their child's school. PEATC, based in Springfield, Va., has also focused on ensuring that Latino parents understand special education systems, the rights that are provided to children and adults with disabilities, and how to obtain access to appropriate education programs.

Her substantial involvement with all stakeholders within the special education community includes memberships on boards and organizations involved in advocacy for special education students. Ms. Takemoto is the parent of a child with a visual impairment, cognitive disabilities and other health needs. Her combined professional and personal experiences have provided the foundation for her many publications, which help guide parents of children with special needs.

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