April Frances Federico

I attribute my success to discovering my gift for Tarot Reading at the age of 14, which sparked a lifelong love of helping and guiding others. Over the years, my journey through creative writing and life experiences has led me to my current role as a Special Education teacher, where I am deeply passionate about empowering students to achieve their goals and live their lives to the fullest. I also owe a great deal of my inspiration to my cousin, Michelle Pothier, a devoted teacher at Medford High School who passed away from breast cancer. In her honor, I established the Michelle Pothier Memorial Scholarship Fund on Instagram, which allows me to continue her legacy of mentorship and support for the next generation of educators and learners.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is this: “Only people who think they’re the worst are actually the best.”

At first, it sounds counterintuitive, but I’ve found it to be deeply true. When you doubt yourself, it usually means you care — about doing right by others, about growing, about getting better. That kind of self-questioning isn’t weakness; it’s awareness.

In my experience, the people who assume they already have all the answers stop listening. The ones who reflect, question themselves, and stay curious are the ones who evolve. I’ve learned to see doubt not as a sign I’m failing, but as proof that I’m invested in the work and committed to doing it well.

Caring deeply is what makes you effective, not flawless.

My advice to young women entering the education and wellness fields is to embrace what makes you distinct. Your passions — whether that’s building a personal brand through social media, blending interests like fashion and Pilates, or finding creative ways to connect with and inspire others — are not distractions from your work; they’re part of your power. Stay curious and trust your voice. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to learn, evolve, and take on new challenges. Every experience, even the uncomfortable ones, is an opportunity for growth. Prioritize meaningful relationships and seek out mentors who challenge you while also uplifting and supporting you. Advocate for yourself and for others, especially in spaces where voices are often overlooked. When you combine professionalism with authenticity, you don’t just build a career — you create impact, influence, and longevity while staying true to who you are.

One of the most significant challenges in special education today is equity of access. Too often, students with disabilities — especially those from underserved communities — are not identified early enough, not provided with truly individualized support, or are siloed into environments that don’t recognize their full potential. This reflects broader systemic issues in our schools around funding, staffing, and cultural competence.

Closely tied to access is the challenge of inclusive practice. Inclusion isn’t just about placing a student in a general education classroom; it’s about creating learning environments where every learner feels valued, understood, and supported. That requires ongoing professional development, strong collaboration between general and special educators, and school cultures that prioritize differentiated instruction as a strength rather than an afterthought.

Another pressing issue is workforce sustainability. Special education demands deep expertise, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, yet educators in this field often face high caseloads, burnout, and limited institutional support. Addressing this challenge means rethinking pathways into the profession, improving retention, and valuing special educators as both skilled practitioners and advocates.

Despite these challenges, there are powerful opportunities emerging.

Schools are beginning to reimagine what meaningful inclusion looks like by shifting away from deficit-based models and toward strength-based, student-centered approaches. When instruction is designed with flexibility, multimodal learning, and accessibility at the core, all students benefit — not just those with IEPs.

There is also growing opportunity in collaboration. When families, educators, clinicians, and community partners work together, Individualized Education Programs become living documents rather than static requirements. This kind of collaboration allows supports to be responsive, personalized, and rooted in real student needs.

Technology, when used thoughtfully, offers another avenue for growth. Assistive tools and adaptive learning platforms have the potential to personalize instruction, increase independence, and amplify student voice — provided access and equity remain central to implementation.

Perhaps most importantly, there is an opportunity to change the narrative around special education itself. Moving away from language rooted in limitation and toward language that centers dignity, identity, and capability is not just a pedagogical shift — it’s a cultural one.

The challenges in special education are real and complex, but the opportunity to create more inclusive, humane, and empowering systems has never been greater.

At the core of everything I do is authenticity. I believe the most powerful work happens when people stop performing and start telling the truth. I value showing up as myself — imperfect, evolving, and honest — and creating spaces where others feel safe to do the same.

Integrity is equally important to me. I’m deeply committed to aligning my actions with my values, even when it’s uncomfortable. Whether in my professional life or personal relationships, trust is built through consistency and accountability.

I’m guided by compassion and a belief that everyone deserves to feel seen and supported. Much of my work centers on empowering people who have been underestimated or overlooked, helping them reconnect with their confidence and inner resilience.

I also value growth and lifelong learning. I don’t believe in staying static — I believe in reflection, curiosity, and allowing yourself to evolve as you gain new insight and experience.

Finally, I prioritize balance, creativity, and purpose-driven impact. I’ve learned that sustainable success requires boundaries, rest, and joy. My goal isn’t just to achieve — it’s to create meaningful work that blends intellect, intuition, and creativity while genuinely improving people’s lives.

At the heart of it all is a simple philosophy: confidence and intelligence build emotional resilience — and resilience changes everything.