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GeorgiaCAN is proud to announce the newest class of the Parent Fellowship program! This yearlong fellowship is designed to empower parents with the tools, training, and experience they need to be strong advocates for education. Through the program, fellows will:
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Gain in-depth knowledge of education policy in Georgia
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Build leadership and community organizing skills
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Strengthen their voice in advocacy and civic engagement
Our Parent Fellows play a vital role in advancing education reform, mobilizing their communities, and ensuring every child in Georgia has access to an excellent education. We’re thrilled to introduce this year’s Parent Fellows and look forward to the incredible impact they will make!
Atlanta Public Schools Fellow
Kayla Sledge
Kayla is a special education teacher, department chair, and advocate dedicated to creating inclusive, equitable classrooms for students with disabilities. She has spent her career helping families feel supported and empowered within the special education system. As a GeorgiaCAN Parent Fellow, she is excited to expand her impact through the Special Education Advocacy Network. This project will equip parents with the tools and confidence to advocate for their children and drive change in schools.
Clayton County Fellow
Whitney Honeywood
Whitney is a devoted Clayton County mother whose journey advocating for her son Kyle inspired her to become a GeorgiaCAN Parent Fellow. Struggling to navigate the education system opened her eyes to the need for support and guidance for other families. Through workshops, parent organizations, and completing GeorgiaCAN’s EPIC training in 2024, she gained the tools to help others. Now, she’s committed to empowering families to secure the quality education every child deserves.
Cobb Parent Fellow
Ericka Smith
Ericka is a California native and long-time Metro Atlanta resident with over 20 years of experience in education, administration, and community engagement. She is the founder of Define Me/Transcending Learning Differences, a nonprofit supporting children with learning differences through advocacy and early intervention. Ericka serves as Diversity Chair for Decoding Dyslexia Georgia and collaborates with organizations like GEEARS and PAACT to expand early learning access. A devoted mother of two, she draws on both personal and professional experience to empower families and champion equity in early childhood education.
DeKalb County Parent Fellow
Lasharn Ferroudj
Lasharn Ferroudj is a veteran educator with over 25 years of experience and a strong advocate for special education, school choice, and neurodiversity. She is a certified mediator and neurodiversity pedagogy specialist who empowers families through coaching, workshops, and courses. A GeorgiaCAN EPIC 2024 graduate and 50CAN FIRE Fellow, she also shares her expertise as a podcast host, author, and speaker. Lasharn is committed to amplifying parent and student voices and advancing innovative, student-centered education across Georgia.
Peach County Parent Fellow
Shakia Mccray
Shakia is a mother of two from Fort Valley, GA, whose advocacy journey began with her son Dakotah. She once lacked the knowledge to ensure he received a fair and quality education. Now through GeorgiaCAN, she is committed to educating and equipping Middle GA parents with the tools to advocate for their children. Her goal is to drive change in her local school district before her youngest, Khloe, enters public school.
Troup County Parent Fellow
Cassandra Woodyard
Cassandra, a Georgia EPIC alumna, has served her community since childhood through tutoring, volunteering, and ministry. After losing her infant son, she turned her grief into advocacy for parents facing child loss. Now a devoted mother to 5-year-old Corli’an, she is passionate about improving Georgia’s public schools and educational policies. As a rising leader, she serves on the boards of CAFI and CLCP, aiming to inspire lasting change in her community.