About Be Kind

Dismantling barriers to equitable education, one student at a time

Our Mission

Be Kind Student Advocacy Group partners with families to help remove systemic barriers and ensure students have equitable access to education. We offer thoughtful, student-centered advocacy and consulting services for K–12 learners with academic, neurodiverse, and behavioral needs across Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

Why We Exist

Developed in response to persistent achievement and opportunity gaps, Be Kind acknowledges that students from historically and systemically underserved communities are disproportionately affected by exclusionary discipline practices, including suspension and expulsion.

These inequities can create lasting academic and social challenges. Through inclusive, data-informed advocacy and collaborative intervention, Be Kind works alongside families and schools to help secure appropriate educational supports—ensuring every child receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in alignment with federal and state law.

To sustain and expand its impact, Be Kind pursues grant funding from educational foundations, governmental agencies, and private philanthropic organizations that support equity in education, literacy development, and neurodiversity inclusion. Grant proposals are strategically developed to fund community outreach programs, professional development initiatives, and subsidized services for low-income families who otherwise lack access to high-quality advocacy.

Be Kind operates as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) with a commitment to transparency, measurable outcomes, and community collaboration. With projected revenues of $150,000 in Year 1 and $250,000 in Year 2, Be Kind anticipates sustainable growth driven by retainer-based advocacy services, literacy intervention programs, and strategic partnerships across the DMV region.

K-12

Serving students across all grade levels in MD, DC, and VA

100%

Commitment to FAPE compliance and equitable access

Our Approach

Inclusive, data-informed advocacy through collaborative partnerships with families and schools

Data-Informed

We analyze educational records, assessment data, and behavioral patterns to develop targeted intervention strategies.

Evidence-Based

Our methods are grounded in research-proven approaches, including Wilson Reading System and Orton-Gillingham for structured literacy.

Collaborative Partnership

We work alongside families and schools to amplify voices, bridge gaps, and empower effective advocacy for every child.

Equity-Driven

We prioritize access for historically underserved communities through sliding-scale fees and grant-funded programs.

What We Deliver

IEP & Section 504 Compliance

Expert guidance in reviewing, developing, and advocating for legally compliant individualized education programs and accommodation plans.

Structured Literacy Interventions

Direct instruction using Wilson Reading System and Orton-Gillingham methodologies for students with dyslexia and reading challenges.

Neurodiversity Support

Individualized academic, behavioral, and emotional interventions for students with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and other learning differences.

School Meeting Representation

Professional advocacy during IEP meetings, manifestation determinations, and disciplinary hearings to ensure your voice is heard.

Professional Development

Workshops and training sessions for families, teachers, and administrators on advocacy, structured literacy, and inclusive education.

Grant-Funded Community Programs

Community-based literacy programs, after-school interventions, and educational equity initiatives supported through public and private grants.

The Data Behind Our Mission

Recent data from Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia reveal persistent inequities affecting students with disabilities. These visualizations illustrate why advocacy matters.

High School Graduation Rates (2022–23)

Students with disabilities graduate at significantly lower rates across all three DMV jurisdictions.

Sources: MSDE, OSSE, VDOE (2022–2023)

DC Special Education Identification by Race (2022–23)

Black students make up 63% of enrollment but 72% of special education identification — a 14% over-representation.

Source: OSSE (2022–2023)

Maryland Suspension Disparities (2021–22)

Black students with disabilities are suspended at 5.8× the rate of white general education students.

Source: MSDE (2021–2022)

Virginia Post-Secondary Outcomes for SWD (2021–22)

Only 31.2% of students with disabilities pursue higher education; 25.1% are not engaged post-graduation.

Source: VDOE (2021–2022)

Reading Proficiency Gap (2022–23)

Students with disabilities score dramatically lower in reading proficiency across the DMV region.

Sources: MSDE, OSSE, VDOE (2022–2023)

Special Education Funding Gap (FY 2023)

Each jurisdiction needs thousands more per student with disabilities to close the resource gap.

Source: Education Law Center (FY 2023)

Data Sources

  • Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) — 2021–2023 Reports
  • Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) — DC 2022–2023 Data
  • Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) — 2021–2023 Reports
  • Education Law Center — FY 2023 Funding Analysis

All data reflects the most recent publicly available reports (2021–2023) and is grant-ready for proposals.

Leadership

Lorenzo Lodenquai - Founder & Lead Advocate

Lorenzo Lodenquai

Founder & Lead Advocate

Lorenzo Lodenquai founded Be Kind Student Advocacy Group with a commitment to ensuring every student—regardless of background—has access to the educational supports they deserve. With expertise in IEP advocacy, Section 504 compliance, structured literacy interventions, and behavioral consulting, Lorenzo brings a data-informed, family-centered approach to dismantling systemic barriers in education. Through strategic partnerships and grant-funded initiatives, Lorenzo works to expand equitable access to advocacy services across the DMV region.

Our Service Area

Be Kind Student Advocacy Group proudly serves families throughout the DMV region, including:

  • Maryland – All counties and districts
  • Washington, D.C. – District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and charter schools
  • Virginia – All counties and districts

Service Delivery: We offer both in-person consultations and virtual meetings to ensure accessibility for all families. Our office is located in Baltimore, MD, with the flexibility to travel throughout the region or connect remotely via secure video conferencing.

Confidentiality & Compliance

FERPA-Aligned Record Handling

All student educational records are handled in strict compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). We maintain secure, encrypted storage and limit access to authorized personnel only.

HIPAA-Aligned Privacy Standards

When working with health-related student information, we follow Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy standards to protect sensitive health data.

Transparent Consent Practices

We obtain clear, written consent from families before accessing student records or representing students in school meetings. Your privacy and autonomy are our priorities.

Partner With Us

Let's work together to secure the educational supports your student deserves.

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