Melissa Waugh – Publications and Presentations
Melissa K. Waugh, JD, MPH
Attorney at Law
Presentations
Presenter, Parents’ Rights Regarding Educational Records in Virginia: FERPA, IDEA, Virginia SPED Regulations, and VFOIA, EdLaw Taskforce Quarterly Meeting, Richmond, Virginia, August 6, 2024
Presenter, What is Specially Designed Instruction?, 2024 COPAA Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, March 10, 2024
Presenter, Consent: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly, 2024 COPAA Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, March 10, 2024
Presenter, All About IEEs, 2024 COPAA Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, March 7, 2024
Panelist, Navigating the IEP and IEP Meetings – Panel Discussion, University of Richmond School of Law Special Education Symposium, Richmond, Virginia, October 27, 2023
Panelist, Working A Special Education Case in the Commonwealth – Panel Discussion, VPLC Annual Statewide Legal Aid Conference, Richmond, Virginia, October 19, 2023
Presenter, IEEs in the Trenches: Common Conflicts with LEAs, 2023 COPAA Conference, San Francisco, California, March 4, 2023.
Presenter, All About IEEs, 2023 COPAA Conference, San Francisco, California, March 2, 2023.
Presenter, All About Independent Educational Evaluations, 2022 COPAA Conference, Boston, Massachusetts, March 3, 2022.
Presenter, What To Do When the School Says “No”, CASA of Central Virginia, February 18, 2021.
Presenter, The Legal Framework for IEP’s and Section 504 Plans, CASA of Central Virginia, February 4, 2021.
Presenter, Your Transition Toolbox, The William & Mary Law Institute of Special Education Advocacy Conference, Janaury 14, 2021.
Presenter, IEP Transition Toolbox, 22nd Annual COPAA Conference, Baltimore, MD, March 8, 2020
Presenter, Understanding the IEP for Lawyers, National Allies for Parents in Special Education, Charlotte, NC, October 6, 2018.
Presenter, Managing Client Relationships, National Allies for Parents in Special Education, Charlotte, NC, October 6, 2018.
Child Find: From the School House and Beyond, National Allies for Parents in Special Education, Charlotte, NC, October 6, 2018.
Presenter, Special Education Law for Legal Aid Attorneys, Virginia Legal Aid Society, Suffolk, VA, February 23, 2018.
Discipline of Students with Disabilities, Special Education and Advocacy Training: An Introduction for Practitioners and Advocates, Norfolk, VA, November 5, 2017 (presented with Dr. Jeffrey Katz, Licensed Clinical Psychologist).
Preventing the School-to-Prison Pipeline, Special Education and Advocacy Training: An Introduction for Practitioners and Advocates, Norfolk, VA, November 5, 2017 (presented with Cheryl Poe, Special Education Advocate).
Strengthening the FAPE Requirement, Special Education and Advocacy Training: An Introduction for Practitioners and Advocates, Norfolk, VA, November 5, 2017 (presented with Andrew Pappert, J.D.).
Special Education: Strengthening the FAPE Requirement, Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, Lynchburg, VA, June 30, 2017.
Unravelling Free and Appropriate Public Education (“FAPE”) Complexities, National Business Institute (NBI), Roanoke, VA, June 8, 2017.
Essential Components of a 504 Plan, National Business Institute (NBI), Roanoke, VA, June 8, 2017.
Navigating Funding Streams for Mental Health Support, 21st Annual Robert E. Sheppard, Jr. Juvenile Law and Education Conference, Richmond, VA, May 13, 2016.
Advocating for Children with Disabilities, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Lynchburg, VA, October 11, 2016.
Special Education Law and Advocacy, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Lynchburg, VA, September 10, 2014.
Concerns for Development: When and How to Refer a Child for Early Intervention Services, The Alliance for Families, Lynchburg, VA, February 18, 2014 (presented with Ms. Polly Smith, Lynchburg City Schools).
Special Education Law and Advocacy, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Lynchburg, VA, October 2, 2013.
Advocating for Children with Disabilities, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Lynchburg, VA, October 19, 2012.
Special Education Advocacy, Presbyterian Homes, Lynchburg, VA, April 17, 2012.
Publications
Melissa K. Cantrell, The Taming of E-Health: Asserting U.S. Jurisdiction Over Foreign and Domestic Websites, 103 W. Va. L. Rev. 573 (2001).
Melissa K. Cantrell, International Response to Dolly: Will Scientific Freedom Get Sheared?, 13 J.L. & Health 69 (1998-1999).
Press and Media
Evan Goodenow, LCPS special education plan approved, understaffing concerns raised, Loudoun Times, April 26, 2023
Nour Habib, Experts say ‘missteps’ were likely in how school addressed special needs of Richneck student, Daily Press, Jan. 28, 2023.
Melissa Waugh
Melissa K. Waugh, JD, MPH
Attorney at Law
Melissa Waugh is a skilled attorney and exclusively practices special education law. Melissa represents parents at IEP meetings, in mediation, with state and federal litigation, in due process hearings, and in federal appeals.
Melissa graduated cum laude from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences with a focus in biology, chemistry, and physics. Melissa received her Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center. While attending law school, Melissa served on the Houston Journal of International Law as Articles Editor, the Student Bar Association as 1st Vice President & Section Representative, the Honor Court as a Justice, the Health Law Organization, and the Public Interest Law Organization. Ms. Waugh also won first place in the Tom Newhouse Mediation Competition. Melissa also holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Texas-Health Science Center.
Melissa and her husband, Lt. Col. Bryan “Marty” Waugh (Ret.), are the parents of two amazing children who happen to have special needs. After adopting their children from foster care in 2010 and being exposed for the first time to special education and IEPs, Melissa quickly realized how complicated this area of the law is and the dire need for more attorneys representing the interests of parents of children with disabilities in our schools. Melissa and her family live in Ashburn, Virginia.
Practice Areas
Melissa represents families in special education law matters arising under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, including eligibility, placement, IEP and private placement.
Education
University of Texas-Health Science Center, M.P.H., 2007
University of Houston Law Center, J.D., cum laude, 2000
University of North Texas, B.A.A.S., cum laude, 1994
Bar Admissions
State Courts: Virginia, Maryland, and District of Columbia
United States District Court: Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia
Professional Associations
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
Prior Employment
Vinson & Elkins, Associate, 2000-2004
Elcare Innovations, President and CEO, 2002-2010
Law Office of Melissa K Waugh, PC, Owner, 2011-2018
Virginia Legal Aid Society, Contract Attorney, 2015-2018
Melissa Waugh – Education and Honors
Melissa K. Waugh, JD, MPH
Attorney at Law
Education
University of Texas-Health Science Center, M.P.H., 2007
University of Houston Law Center, , J.D., cum laude, 2000
University of North Texas, B.A.A.S., cum laude, 1994
Honors
Articles Editor, Houston Journal of International Law, 1999-2000
First Place, Tom Newhouse Mediation Competition, 1998
Recipient, General Motors Spirit Award, University of North Texas
Sharon Tropf
Sharon Tropf
Special Education Advocate
Sharon Tropf has practiced as a Special Education Advocate (non-attorney) in Northern Virginia for more than twelve years. Prior to joining Belkowitz Law, PLLC on July 1, 2018, Sharon was the owner of Advocating 4 Education, LCC.
Sharon assists families with all aspects of the special education process, including initial eligibility for special education, development of the Individualized Education Program (the “IEP”), school placement, and IEP implementation. Sharon also provides guidance and coaching to parents on interpretation of educational assessments and strategies to effectively and collaboratively work with the school to meet the unique needs of their child with special needs.
Sharon is a recognized speaker on special education and has participated in various workshops in the Northern Virginia area, such as “Ask the Advocate,” Advocacy presentations at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, Loudoun Deaf and Hard of Hearing Support Group, and the Accessibility Leadership Summit.
Education and Training
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), B.S., 1982, Major: Business Management and Marketing
Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates Annual Conference (COPAA), 2007- Present
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) Advocacy Symposium & Training Seminars, 2015-Present
Virginia Department of Education Parent Workshops, 2017, 2018
Accessibility Summit, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2020
The William & Mary Law Institute of Special Education Advocacy, 2012, 2017
International Dyslexia Association Conference, 2010, 2013
Professional Associations
Autism Society: 2007 – Present
Council of Parents Attorney’s and Advocates (COPAA): 2007 – Present
Counsel of Exceptional Children: 2010 – Present
International Dyslexia Association: 2014 – Present
The Arc of Norther Virginia and Loudoun: 2000 – Present
Community Involvement
Decoding Dyslexia Virginia: Volunteer advocate, January 2017 to present
Loudoun County School Board Discipline Task Force: Member, 2013
Loudoun County Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC): Member, 2009 – Present; Executive Board Member & Vice Chair of Membership, 2016-2018
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC): Executive Board Member, 2017 – Present
Presentations
Presenter, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs): Ensuring Best Practices, National Business Institute (NBI) Seminar – IEP and 504 Plan Legal Workshop, Webinar, September 21, 2021.
Presenter, From Identification to Advocacy: Becoming Your Child’s Best Advocate, Verizon Communication Inc., Webinar, April 23, 2021.
Presenter, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs): Ensuring Best Practices, National Business Institute (NBI) Seminar – IEP and 504 Plan Legal Workshop, Sandston, Virginia, September 17, 2019.
Harold G. Belkowitz
Harold G. Belkowitz
Attorney at Law
Harold G. Belkowitz is an accomplished litigator practicing throughout Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Harold has represented a diverse array of clients, ranging from individuals to small businesses to Fortune 100 corporations. Clients look to Harold for cost-effective, practical legal representation.
Harold primarily represents families in special education matters arising under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, including eligibility, placement, IEP, due process proceedings, and judicial proceedings. He also represents students in school discipline proceedings at all levels: elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools.
Harold is committed to serving the community. He currently serves as a Commissioner on the Fairfax County Consumer Protection Commission. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed him as a Commissioner in 2008 and has reappointed him multiple times since then. Harold formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Pozez Jewish Community of Northern Virginia and the Charles E. Smith Life Communities, as an Officer and a Director for Menschwork, Inc., and President (among other officer positions) for Congregation Olam Tikvah.
Harold is approved as a FINRA Dispute Resolution Arbitrator. FINRA operates the largest securities dispute resolution forum in the United States
Harold and his wife, Cheri Belkowitz, live in Fairfax Station with their dogs. Their oldest child is a graduate of the University of Virginia (B.A.) and Brandeis University (Masters in psychology) and currently is pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Virginia. Their second child graduated from Goucher College and is a preschool teacher. Their third child recently graduated from Miami University (Ohio).
Practice Areas
Education Law
Represent families in special education matters arising under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, including eligibility, placement, IEP, and due process proceedings. Represent students in school discipline proceedings at all levels: elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools.
Consumer Financial Services
Representation in the defense of statutory and common law mortgage lending claims, automobile financing matters, and title disputes.
Commercial Lending and Leasing
Representation to enforce and defend rights arising from commercial lending, financing agreements, security agreements and leases, other issues involving creditors’ rights.
Health Care
Counsel and represent long term care facilities in analyzing and enforcing available recovery options on delinquent resident accounts, including private pay, potentially Medicaid eligible, and Medicaid approved residents.
Employment Law
Counsel and represent clients in a wide range of employment issues, including claims related to employee defection, recruitment, wrongful discharge, discrimination, wage/hour disputes, employee contract and compensation, non-competition and trade secret agreements.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Represent clients in alternative dispute resolution, arbitration and mediation proceedings.
Bar Admissions
State Courts: Virginia, Maryland, and District of Columbia
United States Court of Appeals: Third, Fourth, Eleventh, and District of Columbia Circuits
United States District Court: Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, District of Maryland, and District of Columbia
United States Bankruptcy Court: Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, District of Maryland, and District of Columbia
Professional Associations
American Bar Association
Section on Litigation
Section on Labor and Employment Law
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
District of Columbia Bar
Fairfax Bar Association
Employment Law Section
Maryland State Bar Association
Virginia State Bar
Section on Litigation
Ober, Kaler, Grimes & Shriver, Shareholder, 1996-2014
Joseph F. Cunningham & Associates, Associate, 1995-1996
Congressman Steve Bartlett, Legislative Associate, 1989-1991
Notable Cases
In re Selby, 2019 WL 495100 (Md. Ct. Spec. App. Feb. 8, 2019)
In the Matter of Hyung Bok Jon, 2019 WL 495102 (Md. Ct. Spec. App. Feb. 8, 2019)
Douglas K. YI a/k/a, Douglas K. Lee, et al. v. First Tennessee Bank National Association, 2019 WL 2027081 (D.Md. 2019).
Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, Inc. v. Bach, 2017 WL 3667658 (Md. Ct. Spec. App. Aug. 25, 2017)
Little v. Generation Mortg. Co., 2016 WL 903495 (Md. Ct. Spec. App. Mar. 8, 2016), cert. denied, 138 A.3d 1262 (Md. 2016)
Jones v. WSB Holdings, Prince George’s County Circuit Court (2013)
•Shareholder class action litigation challenging merger of Old Line Bancshares, Inc. and WSB Holdings
•Old Line Bancshares, Inc. Announces Approval of Class Action Settlement, No Award of Attorneys Fees to Class Counsel, The Wall Street Journal, Nov. 13, 2013
•After the merger, the suit, Daily Record, Dec. 8, 2013
•Who says you have to cave to M&A sharks?, ABA Banking Journal, Jan. 2, 2014
Veiga v. SunTrust Bank, 450 Fed.Appx. 269, 2011 WL 4910417 (4th Cir. 2011) (Affirming settlement of class action lawsuit alleging violations of Maryland Credit Grantor Closed End Credit statute in connection with credit-grantor’s automobile repossession practices.)
Veiga v. Suntrust Bank, 2011 WL 9362390 (D.Md. 2011) (Approving class action settlement in claim alleging violations of Maryland Credit Grantor Closed End Credit statute in connection with credit-grantor’s automobile repossession practices.)
Ali v. CIT Technology Financing Services, Inc., 416 Md. 249, 6 A.3d 890 (2010)
Cheri Belkowitz
Cheri Belkowitz
Attorney at Law
Cheri Belkowitz is committed to providing personalized and effective legal advice to her clients. Cheri graduated cum laude from Brandeis University, and she received her Juris Doctor magna cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law. While attending Syracuse, Cheri was the Notes and Comments Editor of the Syracuse Law Review and a member of the Justinian Honorary Law Society. At graduation, Cheri was awarded the Dean’s Most Outstanding Contribution Award. An ardent community volunteer, Cheri has served on numerous boards and organizations in Fairfax County.
Cheri and Harold Belkowitz live in Fairfax Station with their dogs. Their oldest child is a graduate of the University of Virginia (B.A.) and Brandeis University (Masters in psychology); she currently is working on her Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Virginia. Their second child graduated from Goucher College and is a preschool teacher. Their third child recently graduated from Miami University (Ohio).
Cheri currently is not accepting new clients.
Practice Areas
Cheri represents families in special education law matters arising under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, including eligibility, placement, IEP and due process proceedings.
Education
Syracuse University College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 1994
Brandeis University, B.A., cum laude, 1991
Bar Admissions
Commonwealth of Virginia
District of Columbia
Professional Associations
Fairfax Bar Association
National Association of Women Lawyers
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
Education Law Association
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
Belkowitz Law Feature Message
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Conveniently located in Fairfax City, across from the Old Town Square.
Representing clients throughout Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.