Meet Tena Green
We had the good fortune of connecting with Tena Green and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tena, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Locally, Tena Green @ IDEA Advocacy stands beside families navigating the special education system, ensuring students with disabilities are heard, respected, and included in every learning environment. Through IEP and 504 meeting support, training sessions, and parent coaching, IDEA empowers families to understand their rights, strengthen partnerships with schools, and create plans that truly meet each child’s needs.
By building trust between parents and educators, IDEA strengthens local schools, promotes inclusion, and helps every child feel like they belong.
In the broader world, Tena Green @ IDEA Advocacy is helping create ripple effects of inclusion and empowerment. Families gain skills and confidence that last a lifetime, educators learn effective ways to collaborate, and communities grow stronger through shared understanding.
Through national partnerships, conference presentations, and leadership in disability inclusion, IDEA contributes to a growing movement that champions equitable education for all learners.
Every family supported, every training delivered, and every student included builds a more inclusive world—starting right here at home.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work through IDEA Advocacy focuses on helping families navigate the special education process so every student is heard, respected, and included. I support families through IEP and 504 meetings, offer advocacy training, and strengthen partnerships between parents and schools to build collaboration instead of conflict.
What makes my work unique is the blend of professional experience and personal perspective I bring as a parent. I have three sons—one with Down syndrome, one with dyslexia, and one who brings endless laughter and joy. Through them, I’ve learned love, acceptance, grit, and grace. I understand what it feels like to sit across the table at a school meeting, hoping your child is truly seen. That lived experience grounds my approach in empathy, relationship-building, and clear communication.
The path to this work has not always been easy. Advocacy can be challenging and emotional, especially when families feel unheard. But I’ve learned that listening deeply and focusing on solutions can transform those moments into opportunities for growth and understanding.
I am most proud when families leave our meetings feeling empowered and when educators share that they now see advocacy as collaboration. Every success story reminds me why I do this work. My goal is to change the culture of special education—one meeting, one conversation, and one connection at a time—through advocacy that ensures every student is heard, respected, and included.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I would want them to experience the heart of Northern Colorado. We would start in Old Town Fort Collins, walking through the shops, enjoying local art, and having lunch at Ginger and Baker or The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm. In the evening, we might stop by Odell Brewing for a drink, live music, and a food truck dinner.
We would take a day trip to Estes Park to enjoy the mountain views, visit the local shops, and have coffee at Kind Coffee while sitting by the river. If time allows, we would explore Rocky Mountain National Park or stop for a short hike on the way back.
Other days might include a walk along the Poudre River Trail, paddleboarding at Horsetooth Reservoir, and relaxing in one of Fort Collins’ cozy cafes. Northern Colorado has such a welcoming, creative, and laid-back energy, and I would want my friend to leave feeling inspired and connected to this beautiful community
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe so much of my journey to my family. My oldest son, who has Down syndrome, has taught me the importance of love, acceptance, bravery, and grace. My middle son, who has dyslexia, shows me every day what true grit looks like. And my youngest reminds me to laugh often and find joy in the little things.
I’m also deeply grateful to the parents who came before me and paved the way, as well as those who continue to stand beside me—lifting me up when things get hard and reminding me why this work matters. To my colleagues and mentors through the years, thank you for shaping my understanding of advocacy and the power of connection.
I am honored to collaborate with Tracy Gershwin, Ph.D., BCBA-D, to educate and empower future educators. Together, we aim to provide meaningful, practical tools and strength-based strategies that help build collaborative partnerships and better support students and families.
It truly takes a village, and I am forever thankful for mine.
Website: https://www.ideadvocacy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideadvocates/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tena-green-252858304/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IDEAdvocates/
Image Credits
Kiley Maitland
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