About Us

Lauren started her career in New York City as a special education teacher and development coach. She received her Masters in secondary education and special education from Pace University. In her classroom, Lauren experienced first hand the lack of services and supports her students needed and deserved. Upon seeing these unmet needs, she applied for law school. In 2012, she began her career at Creighton Law School and graduated in 2015. Lauren practiced as an Assistant Public Defender (PD) in Douglas County focused on juvenile law and criminal defense. During her time as a PD she became a founding member of Education Rights Counsel (ERC) in 2017, bringing her vigor and urgency to ERC’s mission. Since 2020, she has served as the full-time Executive Director of Education Rights Counsel. In this capacity, she has grown ERC’s staff from one full time employee to seven full time employees and two contract employees, as well as, growing ERC’s budget by 90%. With the increase in capacity, ERC serves over 1,000 Nebraskans through direct representation, training, and consulting services. Under her leadership, ERC has earned the recognition of the Nebraska State Bar Association who awarded ERC with the Special Merit Award, which is presented to an organization that advances the legal profession, the administration of justice, and public interest. She was a member of the 2022 class of Ten Outstanding Young Omahans. Lauren’s experience in the education sector and juvenile court has cultivated her passion for working to improve educational outcomes and legal access for ALL children.

Elizabeth has focused her career on education law for more than 20 years, and has served as the Chair of the National Council of School Attorneys and President of the Nebraska Council of School Attorneys. Her extensive legislative experience has developed her passion for working to improve education laws at the state and federal level. Elizabeth is licensed in Nebraska, Iowa and to practice before the United States Supreme Court. She became a founding member of Education Rights Counsel in 2017, building the expertise of ERC’s alliance of education advocates.

Sarah has her BA in Theatre and Art and her MA in Women’s and Gender Studies. After her time in academia and a short stint in retail and contract work, she began her work as a program coordinator at a legal aid organization in Chicago, IL in 2014. In May 2022, she started as the Office Manager at Education Rights Counsel. She is passionate about gender equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and equal access to justice.

Elizabeth (Liz) has dedicated her legal career to working with kids and families in juvenile court for nearly 10 years as a prosecutor, GAL and defense attorney. Her experience in juvenile court has developed her passion for helping kids and families navigate their educational rights within a district. Liz is licensed in Nebraska.

Eileen is a dedicated communications and marketing professional with a long history of working in the nonprofit space. As the Communications Manager at Education Rights Counsel, she is looking forward to expanding the conversation and coverage around ERC, while leveraging her fundraising experience to enhance the donor experience.
With a background in graphic design, a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Nebraska, and a keen analytical mind, Eileen combines creative insight with journalistic precision and a passion for data-driven decision making to drive impactful messaging. As a proud member of the American Marketing Association, she brings an innovative approach and commitment to improving every aspect of her work.
Her passion for working at ERC is rooted in a desire to use her professional skills and experience to make a meaningful impact in the world. Eileen is deeply committed to ensuring access to education so that ALL children can reach their full potential and become thriving adults.

After graduating from the Nebraska College of Law in 2006, Kate began her career as a solo practitioner and now has more than 17 years of experience managing her own private practice. She is a strong advocate with experience in civil, criminal, juvenile, workers’ compensation, and probate matters. Kate has a passion for helping children and her career has always had a special emphasis on juvenile law. As a juvenile court lawyer, Kate has handled cases for children and families both as a defense attorney and as Guardian ad Litem. She has successfully argued before the Nebraska Court of Appeals and the Nebraska Supreme Court. Kate started with ERC in July 2023 and strongly believes in the importance of access to a quality education for all children. In her free time Kate loves spending time with her husband Gary, yoga, cycling, Pilates, home design, cooking, and dreaming about gardening.

Erin Dolph is an Associate Attorney at Education Rights Counsel, focusing her practice on juvenile court appointments as limited representation education counsel in Douglas County, Nebraska. In this role, Erin represents education decision makers in attaining special education services, supports, and educational equity for juvenile justice involved youth. Erin graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law in May of 2024 with high distinction and has been inducted into the Order of the Coif for her academic achievement. Erin’s passion for representing traditionally underserved communities and ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities, is a driving factor in her work at Education Rights Counsel, and past work in the Children’s Justice Clinic and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

Abigail Bennetts focuses her practice on juvenile court appointments as limited representation education counsel in Lancaster County and Sarpy County. In this role, Abigail represents education decision makers in attaining special education services, supports, and educational equity for juvenile justice involved youth. Throughout her education and work, Abigail has been driven by her commitment to serve others and to amplify the voices of those who experience barriers in educational and legal systems.

Maria studied Criminal Justice and Child, Youth, and Family Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During her education, she worked with children in a preschool classroom and gained legal experience working under attorneys at law firms. After getting her Bachelor’s, Maria started as Case Manager at the Department of Health and Human Services working hands on with families and children experiencing hardships in both court and non-court matters. Maria’s passion towards justice and equity continues at Education Rights Counsel as she consults with families who seek educational advocacy.