Dan and Lindsay Krauskopf recognized by the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children for their advocacy and partnership with educators
Dan and Lindsay Krauskopf, parents of Woodland Developmental Center student Miles Krauskopf, have been named recipients of the 2026 Exceptional Parent Award by the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children.
St. Clair County RESA, which operates Woodland, is celebrating the family’s recognition for their dedication to supporting their children and partnering closely with educators. The award honors parents who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their child’s growth while working collaboratively with educators and service providers.
“Dan and Lindsay are incredible partners in their children’s education,” said Britt Pionk, Assistant Supervisor of Programs and Services at St. Clair County RESA. “Their collaboration, positivity, and dedication make a meaningful difference for Miles and the entire Woodland community.”
Dan and Lindsay are the parents of three children, Juliet, Elijah, and Miles, and have built strong partnerships with educators while supporting each of their children’s unique needs. Their daughter, Juliet, receives support for a visual impairment and is actively involved both academically and socially in Marysville Public Schools. Miles attends Woodland Developmental Center, where he receives specialized support through the Severe Multiple Impairments (SXI) program.
Miles has attended Woodland Developmental Center for the past two years. Lindsay said the transition to school was initially difficult for their family because Miles had never been away from them before.
“We were very nervous at first,” she said. “But now we can’t say enough good things about Woodland and the entire team that works with him, especially his teacher, Angela Jackson.”
Today, Miles is thriving at school and looks forward to attending each day. “He knows everyone there, and he loves going,” Lindsay said. “We always say it feels like everyone at Woodland knows who Miles is. It shows how much the staff truly cares about the students. It’s not just a job to them.”
Miles’ teacher, Angela Jackson, recently named a Region 5 Teacher of the Year, nominated the couple for the award in recognition of their exceptional partnership with educators and their commitment to supporting their child’s learning and development.
The family said they were surprised to learn they had been nominated.
“We didn’t know we were being nominated until we received the notification,” said Lindsay Krauskopf. “It was a shock because we weren’t expecting it. Navigating life with Miles can be a lot, so having other people recognize that was really humbling. We’re just being parents.”
The Krauskopfs received the award during a recognition ceremony held on February 26 at the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children’s annual conference at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids. The couple attended the awards ceremony with their three children, describing the experience as both meaningful and emotional.
“So many kind words were shared that night,” Lindsay said. “It meant a lot to us, especially because we appreciate the team that Miles works with at school so much.”
In addition to supporting their own children, the Krauskopfs are active members of the St. Clair County Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). Lindsay represents Marysville Public Schools, and Dan represents Woodland Developmental Center. Through the committee, they collaborate with educators and other families to support special education programs and services across the county.
“Being able to advocate for your child and having confidence benefits them the most,” she said. “At the same time, keeping an open mind and working as a team with the school staff is incredibly important. They know your child, too.”
Lindsay said the experience has strengthened their ability to advocate for their children and connect with other families navigating similar journeys.
The Krauskopfs say they are deeply grateful for the support their family has received from the Woodland Developmental Center team.
“They are doing amazing things,” Lindsay said. “It already makes me sad to think about the day Miles will eventually age out of Woodland.”
The Exceptional Parents Award celebrates families whose advocacy, collaboration, and dedication help strengthen partnerships between home and school, and support positive outcomes for students with exceptionalities.