Contact Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System
WSEMS Gia Pionek
PO BOX 70693
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Email WSEMS
(888)-298-3857 (Toll Free Voice)
Welcome to WSEMS
Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System
The Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System helps parents and schools work together to resolve disputes about special education. We do not provide legal advice or advocacy for either parents or districts, and
we do not mediate 504 plan disputes.
MEDIATION & FACILITATION
WSEMS serves Wisconsin families of children with special needs and school districts, together or individually. Site visitors can request mediation, a facilitated IEP meeting, or a facilitator for a resolution meeting from the WSEMS. We offer a list of trained, impartial mediators and facilitators. We also offer educational presentations and exhibits to promote the WSEMS.
RESOURCES
Our website offers key resources to support families and schools in resolving special education disputes.
Explore our these resource pages for tools, information, and support to help families and schools work together and resolve special education disputes early and effectively.​
Wisconsin
Special Education
Mediation System
Wisconsin families of children with special needs and school districts, together or individually, can request mediation, a facilitated IEP meeting, or a facilitator for a resolution meeting from the WSEMS. We offer a list of trained, impartial mediators and facilitators.
The WSEMS services are free and voluntary. Mediation is private and confidential. Requests for mediation are processed by Gia Pionek, a neutral dispute resolution professional.
The WSEMS was founded in 1996 by a parent, a special education director, and a mediator. This collaboration continues today as an example of how parents, teachers, administrators, advocates, and attorneys can work together in a cooperative way for the best interests of the students in Wisconsin’s public schools. Please contact the WSEMS with any questions.
WSEMS Grant Team
The WSEMS wishes to acknowledge the continuous support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) in providing the grant funding from federal discretionary dollars that makes this program possible. Paul Sherman, DPI liaison, provides communication and support between DPI and the WSEMS. Since 1996, DPI has also supported the confidentiality and privacy of the users of our system – which is a hallmark of our program. Participants’ names and districts, as well as the content of mediations, are not shared with DPI or any other entity.
The people who have roles in fulfilling the terms of the WSEMS grant are:
Heidi Siebert
CESA 7 Director of
Special Education
Courtney Salzer J.D.
Executive Director of WI FACETS
Gia Pionek
Intake Coordinator
Mediation Partner
System Administrator
Nelsinia Ramos
​WSEMS Multi-cultural Coordinator