Empowering parents through education, data, and technology
The Parent Advocate is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We exist because every Oklahoma parent deserves the knowledge and tools to be an effective advocate for their child's education.
Our Mission
The Parent Advocate bridges the gap between families and schools through data-driven tools, education advocacy, and collaborative problem-solving. We believe parents, educators, and policymakers share the same goal — well-rounded, successful students — and we build the technology and programs to find common ground.
Our Vision
An Oklahoma where every parent is equipped with the knowledge, data, and confidence to engage meaningfully in their child's education — and where schools welcome that engagement as a path to excellence.
What guides us
Collaboration Over Confrontation
We believe lasting change comes from building bridges between families, educators, and policymakers — not tearing them down.
Data-Informed Decisions
Every recommendation we make is grounded in Oklahoma statutes, OEQA standards, and evidence-based advocacy practices.
Privacy & Trust
We never store student PII. Our platform is built on probabilistic verification and ephemeral data processing.
Equity & Access
Every parent in Oklahoma — regardless of zip code, income, or background — deserves the tools to advocate for their child.
Our Founding Team
Jennifer Carlson
Chief Executive Officer
Jennifer serves as a Parent Member Commissioner on the Oklahoma Education Quality and Accountability Board. She offers deep state-level experience with education policy, a commitment to parent voices, and the insight of serving on Oklahoma's accountability commission.
Nathan Carlson
Vice President, Technology
Nathan designed and built GuideEd.ai, the flagship AI-powered parent advocacy platform. With expertise in artificial intelligence, data architecture, and education technology, he transforms complex policy data into accessible tools that empower parents to navigate the education system effectively.
Deep understanding of Oklahoma's education accountability system
Our leadership team includes a current OEQA Commissioner — giving us unique insight into the state body responsible for evaluating school performance. We translate this complex policy knowledge into actionable tools for parents.
Learn about the OEQATimeline
GuideEd.ai platform development begins
Jennifer Carlson appointed as OEQA Parent Member Commissioner
The Parent Advocate, Inc. incorporated as Oklahoma 501(c)(3)
GuideEd.ai pivots to statewide Oklahoma focus
OEQA data integration and parent education programs launch