Who We Are

Introducing the Mission and the Faces Behind Spedster

Our Mission

At SPEDSTER, our mission is to become the central and most trusted meeting place for the special education community to find resources, solve problems, bring attention to important issues, and access to tools and knowledge that are designed, researched, curated, and created to advance the lives of students with disabilities.  In addition, we provide extensive professional development to all educators, access to both no-cost and paid tools, publish position papers on critical topics, and create dynamic content daily.

Our Leadership Team

Kurt Hulett

Kurt Hulett is a leading special education advocate and educational consultant based in Central Texas. He works extensively on behalf of children and families engaged in the IEP and Section 504 process. He is well-known for his ability to navigate difficult situations and secure the educational services, goals, and desired outcomes for the parents and students he serves. In addition, he trains principals and administrators in the utilization of both best practices and legal approaches to special education management. Kurt Hulett is the author of the best-selling text “Legal Aspects of Special Education.” He is committed to helping all stakeholders meet the needs of students with disabilities.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Candice Lewis

Candice Lewis, a longtime special educator and former Executive Director of Special Education for Houston Independent School District, is the Vice President of Special Education Professional Services. She has a passion for ensuring student success and well-being, launching programs that positively impact students' lives. A visionary leader committed to equitable access for all children with disabilities, Candice excels in navigating complex policies and implementing initiatives to support students' growth. In her leadership of Spedster University, she focuses on equipping special educators with the skills and inspiration to provide exceptional services and support for students with IEPs.

VICE PRESIDENT OF CLIENT RELATIONS AND OPERATIONS

Cris Lull

PRESIDENT

Cris Lull has been a leader in the technology space for over 25 years with extensive experience growing organizations from inception to mature revenue streams.  When he’s not working with new clients helping them find the best solutions for their business needs, Cris enjoys mountain biking and surfing.  He holds a BS in Chemistry from James Madison University and an MS in Finance from George Washington University.

Kree McCants

MANAGER OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Kree is thrilled to support Spedster’s marketing team with a focus on campaign cultivation and streamlining data. Raised in a family of educators, and with a diverse background in the marketing, legal, and education industries, Kree has always believed in making academic success feel achievable for all students. Trained in digital marketing and with hands-on classroom experience, she is committed to purposeful communication, building connections between diverse groups, and transforming data into something meaningful for a greater audience.

Lili Rivas

VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Passionate about transforming education and ensuring every student learns at their optimal level, she is thrilled to contribute to the Spester team as the leader of its School Solutions branch. As a former teacher for over 16 years, she constantly sought to enhance student learning experiences with innovative tools and programs but often fell short. Now, with over 9 years in EdTech and expansive relationships with special education-focused companies world-wide, she has the privilege to empower educators and parents by providing them with the precise resources needed to foster success for every student. Join her in revolutionizing education for a brighter future!

Alyssa Virnau

MANAGER OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND MARKETING

Alyssa is an energetic Graphic Designer with a keen focus on marketing and social media, specializing in the field of special education. With a background in visual communication and a deep commitment to creating inclusive educational environments, Alyssa brings a unique blend of creativity and purpose to her work. At Spedster, Alyssa is dedicated to creating impactful designs that support the company's mission to improve special education in schools. She believes in the power of visual storytelling to communicate complex ideas simply and effectively, ensuring that all students receive the support and resources they need to thrive.

Candace Williams

Candace Williams is a seasoned professional educator with 16 years of experience. She holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. Over the course of her career, she served as a teacher, reading interventionist, and Instructional Coach for K-8 Literacy in Fort Smith Public Schools, Houston Independent School District, and KIPP Houston. For the past six years, she has served as an educational consultant and e-learning Implementation Specialist, impacting the Houston-Metro area and the southern region of the United States. She has also collaborated with various education companies, contributing to numerous curriculum projects in literacy, social-emotional learning, Special Education, STEM, and culinary arts.

VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS SOLUTIONS