Stacey was selected to participate in the Principal Fellows Program, but she opted to pursue a law degree to combine her passion for the law and education. She attended the University of North Carolina School of Law where she served as the Editor in Chief of her law journal, tutored fellow students, and was selected as an Honors Writing Scholar. She graduated with honors and has exclusively practiced education law with an emphasis on special education since 2012.
In 2014, Stacey opened the doors of The Gahagan Law Firm representing disabled students in schools and universities across North Carolina, public school teachers, and families facing issues such as school assignment issues, bullying, and suspension. In 2019, the Gahagan Law Firm combined with Ann Paradis Law to become the largest firm in the state with a focus on representing parents in special education disputes throughout North Carolina. Stacey regularly advocates for students with disabilities to be included with their non-disabled peers. In addition, Stacey also represents educators in employment issues, disabled students facing academic issues in higher education, and representing students in Title IX cases. Stacey is passionate about protecting the civil rights of students and ensuring that students and teachers receive the due process to which they are entitled by law.
Stacey is happily married and the proud mother of five children. She enjoys running, cooking, sewing, and spending time with her family.

Stacey Gahagan graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina State University in 1992, with a degree in Spanish Language and Literature and a k-12 teaching license. She studied in Seville, Spain for a year, where she became fluent in Spanish. She was a member of the first class of North Carolina Teaching Fellows. During her teaching career, she taught students Spanish from preschool through the community college level, including teaching English as a Second Language, and was honored as the Teacher of the Year multiple times. In 2000, Stacey founded the Washington Montessori Public Charter School and served as the Head of School – a role that included a myriad of duties including Exceptional Children Director, 504 Coordinator, and Human Resources Director.

Gahagan Paradis, PLLC

In our education law practice, we exclusively represent students and their families. We are committed to ensuring that students with disabilities receive a free, appropriate public education (FAPE).

Education law involves the rights and responsibilities of students in public and private schools. Gahagan Paradis only represents students and parents, so parents can always feel confident we are 100% committed to their legal needs and have no conflicting allegiance by also representing schools. We represent students and their families throughout the entire state-from Murphy to Manteo.