RISE: Removing barriers in special education.
With our 20+ years of expertise in the special education space, combined with deep client relationships, we have been able to develop powerful training programs and Student Services and IEP software.
Our roots in special education have personal meaning to each of us. Our founders, DJ and Rick Cunningham’s personal and professional journeys with learning disabilities have solidified our mission to focus on increasing efficiencies, fostering independence, and scaling to meet both the educator’s needs and students’ unique learning needs.

"Together, we can ensure we change this world by giving the students the opportunity to be all they can be."
– DJ Cunningham
At RISE, we have a passion for helping people learn more effectively and achieve their life goals through growing their confidence and developing their resiliency. We customize our tools for our clients and their learners so together we can drive the future of innovative learning for all.
We firmly believe that all students can succeed.
RISE focuses on supporting student success with intelligent software that is designed to support the individual learning needs of each student.

A video message from DJ, our CEO.
"I’ve always had a passion for helping people learn more effectively and achieve their life goals."
– DJ Cunningham
Educators, like you, who teach students with special education learning needs have the responsibility for a variety of Student Service processes, tracking and management. One element of RISE is IEP planning, implementing and monitoring educational plans to promote student success. These responsibilities can be a heavy weight, especially with the pressure of time and technology limitations.
RISE allows teachers to focus on what students need to learn and what teachers need to teach.
With a proven track record in promoting and achieving student success, we offer educators the ultimate compliant and secure Student Services and IEP planning software that is easy to use, straightforward and stress-free.
Together we share the goal of making the Student Services and IEP writing processes as efficient and effective so we can give teachers like you even more time to support their exceptional students. Moreover, its state-of-the-art intuitive text and sentiment analysis feature ensures that IEPs will be a thoughtful reflection of a student, contributing to their personal success.
RISE is a powerful tool that use technology for more impact from processes.
Celebrate January 2023 with us!
January 4: World Braille Day
January 17: Kid Inventor's Day
January 24: International Day of Education
January 26: Bell Let’s Talk Day
January 27: Family Literacy Day
Meet our exceptionally talented team of ChangeMakers. We all love what we do, and together, we are ready to help students grow their confidence, develop resiliency and foster independence so they can reach their potential.


DJ Cunningham
Chief Executive Officer


Rick Cunningham
Chief Learning Officer


David Mahon
Managing Director


Grant Wilson
Vice President, Technology


Brenda Richardson
Project Manager


Neil Boniferro
Project Manager


Graham Blenden
Senior Application Developer


Caleb Vandenburg
Junior Developer


Alex Page
Technology Specialist


Adam Morton
Technology Specialist


Moe Chowdhury
Client Support Administrator


John Tideman
Education Partnership Manager


Emily DeRoche
Account Manager


Kari Cooper
Account Manager


Keirsten Pugh
Account Manager


Kristen Ostrowski
RISE Administrator
The successful relationships we’ve built over the years are what continue to drive us. Learn more about RISE or start a journey by contacting us.