About

Learn more about the company that’s taking special education software for educators to the next level.

Embrace commits to making the business of special education easy so educators and administrators can keep their focus where it belongs – on students.

Gus Brecht and Joe Koenig use their experience in special education and software development to combat the biggest problems involved in managing IEP and 504 plans, evaluating services and service providers and ensuring bills get paid. It’s proven to be a winning combination.

With over 18 years in business, Embrace has achieved a 99 percent client retention rate!

Meet Gus Brecht

The man behind Brecht’s Database Solutions, the creator of Embrace IEP (formerly PowerIEP), Embrace504 and other software for educators. After receiving a BA and MA in special education, Gus taught middle school students with disabilities for 13 years.

Frustrated by the time paperwork was taking away from his students, Gus embarked on a journey to create IEP software that truly met teachers’ needs. He looked for a simpler way to write plans and create reports. Gus envisioned a software that was easy for anyone to use and to learn. His dream system was one with an intuitive interface and easy customization to suit the needs of educators across the country.

Gus began developing his own solutions in 1999 and in 2005 met up with Joe Koenig when Brecht’s Database Solutions went online.

Meet Joe Koenig

Joe has a bachelor’s in marketing from Maryville University. He was the Chief Information Officer for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services as well as an entrepreneur running his own web development firm. However, through association, he understands the needs of the special education community. Joe’s wife is a special education teacher and his son is a student with an IEP.

With their combined experience, Gus and Joe take the EmbraceSuite to new levels. The fast-performing, web-based platform is home to solutions for every facet of special education – and then some.

Introducing EmbraceSuite

EmbraceIEP formerly PowerIEP – emerged early as an industry leader in IEP software programs. With it, educators cut their plan writing time by 50 percent or more. Built-in state core standards, goals, objectives and other features also help to reduce the human errors that create obstacles to delivering quality services.

Embrace504 works well for students who have limitations which fall outside of protected disabilities. Our software programs help schools and districts stay in compliance while providing every student with a quality education.

EmbraceRTI allows for accurate assessment of students and keeps kids from falling behind.

EmbraceDS ensures districts receive as much Medicaid reimbursement as possible. The system is easy to customize and maintains compliance during billing and claim rejection management.

Finally, EmbraceEVAL keeps teams on track by providing administrators with comprehensive assessment and reporting features.