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.

Stacey was selected to participate in the Principal Fellows Program, but she opted to pursue a law degree and combined 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 disabled students facing academic issues in higher education and 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.