My advocacy journey started in 2010 when my son entered school and began receiving special education services. As a parent whose child has unique needs, I wanted to ensure that my child had access to the support and services he needed, was a part of the school community, and could make progress in the educational setting. However, when I met with the school team to create my son’s Individualized Education Plan, I realized that my input wasn’t being taken seriously. I was my child’s advocate and I didn’t have all the tools needed to be effective at the table, so I set out to change that.

Gaining knowledge and training on special education and disability rights became my focus. I familiarized myself with IDEA, 504, and ADA, the protections under law provided to individuals in the disability community. I attended community, state, and national training from organizations like Parents Helping Parents (PHP), Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC), Special Education Local Planning Area (SELPA), State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD), and Council of Parents, Advocates, and Attorneys (COPAA), completing their comprehensive Special Education Advocacy Training (SEAT) and practicum hours. I also joined special education groups, read recommended books, and participated in family based training through ABA vendors supporting my child. What I gained from this was invaluable: a community of support, a wealth of knowledge, and tools that make me a much stronger advocate.

I am a college graduate, a non-attorney special education advocate and consultant, a wife, a mother of two wonderful children, and a new business owner. In 2023 I created Loving Advocacy, a special education advocacy and consulting business, to help families like my own advocate for the needs of those they love.