Melissa opened DFW Advocacy after learning that several of her friends left their meetings not understanding their children’s goals, feeling defeated, feeling like no one understands their child, or crying during their ARD/504 meetings.

Melissa is a graduate of the Texas Partners in Policymaking program, and is a parent leader for her local Parent Training and Information Center. She has completed Special Education Advocacy Training provided by the Council of Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates, coursework from Down Syndrome International, and has attended conferences on Learning Disabilities, and is a member of the Learning Disability Association of America. She is passionate about disability rights and education. Melissa has advocated in Washington on Capitol Hill for policy changes and has worked with local agencies from the early intervention stage on up.

Melissa is dedicated to helping parents feel included and valued in the IEP process. She believes that inclusion is one of the most important facets of education and communities and works to educate and support families, districts, and organizations about the value of this principle. Together with parents, she helps create visions and plans for a child’s future with the end goal in mind.

Lisa Flores has been a dedicated special education advocate since 2015, with over a decade of experience supporting children with disabilities, particularly those with autism. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Lisa ensures that families from diverse communities have access to the resources and education their children deserve. Certified by the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and trained in trauma-informed care, she brings a wealth of knowledge in special education law and advocacy to help children with complex needs thrive.

Lisa’s passion extends to policy advocacy at the state and local levels. As a co-chair of a special education advocacy roundtable, she works closely with the Texas Education Agency to address key issues, and she has served as a parent representative on the HB3 Special Education Funding Allotment Committee. Her collaborative approach, focused on building partnerships between families, schools, and organizations, has led to impactful policy changes that benefit students with disabilities.

As both an advocate and a parent, Lisa understands the challenges faced by families of children with special needs. Her personal experience fuels her commitment to ensuring all students receive the support they need to reach their full potential. An alumna of the Texas Partners in Policymaking program, Lisa continues to use her expertise to empower families, educators, and policymakers to create inclusive, supportive learning environments.

Tamara became interested in advocacy after experiencing frustration with the special education process when trying to get appropriate services for her own children. As a former educator with personal experience with disability, if she had to struggle that hard with the system, she knew that others out there without the background she had must need more support!

Tamara has a master’s degree in Deaf Education from Texas Women’s University and is a former Board Member and Parent Guide with Texas Hands & Voices. She has attended multiple trainings, conferences, and retreats as both a participant and presenter on the topics of disability advocacy, deaf and hard of hearing services, special education and 504, and other related topics.

Her passion is to help families find the right fit for their own child within the educational system, as well as find support in community services and activities, transitions, and beyond. She has five children, two of whom have hearing loss and another has learning disabilities linked to a genetic condition.

Monica Santiago brings over 20 years of experience in education, having served as a special education teacher, district administrator, and adjunct professor. Now a dedicated advocate, she helps families secure the services their children need, particularly those facing economic and language barriers. Fluent in English and Spanish, Monica leverages her deep knowledge of the education system to guide families through the complexities of special education, ensuring every child receives the support guaranteed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Monica’s shift from traditional school roles to advocacy stems from her passion for protecting the rights of students with disabilities. She provides families with tailored solutions while fostering stronger relationships between parents and schools. Her goal is to empower families and create lasting partnerships that benefit the child’s long-term success in school.

Grounded in a Christ-centered approach, Monica’s advocacy is both compassionate and practical, serving families of all faiths and backgrounds. As a Texas-certified special education teacher and administrator, she is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of students with disabilities.