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.