Student Advocacy

“Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.”

~ Rita Pierson

Student Advocacy

A Student Advocate plays a vital role in supporting and representing students, particularly those with special needs or other unique challenges.

As a Student Advocate, Melissa has the knowledge and experience to:

  • Support Student Rights-Ensuring that families and students are aware of their rights and that these rights are upheld according to local, state, and federal laws.

  • Documentation & IEP Assistance- review, analyze, and explain documentation, records, and assessments

  • Communication- Act as a liason between students, families and educational institutions

  • Conflict Resolution- Assist in resolving conflicts in the educational setting, through informal discussions or formal processes

  • Goal Setting- Collaborating with families and educators to set achievable academic and/or behavioral goals tailored to the student’s individual needs

  • Resource Navigation- Provide information about available resources, services, and support systems

  • Training & Coaching Families and Students

  • Monitoring Progress- Keep track of the student’s academic and behavioral developments and ensure that necessary adjustments are made within their educational plan.

  • Acting as the student's voice as an advocate in ARD meetings, Section 504 meetings, disciplinary procedures, mediation, or due process hearings

About Melissa.

Melissa is a certified Texas educator, holding 11 valid educator certificates, including Early Childhood, Special Education, English as a Second Language, Reading, Mathematics, Science, Principal, and Superintendent certifications.

She has strong experience in Special Education, Section 504, behavior management, and discipline procedures.

Melissa is passionate about empowering students in their personal and academic growth, educating and supporting families, and advocating for students in communicating their needs.

Her experiences facilitating ARD meetings, 504 meetings, disciplinary hearings, and other student-focused meetings in Texas public schools sets her apart from other life coaches and student advocates.

FAQs

  • Student advocacy clients are families and individual students who seek assistance, guidance, and support as they navigate academic, behavioral, and social challenges.

    Student Advocacy is particularly advantageous for those with developmental or intellectual disabilities, regardless of whether these disabilities are recognized or not.

    Melissa is dedicated to working with students of all ages and education levels, and she is experienced in supporting families at every stage of the Special Education or Section 504 processes—from determining eligibility to preparing for a successful transition into adulthood.

  • Over my 22 years as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator in Texas public schools, I developed a strong passion and commitment to supporting, encouraging, guiding, and coaching students so that they may reach their full potential.

    As an educator, my true mission was to be a safe space, a champion, and an advocate for my students. I chose to leave the school system so that I could coach others, not just the students in my classroom or on my campus.

    The West Texas region has fewer resources available for student support and advocacy than other regions in the state, and it is my mission to fill the gap.

  • Each case is as unique as the individual student. Depending on the needs of your student, their individual challenges, where they are in the Special Education or Section 504 Process, and other unique factors, a case could range from a 1-2 hour consultation to an extensive case involving consultations, detailed case research, virtual/in-person meetings with school personnel and clients, document preparation, and more complex and intensive meetings with school district administrators.

  • I am not a lawyer, nor am I a counselor, therapist, psychologist, or diagnostician. I do not provide legal advice or services. I do not provide psychological or medical treatment or advice.

    I am a certified Texas educator and Certified Professional Life Coach.