Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and positive spirits. My name is Cindy Johnson, and I want to take a moment to introduce myself as a dedicated Special Needs Child Advocate. My mission is to ensure that every child receives the quality education they deserve, and my passion for this cause has been shaped by personal experiences, my educational background, and my unwavering commitment to children from all backgrounds.

Over the last 14 years, I have been a parent to a special needs child, my son, who is autistic and struggles with dyslexia due to the challenges he faced in public school. This journey has been marked by various difficulties as my son encountered obstacles from those who could not comprehend his unique needs. These firsthand experiences have given me deep insights into the struggles that special needs families face and have fueled my desire to make positive changes for children like my son.

My educational journey has equipped me with a strong foundation in educational principles and practices. I earned my degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wyoming and later pursued a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. These qualifications allowed me to work as a kindergarten teacher at Sierra Vista Unified School District from 2020 to 2022. While working with wonderful children and their families, I became increasingly aware of special needs children not receiving the services they deserved. This realization weighed on me, both mentally and physically, leading me to shift my focus towards advocacy.

My diverse experiences have provided me with multiple perspectives on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. This comprehensive understanding has enabled me to grasp the challenges faced by both parents and educators in their mission to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for special education students.

I have also dedicated myself to studying the federal laws governing special education through my Board Certification for Advocacy in Special Education (BCASE) certification. My advocacy is driven by the best interests of students like my son, who deserve an environment where their unique needs are recognized and addressed appropriately.

I firmly believe that, by working together, we can navigate the intricacies of special education and create an environment where every child receives the support and opportunities necessary for their academic and personal growth. My intention is to collaborate with dedicated staff and offer my expertise and support to enhance the educational experience for all special education students in our district, while also helping parents navigate the special education system.

I am eager to explore potential avenues of collaboration and contribute to a brighter and more inclusive future for our special education students. Please feel free to reach out to me.

Sincerely,

Cindy Johnson

Board Certified Advocate for Special Education

Johnson's Jelly Bean's LLC

M: 520-221-7827

www.johnsonjellybeans.com

E: johnsonsjellybeans@gmail.com