Dear School District Leadership and Staff,

I hope this letter reaches you in excellent health and under positive circumstances. My name is Cindy Johnson, and I am writing to introduce myself as a passionate Special Needs Child Advocate with a deep commitment to ensuring that every child receives the quality education they deserve. My journey into advocacy has been shaped by personal experiences, my academic background, and my dedication to children from all walks of life.

For the past 14 years, I have been a parent of a special needs child, my son who is autistic and struggles with dyslexia, thanks to public school trauma. This journey has been rife with challenges, as my son faced various hardships at the hands of those who could not comprehend his unique needs. These experiences have given me firsthand insight into the obstacles faced by special needs families and have fueled my desire to effect positive change for children like my son.

Having earned my degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wyoming and later a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix, I have a solid foundation in educational principles and practices. I was fortunate to apply this knowledge as a kindergarten teacher at Sierra Vista Unified School District from 2020 to 2022. Here, I had the privilege of working with wonderful children and their families. However, witnessing special needs children not receiving the services they deserved began to weigh on me, both mentally and physically, leading to my decision to shift gears and focus on advocacy.

My diverse experiences allow me to see multiple perspectives of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. This comprehensive understanding equips 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 extensively studied 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 together we can navigate the intricacies of special education, crafting an environment where every child receives the support and opportunities essential for their academic and personal growth. My intention is to work collaboratively with your dedicated staff, offering my expertise and support to enhance the educational experience for all special education students in your district, as well as help parents navigate the special education system.

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