How to be Your Child's Best Advocate

Mary Somoza holds up her daughter's photo with Bill Clinton

At the Parent Network Exchange Meeting held on Oct. 14, 2010, Mary Somoza gave one of the most inspirational talks that I have heard. This is one speaker that I would want to listen to over and over again. We walked out feeling empowered, motivated, inspired, and ready to hit the gound running – a wet one, because it was still raining hard when we left.

Mary Somoza is the mother of two children with special needs, one being paraplegic. She succeeded in getting the most and the best of what her children needed, against all odds, and now her children are in college. Her amazing story was not missed by the President of the United States, who is seen in this photo with her daughter. Mary now teaches parents how to be the best advocate for your child. Whether you are asking for your child's school to adhere to a special diet or need a particular service that they have already denied you, Mary gave us her years of experience raising two children with special needs and navigating through some very difficult school systems.

Mary believes that every child has more abilities then disabilities. Some of those abilities yet to be discovered. Children cannot afford to lose time, not with initial services, or with their education. Getting your child on the right track can be the difference between academic success, and falling behind.

We would like to invite Mary to come back again. Look out for the notice. Meanwhile, Mary can be reached at: mary@marysomoza.com

Sabeeha Rehman