About Andrea

Your "Irish Advocate"

I am an Educational Disability Advocate committed to helping children with disabilities and their families navigate the educational system.

I understand how important it is for parents to have someone who will listen to their concerns, explain the process clearly, and help them determine the next steps for their child.

Every child is different. My approach begins by listening to the family, reviewing the child’s educational situation, and identifying the areas where additional support, services, accommodations, or communication with the school may be needed.

I believe that parents should be active and informed members of their child’s educational team.

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Employed by the Center for Human Development/CHD 1994-1999-working with individuals with disabilities and Mental Health challenges

Trained by the Federation for Children with Special Needs, Massachusetts 1993

Began privately advocating for children with disabilities from 1998-Present.

Employed by the State of Massachusetts as a Guardian Ad Lidem/Educational Surrogate Parent for children with disabilities in DCF custody 2000-2026

Trained and Certified by the Judicial Courts in Massachusetts as a Surrogate Parent 2000-2026

Preferred Advocate by: Department of Developmental Services, DDS MA, NAACP and Martin Luther King Center, Springfield MA, Department of Mental Health Services, DMH MA, Center for Children with Autism MA. 2000-Present

Referred by: Boston Children’s Hospital, Floating Hospital for Children with Disabilities/Tufts, MA, Learning Solutions, Florence MA,  Beacon Services - MA, Multicultural Services-Western MA