Today we’d like to introduce you to Ysela Heim.
Ysela, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of two and I found myself to be incredibly lost. I wanted to make sure I was giving him all the intervention I can and that I was placing him in the most supportive school given his needs. Through that journey I felt I needed more guidance. Through that experience and learning as much as I did, I decided to dedicate myself to this and to help families navigate the educational system. Seventeen years later, it was the best decision I made. I have the best career, and I get to wake up every day and support families with their children’s educational needs. I feel my work supports parents and their children through some difficult times when they are truly trying to do the best they can and know.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part, it is smooth but because of the reputation I have established and my collaborative efforts in team building. We need to all work together. We need to create a village that includes home, school, and private therapists and have everyone working towards similar goals for optimal growth. Sometimes this can be tricky given financial restraints but we work through it. Some days are easier than others, some schools are better to work with than others given the support that they may have but we always figure it out.
Please tell us about the organization.
I opened Special Education Advocacy Services, LLC, over ten years ago. I originally started working for a wonderful non-profit agency and was lucky enough to learn from some of the best Advocates. I then opened my office. We specialize in Educational Advocacy and we work with families that have children with any Disability or Learning differences. I am most proud in not only our reputation amongst parents and the community but the thousands of families that we have been able to help through the years. I also believe in supporting organizations so we sponsor a variety of charities throughout the year. We believe in giving back and supporting our families! I think all of this is what sets us apart for other Advocates and Advocacy offices. Also, we are parents of children with disabilities so we can 100% relate and support our families, including personal matters. Our clients become our family!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Not at all. Although plans for our family took a quick shift due to having an 8 year old, a newly diagnosed toddler and a newborn, this is the path that I felt was created for me. My family has been amazingly supportive and my career path has not only allowed me to meet and work with the most amazing people on this planet but has taught me so much and for that I am a better wife, mother, friend, and advocate.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yselaheim.com
- Phone: 954-249-2614
- Email: yselaheim@gmail.com
- Facebook: @specialedadvocacy
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