Amy Dorlon
Educational Advocate
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Amy has lived in Oregon for several years and is originally from the southwest. She has one son, who is her “North Star,” an amazing husband, and two bonus stepdaughters. Amy’s passion for helping families comes from being the parent and now step-parent of neurodivergent children. This experience of parenting and step-parenting is incredibly rewarding while also being complex and challenging. She recognizes that families are at different places in their journey with their children and strives to meet and support families regardless of where they are at with this process.
Amy believes in and advocates for inclusion with proper support within the educational system. Amy fully embraces the concept of the individualized education plan; her personal experience with larger school districts in the metro area is one of the many things that motivate her to help families overcome systemic barriers. Her goal is to educate families (and sometimes districts) on the many aspects of disability. She loves to hear about each child’s strengths and the characteristics that make that child unique.
Previously, Amy worked at Wiscarson Law as a special education advocate, and she is now ecstatic to begin supporting families at New Leaves Clinic. While Amy plans on continuing her education so that she can continue to advocate for families in greater capacity; her son keeps her quite busy – you might ask her about the time he emailed 5000 staff members in his school district!
In her free time, Amy and her husband enjoy church and spending time with their friends and family. She loves being outdoors (even in the rain), and enjoys hiking, camping, and paddle boarding. Amy’s family members love animals – they share their home with 2 cats, a Goffin cockatoo, guinea pigs, a ball python, fish, and snails.
One of Amy’s favorite quotes is by Bill Nason: “Your first priority is who you take on the ride with you! If the people you pick up on the way do not support you, and hinder your progress, drop them off. Let them walk!…..Only you understand, accept, and are totally committed to your child!”
Note: Amy Dorlon does not give legal advice and does not provide therapy.
Role of Educational Advocates
- Assist in dispute resolution processes, such as mediation or due process
- Support families in navigating special education systems (e.g., IDEA and Section 504).
- Interpret educational evaluations and school reports to help parents understand their child’s needs.
- Attend school meetings (e.g.,IEP, 504, eligibility, manifestation determination) to represent or support the family’s perspective.
- Review IEPs and 504 plans to ensure goals, accommodations, and services are appropriate and legally compliant.
- Advise parents on their rights under federal and state special education laws.
- Communicate with school staff to clarify concerns and promote collaboration.
- Help identify needed assessments or services that may not have been provided.
- Draft or review correspondence to the school district regarding educational concerns or requests.
- Coach parents on how to effectively advocate for their child independently.
- Refer families to other professionals (e.g., psychologists, attorneys, tutors) when needed.
- Monitor progress and compliance with educational plans over time.
