I am the Founder and Lead Advocate for Disability Advocates of Arizona, and this is a rare picture of me not wearing a muumuu.
When I am not advocating for your child, I am advocating for my four adopted children. At my house, we have lots of active bodies, laughter, and huge meltdowns, both public and private; thus, the muumuu-wearing.
As a mom, I knew that some of my children qualified for government-funded disability services, but I could not get them approved! I was so confused and frustrated. So I put my Business Management Bachelor’s Degree from Brigham Young University and previous work experience to work.
While applying for services EIGHT times for my children, I learned a few things. So let’s talk about your child and get your family the help you need.
“Hi! My name is Marisa.”
What People Are Saying
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I can't even begin to describe how thankful we are for Marisa. This process can be so incredibly confusing and frustrating and Marisa is an expert with every aspect of qualifying for services and following through to make sure everything goes the way it should. She is extremely organized and responds immediately to every text, phone call, or email. Whenever I had a question or didn't understand some part of the process she never hesitated to take the time to break it down for me and explain anything and everything that I needed. She puts in so much time and energy into what she does. On top of everything else, I can tell that she truly cares about our family and my child's future and wants the best for her and us. Thank you, Marisa!!
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— Sarah G.
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“I felt hopeless as I spent endless hours on the phone, calling numerous phone numbers that left me waiting weeks with no answer. The more time I spent trying to find the help my kids needed, the more I felt like I was failing my kids as their mother. I was physically and emotionally drained, blindly attempting this process on my own. I needed help. My neighbor referred me to Marisa. She immediately provided me with valuable insight of rights when agents were quick to dismiss, as well as, contacts that delivered answers timely. Her passion to go above and beyond for families is treasured. Her knowledge and kindness changed my family’s lives by receiving ALTCS, DDD, IEP, agencies, therapies and evaluations. She’s a light in a journey that is deemed dark. ”
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— Whitney A.
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I had been paralyzed with fear when it came to trying to get services for our son with ASD. Hiring Marisa @ Disability Advocates of AZ was the best decision EVER! Her knowledge of how the system works, the agencies' guidelines, and tenacity were invaluable. She broke down the steps into "bite-sized" items for me to accomplish so that I didn't get overwhelmed. We just received confirmation that he has been approved with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Our son will receive the help he needs because of Marisa. Thank you!!
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— Denise D.
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I have always been someone to “do it myself”, and I tried going through all the paperwork myself but I quickly got lost. When I talked to Marisa, she helped me get help faster and more effectively than I ever would have been to get on my own. 10/10 would recommend Marisa to anyone looking to help!
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— Kevin H.