Monica Martinez came to educational advocacy through her direct experience of advocating for appropriate special education services for her autistic son. Through her seven plus years of involvement in Partnership for Extraordinary Minds (xMinds), a Montgomery County-based autism advocacy non-profit, Monica developed an in depth understanding of how Montgomery County Public Schools educates students on the autism spectrum and how to navigate the district’s special education system.

 

Monica’s areas of expertise are services and accommodations for students on the autism spectrum, as well as those with ADHD and/or co-morbid mental health issues.  Monica also works to help parents and guardians understand the educational rights of their children. In addition to directing the work of xMinds for the past four years, Monica has attended Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training and completed the yearlong Special Education Advocate Training (SEAT) 2.0 through the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA).

 

Monica graduated summa cum laude from Georgetown University with BS degrees in Linguistics and Russian Language. Subsequently, Monica earned an MA from Columbia University and a Masters of Library Science from the University of Maryland.  Monica lives in suburban Washington, DC with her husband and twin sons.