Melinda Taylor, LLC Changing Special Education Advocacy in DFW!
Every paid service helps provide discounted or free advocacy services to families in need.
About My Services
Compassionate Special Education Advocacy
Every child deserves an advocate on their side regardless of income. My mission is to change how special education advocacy in the DFW area works-combining expert collaboration, creative strategy, and a give-forward model that turns every paid service into free or discounted advocacy for others.
For more information on how you can help others, how my sliding scale works, or how I use my assistance fund to upgrade services for those that could otherwise not afford advocacy services, please reach out to me or click the link below to go to my Facebook post regarding the topic.
Collaborate with Melinda Taylor, LLC
Who am I?
What are my Qualifications?
In 7th grade, I read Somebody Else's Kids by Torey Hayden, and I never looked back. The way she fought to improve the lives of her students lit something in me that has only grown stronger over the years. Special education—helping others learn, grow, and achieve—isn't just my career. It's rooted in who I am.
I'm a wife and mother of two amazing sons, stepmother to an awesome bonus son, and the proud partner of a husband I've been happily married to since 2008. When I'm not advocating for families, you'll find me writing a new blog, working on my book, trying out a new Escape Room, singing, reading, or cheering my boys on as they chase the things they love.
I bring that same heart to every family I serve—because every child deserves someone in their corner who truly believes in them.
What are my Qualifications?
What are my Qualifications?
I graduated from TCU in 2002 with my Bachelor of Science in Education, specializing in Special Education. From there, I spent six years teaching PPCD (Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities, now ECSE) in Keller ISD and two years teaching LIFE Skills (Self-Contained Special Education for 1st-6th) in Garland ISD. In both districts, I piloted inclusion programs (that were not standard at that time) and changed the way my administration viewed what good special education should look like. In 2010, when I became pregnant with my first son, I made the decision to stay home and raise my family.
I never stopped learning, though. Over the years, I've completed continuing education in countless areas, including Applied Behavior Analysis, a wide-range of special education topics, as well as the Master IEP Coach® program taught by Catherine Whitcher. Once both of my sons were in school, I worked for two years as a Registered Behavior Technician at a local Autism/ABA clinic in order to get a better understanding of how ABA and school based services improve the lives of children.
In January 2022, I returned to the classroom as an ECSE (Early Childhood Special Education) teacher at my sons' local school. Then, in May 2025—when my youngest entered middle school—I stepped away from teaching to focus on my family and my advocacy work following a particularly difficult 5th grade year for my neurodivergent son. That emotional experience led me back to advocacy because I realized the full extent to which children really need someone on their side. (Full story will be in my upcoming book)
Every step of this journey, in the classroom and at home, has shaped how I support the families I work with today.
Why I Chose Advocacy
Why I Chose Advocacy
Truthfully, I'm here because I know there's a need. Parents have questions. They feel overwhelmed. And I can see how much they need someone on their side—someone who can help them advocate confidently for their children.
I'm deeply devoted to special education, inclusion, and seeing kids succeed. If I can't be in the classroom, then I want to do everything I can to help children thrive in any way possible. So I asked myself: why not use my passion and experience to help others?
This work is personal for me. Both of my sons have been diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety disorders, and my youngest is on the spectrum. I know the 504 and IEP processes well—from the parent's side of the table in addition to my professional experience.
My youngest was also born with a swallowing disorder, an experience that taught me so much about what it really takes to advocate for your child when the bureaucracy wants to deny your child a service they need.
I've lived these challenges from every seat at the ARD table, and I'd be honored to walk alongside you through yours. Let me help—please reach out.
My Services
Introductory Consultation
IEP/504 Meeting Consultation
I offer a free 30 minute consultation to find out more about your goals for your child. For this consultation, we set up a 30 minute Zoom or phone meeting where we will have the opportunity to chat, learn about one another, and then discuss next steps in the process of working together to see your child succeed. Free
IEP/504 Meeting Consultation
IEP/504 Meeting Consultation
For the 3-hour service, I will collaborate with you on your child's educational needs and goals, review IEP meeting paperwork, help draft letters, and other related services. You will receive very detailed notes on improvements and suggestions that can be made to your child’s IEP that can be taken to your ARD meeting. This can be done via Zoom or in person. You have 12 months after purchase to utilize all 3 hours.
$200
($50 goes to support families in need)
Attend the ARD
I am available to attend your ARD meeting and help you collaborate with your IEP team to create the best IEP for your child using the resources available in your district.
$75 for the first hour
$20 for each additional hour
($20 goes to support families in need)
(Travel up to 15 miles from Rockwall included in pricing, additional charges for gas/mileage may be assessed)
Presentations
BRING ME TO YOUR NEXT EVENT
Twenty years in special education classrooms. Two decades of ARD meetings — on both sides of the table. I know what parents are afraid to ask and what educators wish families understood.
I speak to parent groups, campus staff, PTAs, districts, and conferences with a blend of hard-won practicality and dry sense of humor.
Signature topics:
- Parent–Teacher Communication That Actually Works
- Firm, But Fun: Classroom Management Without the Power Struggle
- Parenting the Neurodivergent-Gifted Child
- Navigating the IEP: A Parent's Field Guide
- Outside-the-Box Goals and Accommodations
Sessions can be tailored to your audience, timeframe, and campus needs — from a 45-minute keynote to a full day of professional development.
Price Varies, 10% of agreed price goes to support families in need
Need an Advocate, but are financially struggling?
Reach out to me via phone, text, e-mail, or social media and tell me more about your situation. I can work with you on payment plans, a sliding scale, or potentially offer upgraded or free services based on the amount available in my assistance fund.
Unique Needs?
Don't see what you need? Experiencing financial hardships? Just want someone to hear you out? Reach out to me and see if we can create something custom to meet your needs! I am truly in the collaboration business!