The Harbor Advocacy & Learning Center
The Mission
In the traditional classroom, success is often measured by standardized test scores and academic benchmarks. But for many students with disabilities, true success is measured by independence. I am launching a new K-12 school in Mesa, Arizona, that flips the script—prioritizing functional life skills, vocational training, and the transition to adulthood over traditional academics.
The Vision
Our school will be a "Life-Skills First" environment. Here, a math lesson happens in a mock grocery store. A science lesson happens in a kitchen where students learn to prepare their own meals. Every student deserves a path to a self-sufficient life, and we are building the facility to make that a reality.
Why Me?
I have dedicated my career to the success of neurodivergent learners. As a professional educator with a Master’s degree in Special Education and currently pursuing a Doctorate (EdD) in Organizational Leadership, I have seen firsthand the gap between what traditional schools offer and what our students actually need to thrive in the real world. My background in Sociology, Psychology, and years in the classroom has prepared me to lead an organization that doesn't just "teach," but empowers.
How Your Support Helps
Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program ensures that once we open our doors, this school will be a self-sustaining resource for families. However, the initial hurdle of securing a safe, Group E-coded facility in Mesa is significant.
Your donation will directly fund:
- The first month’s rent and security deposit for our first physical location.
- The build-out of "Life-Skills Stations" (adaptive kitchen, laundry area, and sensory zones).
- The legal and licensing fees required to open a private school in Maricopa County.
Together, we can provide a space where "I can't" becomes "I'm learning how."
Thank you for helping us build a bridge to independence.



