My name is Celeste Ortiz, and I have the privilege of sharing my life with an incredible husband. We have been happily married for 12 wonderful years, and together, we are raising two beautiful children who fill our lives with joy and purpose. Additionally, we have two beloved fur babies—a playful pug and a gentle bulldog.

Professionally, I have dedicated myself to the field of special education, gaining diverse experience over the years. I began my journey as a special education paraprofessional, where I supported teachers and students in various settings. Later, I took on the role of a life skills teacher for an 18+ program, guiding young adults in developing essential skills for independence. My experience includes providing resource and inclusion support at both the elementary and high school levels, working closely with students with varying needs to ensure their academic success. Additionally, I have taught general education at both the elementary and high school levels.

In addition to these roles, I have served as an ARD facilitator, where I coordinated and facilitated meetings to ensure that students with disabilities receive the appropriate support and services they need. I also completed my training as an Educational Diagnostician Intern, acquiring valuable insights into the assessment process and how it shapes educational planning.

My passion for working in special education runs deep. I feel strongly that my personal experiences allow me to understand multiple perspectives within the field. I grasp the complexities of the special educator's role and the responsibilities of an ARD facilitator. My own life experiences have also shaped my perspective; I am hard of hearing and wear hearing aids in both ears, navigating challenges that come with this condition. As a mother of two special needs children, I have firsthand experience sitting on the other side of the table as a parent, which gives me unique empathy and understanding.

My son is diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and Apraxia, while my daughter faces the challenges of Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and Autism. These experiences have both inspired and fueled my desire to advocate for families like mine. I want to ensure that every family feels their voices are heard in the educational process, that they are not treated merely as another file or a statistic in paperwork. 

I am driven by the belief that every child's unique voice matters, and my mission is to connect families with valuable resources, services, and support networks that can significantly improve their lives. I strive to create a positive impact not only on the children but also on the families that love and support them, helping to pave a better future filled with opportunities, understanding, and respect.