I truly appreciate my ongoing clients who take a moment to write a review on my Facebook page or email me at [email protected] 

  Lisa S.  I’ve had the absolute privilege of knowing April for 4 or 5 years now. I am just amazed at her work ethic and dedication to young children with disabilities. I pride myself on being a strong advocate mother myself. However, last year I came across an unfortunate situation that was just too draining and emotionally upsetting to face on my own. April handled my daughter’s situation with professionalism. Ultimately, the entire IEP document from present levels to goals to placement was changed in our favor. Not an easy task. But April had a plan from day one. Even when I was having doubts, she assured me to trust in my advocate mother heart. We can’t live with regrets, but I do regret not coming to April sooner. I would have saved a lot of heartache, and she would have helped me set up my daughter’s special education up right from the start.
  Emily W.  April exceeded our hopes and expectations for an advocate. Her wealth of knowledge, experience, and professionalism has guided us into the ideal educational situation for our daughter. She is communicative, flexible, and personable, as well as punctual and available. She took the time to get to know our daughter and our family, as well as our goals and educational desires. Her guidance in both IEPs and the IHSS process has been more fruitful than we could have imagined. I could not recommend her more!
  Shay M.  As any parent of a special needs child knows, we very often find ourselves in challenging & overwhelming situations. In the effort to provide my child with the best possible care medically, educationally & beyond, I encountered some very difficult processes & despite my best efforts was unsuccessful in securing the benefits my child was entitled to due to his medical diagnosis. I have never been given a better recommendation than the advocacy services of April Villafana. April assisted us through the process of applying for IHSS for my son & was instrumental in the final successful outcome of receiving his benefits. She was extremely helpful in explaining things & assisting us through every step of the process and was always available for consultation & questions. We had applied unsuccessfully on our own but with April’s guidance we were successful in our next attempt & my son received the maximum of benefits. She could not have been more thorough, helpful & communicative. We are so thankful we were referred to her services.
  Tamara S.  As a teacher, I have had experience with the IEP process. As a parent, it was a whole new experience. It has changed me as an educator. I needed help and support. Our speech pathologist suggested April. She was wonderful! I recommend April with the highest regard. Her knowledge, her kindness, and her compassion made her an intricate part of my son’s IEP Team. I am very grateful to her, and the support she gave while setting up a plan for my little guy’s success. Thank you April!
  Tania B.  We were referred to April by a friend and we are so glad we were! When I first started researching IHSS for my daughter, I was overwhelmed and intimidated by the whole process. From the first consultation, April put my mind at ease with her vast knowledge and genuine compassion. She explained every detail and was always available to answer any of my questions. She kept me involved and aware of any updates and always explained what would be happening next. I can’t imagine trying to navigate the IHSS/IEP world on my own and I am so thankful to have April guide me through it. I can’t recommend April Villafaña Advocacy enough!
  Susanna R.  I was so misinformed until I started working with April. I thought I had no say and that my only choice was to trust the professionals. Thankfully April taught me how to leverage my complaints, she got the district representative involved, and believe it or not there was a quick and easy fix after all. I wish parents didn’t have to use advocates, but if you are feeling you need one, look no further! Thank you for everything you have done for Ava and our family.
  Leslie C.  I loved working with April to help my son Weston and I to start the IHSS program. She made the whole process seamless and easy. She was honest and hard working. We were approved for way more hours than expected and it was all because of her. We will be using her a lot in the future. Thanks April!
  Elaine K.  April Villafaña is an experienced, knowledgeable and personable advocate. Right from the start, she made me feel comfortable and listened to the type of preschool placement I hoped for my child to have. She is always there to answer any questions and to make sure that the best possible IEP is put together. She is thorough and thoughtful in her work. I am so happy to have April on our side!
  Jim M.  April is absolutely the BEST Advocate my family has interacted with. In addition to her broad-based knowledge and experience working with schools and the County, she delicately navigates the interpersonal aspect of her job, dedicating herself to the client. To say April exceeded our expectations is an understatement. Many, many thanks!!!
  Ashley P.  April is extremely knowledgeable & supportive! She helped us through my daughters IHSS appeal & her IEP. If it weren’t for April my daughter would not be getting the services she is currently receiving. April is not only knowledgeable in special education rights for children, but she is also a parent of a beautiful little girl with special needs. She understands the stress & fear parents go through when dealing with schools. Her compassion, positive energy & direct but civil approach has gained her such notoriety in the special needs community.
  E.M.  My family is so grateful that another mother referred us to April for her services. April was very responsive to all of my questions and concerns about my son, and getting him all of the services and IHSS hours possible. With April’s help, we receive an amazing amount of hours and support from IHSS. She was with us every step of the way, starting with an IEP meeting and the entire IHSS process. She was available for all meetings, questions and concerns. April is very knowledgeable about the process and requirements. I feel like my son is getting the help that he deserves due to his condition for the first time in YEARS. I would recommend April to any family looking for an expert in the IEP and IHSS process. So grateful for her! Worth every penny and MORE! 
  Kinga S.  I was referred to April by a friend, a few months ago, and I'm so happy that I was! April helped my husband and I with our son's IEP and transition into a new program. She helped us through every step of the long process. She also observed my son at school, and joined me as I toured his new program. This was helpful because it gave us yet another set of eyes to aid our decision. She is extremely easy to work with, as well as personable and professional. For any parent going through the workings of an IEP, the process can be very overwhelming and scary. Having someone like April, who knows the right questions to ask is so great! April went above and beyond, and walked us through everything in great detail, which in-turn made us feel comfortable with the decision process. If I ever have the opportunity I will always refer my friends and acquaintances to her. She is seriously the best! Thank you so much April!
  Robert B. We hired April last year before applying for IHSS. Our San Diego County Social Worker did not even look at our daughter during the appointment, and our initial decision was for a very small amount of hours. April and Ashley provided advocacy for us at our Fair Hearing and I have to say, not only are they amazing at what they do, but it was truly worth every penny. With the various 'legalese' being spoken during the hearing, I can attest that there is no way we could have done this on our own. After the hearing, we received an adjusted statement a month later, which multiplied our authorized hours by 5.5 times our initial decision, including retroactive pay to the start date! Please, do yourself a favor and hire one of them - you will not regret it!
  Mo M.  I was lucky to meet April almost five years ago, shortly after our Fiona was born. After moving cross-country, and then back to San Diego, she had been a HUGE advocate and resource for our family to help insure an amazing future for our daughter. When we were going through Due Process last year she was there to help guide us and bounce ideas off of. When I started the process of applying for IHSS she had so much knowledge to guide us through the process and what documentation would help us get the most for Fiona and to make it a smooth and easy process. We are so lucky and thankful for her expertise and how she genuinely cares for everyone she advocates for. She not only is very knowledgeable in IHSS and IEPs but also knows so much about local resources and programs. Thanks April for always fighting to help kids get best to help them reach their fullest potential!
  Melissa T.  I was staying awake at night in frustration that my child was not receiving the assistance required to be successful in school. Why didn't he deserve the other therapies and aides and support other kids seem to get handed to them? Finally I heard about April, and thank goodness for my friend's recommendation. April let me know my rights, calling an IEP instead of waiting for the annual meeting, audio recording, asking for real assessments not just informal ones. We needed two IEP meetings, the one we called, the annual, and will need at least one more meeting to review assessments. I know I am in good hands. Finally I got the apologies from the school staff and teacher I have been waiting for. Happy tears of relief. Finally we have real academic goals, and a whole page of accommodations and other assistance measures. Hire April, you will learn to be your child's voice and she will teach you to be confident and supported in this confusing process.
  Bethany W.  I wish we’d met April seventeen years ago! My son Evan has Down syndrome and it’s been a roller coaster ride of IEP meetings, health issues, and trying to apply for needed services that would benefit him educationally, physically, and emotionally. We met April around a year ago, and what she was able to do for us in this year has changed our lives, and I finally feel like I have someone on our team who is knowledgeable, savvy to IEPs and IHSS services and truly cares about my son and our family. Thank you April Villafana!
  Taylor K.  I cannot speak more highly of April and how amazing she is at her job. I honestly thought getting my daughter an IEP was hopeless. The school continued to tell me she was fine and didn’t need one. As a mother, I knew in my gut something wasn’t right and my daughter needed help. I heard about April through a friend and contacted her immediately and I’m so happy I did! April reassured me that my daughter did qualify for an IEP, and she made me confident that we would get her one. About a month after contacting April, and the school reassessing, my daughter was approved for an IEP! Last year it took me the whole school year, trying my hardest, on my own, to get my daughter an IEP (and I was denied). But this year with April’s help we were able to get her an IEP almost immediately! She really did fight for my child and made sure she got the help she needed and deserved. I will forever be grateful to April and I recommend her to anyone struggling with the same thing!
  Beth M.  April is amazing! She is professional, articulate, and very understanding to those in the process of applying for IHSS. We would not have been able to walk through the process without her, and her service was invaluable! She really knows her stuff and was able to prepare us more than adequately for any paperwork, interviews and questions. Worth EVERY penny for the assistance, encouragement and support. A small price to pay for changing our family's life for the better in unnumbered ways.
  Mansi B.  I recommend April wholeheartedly and unequivocally to every special family. In the six months, she has been Ishan’s advocate, he has gotten better services and resources than ever before; and I have been more confident, at peace and more optimistic of this journey than ever before. She has been an asset in the IEP process due to her knowledge of school resources, observations of my son in general education and special education settings, and her ability to work collaboratively, but also in setting the right goals and getting appropriate inclusion time. April’s help was invaluable in the IHSS process. It was a very personal difficult process but April was there every step of the way with the result we got better outcomes than we could have imagined. When April is your advocate, she goes beyond the call of duty and is your go to special angel in this special journey. Whether it is recommending swim lessons or respite or anything you may need, her guidance has been perfect.
  Sandy C.  For the last few years my IEPs had not been very good, so this year I got smart and brought April as my advocate to the IEP. It turned into a four-part IEP thanks to April's detailed scrutiny of the goals, language, and time for services. My district wanted to short change my daughter in so many areas. As a result, my daughter got everything she deserved and much… much more. I highly recommend April for the job. She's very knowledgeable about our rights and because she also has a daughter with special needs, she puts her heart into every interaction. I should have hired April years ago!
  Alex S.  April is everything you want in an advocate- knowledgeable, smart, savvy and warm. She has an in-depth knowledge of IHSS, Regional Center, and the IEP process at all the local school districts. I feel like I became a much better advocate for my child after watching her in action. Money well spent!
  Nicole P.  April Villafana Advocacy is exceptional in every way. April is knowledgeable, thorough, responsive, professional and caring. She has been a highly effective champion for our child, while still fostering positive relationships with others, so that various groups (for IEP and IHSS) are working towards a common goal.....the best for our child! April delivers results, and we couldn't be happier with our decision to work with her. Highly, highly recommend April Villafana Advocacy.
  Jill M.  If your little one has any type of special need, you want Mrs. April Villafana at your side during your child's IEP meeting. She came to our home, met my son, observed him in both his special ed class and gen ed class, consulted with me regarding my parent rights, and attended his IEP meeting. She was polite to everyone on the "other side of the table" but spoke up when needed... to ensure my child got the help he is entitled to, and more services (school based therapies). April is amazing, don't think twice about hiring her advocacy service. You are a lucky mom if she takes your child's case!
  Nazanin S.  If you are looking for someone professional, amazing and knowledgeable in the IHSS process don't look for anyone else. April made this tough and long process so easy for me with her excellent knowledge. I can't imagine going through this process without her. She was always available for every single question that I had, and updated me step-by-step of what was going on. I feel so grateful to work with her since it's not easy to find someone like her, to have not only the knowledge but also care for your situation. I highly recommend April for advocacy for your child and for those who needs help with the IHSS process.
​  Abbey G.  I found April on Facebook and called her for a phone consult. She was honest and forthcoming with knowledge from day one. She has helped me successfully navigate the IHSS system and assisted us in getting Regional Center benefits. Currently she is helping us get our IEP in order. Her knowledge is invaluable and her kindness is just the bonus we all get! I literally could not have done all this without her help, great advice and care.
  Sandra G.  I cannot begin to tell you how amazing April is. She was extremely instrumental in getting our daughter the placement we felt was best when she turned three years old. She has so much knowledge about the laws, and really helped inform us on what assessments and services to expect and ask for. April was a huge help in establishing our daughter's goals for her initial IEP. I am forever grateful to April Villafaña.... she is AWESOME!
  Martha B.  Thanks April for supporting your clients in everything. I personally have a lot to thank you for. You are a great person who sincerely cares about giving the best. Thanks to your presence at my appointment with the Social Worker, the best result could be achieved, regardless of distance and language, I counted on your help. Sincerely GRACIAS, you do an excellent job!
  Edith W.  April is amazing. She helped me secure the maximum in monthly Protective Supervision IHSS benefits for my Autistic son. I also will never show up to another IEP meeting unless April can attend. Wow night-and-day difference when I have April as a professional advocate on my side. The school stopped saying no, and started being open to collaboration. She is a true TEAM builder.
  Stephanie H.  April's been such a blessing to our family. I was initially worried retaining an Advocate would be viewed as aggressive or confrontational. Overall I had a decent relationship with my daughter's teacher and IEP team, but they just did not believe in the many RESEARCHED benefits of inclusion. However, as soon as our daughter's special education coordinator heard we hired April, she said: I worked with her before, and I am so glad you hired April Villafana to support you. April's advocacy services ultimately helped put my daughter back on track for inclusion. And not just mainstreaming, true and meaningful inclusion in her general education class. April thank you for listening to me, thank you for crying with me, thank you for being at my side at every IEP meeting. It has been a successful year because of you! We can't wait for next year also. High expectations deliver good results.
  Amanda B.  I am so lucky I was referred to April from another parent. My son is now three years old. April has been his advocate for over two years. From help with obtaining IHSS, to general Medi-Cal questions, to helping resolve disputes within the school system, April has been by my side. She is worth every dollar and more! Her heart is truly with her clients and their special needs child. Thank you April for all you have done for Ben and I.
  Ashley N.  April is the best! Initially, I thought I would be able to apply for IHSS on my own, but after looking into the application process, we decided to hire April, and I’m so happy we did! She was prepared, organized, and so sweet throughout the entire process, and she truly went above and beyond to help our son. We ended up being approved for more hours than we initially expected, and it was all due to April’s diligence and preparation. We so appreciate everything she did for us, and we are going to use her services for the upcoming IHSS re-certification process as well.
  Debbie R.  April is awesome. So caring, but most of all she listened to my concerns as a parent to my daughter. It was a wonderful experience. Had an IEP meeting and really helped me navigate through all the hoops and loops. We increased our daughter mainstream time. Very happy with the outcome. Recommend her 100%.
  Natasha T.  If you need help fighting for your child's rights and services, April is your lady! She made the process of getting the services for our child so smooth in comparison to if we had done it on our own. She knows the system in and out, is extremely articulate and passionate for family's rights. Our family would absolutely recommend her services to anyone!
  John C.  April Advocacy knows how to read their faces- Knows where to hold them, when to fold them, when to walk away and when to run- Told us when to run to a special education attorney. Very pleased with our child's final outcome. Thank you April Advocacy for your participation, advice and direction.
  Marlene F.  April is the best. She helped me on a service issue with our son's IEP. With her thorough knowledge and savviness, I was able to argue effectively with the District about the problem. Not only is she well versed in IEPs, but also services with the Regional Center. If you want an advocate who will support the needs of your child, April is the person you need to speak with!
  Amanda W.  I can’t say enough great things about April Villafana! April helped our family obtain In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for our son, Ryker, which wasn't a quick or easy feat! We applied when he was only two years old, so even after April spent time with me reviewing the IHSS Nuts and Bolts Handbook and helped me figure out what categories to "go for", based on his specific needs, we were initially denied (which is typical for a child so young). But April's help didn't stop with the denial! She attended a home re-assessment by the social worker as my advocate and, after we were denied again, she helped me with the appeal process (prepping supportive documents to prove his needs and preparing my written statement). Finally, she sat with us when we had our court date with the judge to support us an advocate. Honestly, if it weren't for her knowledge, time investment, and incredible help and support, I don't believe we would have made it through the process! We are so grateful for all of her help!
  Karyn S.  I have worked with April in a variety of endeavors, including program committee for Involved Exceptional Parents Day (IEP Day). She is passionate and objective, with unmatched concern for other families. April often consults with me about children who are in need of speech and language treatment, and works hard to connect them to viable options. I highly recommend her services.
  Nicole I.  I’m a mom of a 4 year old girl with special needs. I found April through a friend at church and I am so happy we decided to go with her. April is such a wonderful advocate and I can tell she loves her job. I have learned so much from her and she has helped my family out tremendously with all our IHSS issues. There is no way I could have gone up against IHSS without her help. She got the job done and I could not be more grateful for the time and effort she put into our case. She’s the best. Thank you April!  
  Jenny R.  April offers valuable advocacy services. She is very sensible and discerning. We are forever grateful for the overall improvements in our child's education and Regional Center services. She was very professional and patient with our family. We hope to use her service annually. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
  Tiffany G.  After two years of fighting back and forth with IHSS, I was fed up, and so tired of the whole system. As soon as I contacted April Villafana things began to move in the right direction. My son was finally approved for Protective Supervision within a couple of short months, all thanks to April. April Villafana was so easy to work with, and truly has your child's best interest at heart. I would recommend her to anyone looking for guidance, advocacy, appeals, or even if you just simply have questions about the In-Home Supportive Services program. Thanks April for everything!
  Becke S.  I recently went through the process of my son's first IEP and with April by my side I didn't stress out. She is a wealth of knowledge and made sure I was prepared. There is a lot to know about advocating for your child and she is the first person I recommend anyone turning to.
  Veronica G.  We want to thank April Villafana for being our family's advocate. Our daughter Galilea is only fourteen months old, she was born with Down syndrome, and we did not know the importance of the IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) and how every single word that is in writing could affect her future, until we met April. Her knowledge and professionalism has helped us to understand the process and how to request services that our daughter needs, and now is receiving. It is very important that we as a family educate ourselves to help advance our kid’s future. April is a person that is willing to help families and she has made a difference in our lives, and most important in Galilea’s life. Thank you April!
  Yesica F.  After moving from Riverside to San Diego, I was totally lost with all the services for my baby (sixteen months old). I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet April. She has been a great resource and a support when it comes to answering my IFSP questions and guiding me to the appropriate resources.
  Alexis G.  I heard April and a group of special education attorneys present at the IEP Day Conference in San Diego. She had very practical, and excellent advice for parents. I look forward to hearing her speak again in the future. 
  Kristi K.  April is awesome! It’s so great as a fellow advocate to learn from someone who truly has a heart for all her clients and really knows her stuff.
  Maria D.  April Villafana is an incredible person with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for helping people. I am so happy to know her and work with her!
  Heather M.  April is quick to get back to you and very knowledgeable! She helped us with an issue with Regional Center, and not only helped expedite the process, but helped ease my mind with it. Thanks!
  Marie B.  April has helped us with so many issues ranging from respite, Medi-Cal Waiver, and more. We refer all the families we know to her and she gets in contact with them right away. Thanks!
  Karen F.  April is incredibly knowledgeable about so many things related to raising a child with special needs. She knows what to ask for from your school district or Regional Center worker and how to ask correctly to really get it, which is not always easy! She is an excellent advocate.
  Nick G.  April helped our family a lot. We are new to the country, but she helped us to receive a lot of services for our daughter at school, helped us to deal with Regional Center, explained how Medi-Cal works for kids with special needs, and much more. April always very quick to answer and to explain what is going on and what we should do. Thank you, April!
  Cory D.  I cannot say enough good things about April Villafaña! She is so knowledgeable and supportive. She takes the time to walk you through any process you need help with and she makes sure you understand the information at hand.
  Jenn H.  Both April and I have kiddos with Down syndrome around the same age and have gotten to know each other through different events and social media groups. She has always been one of my "go to" mamas, and has over the years has given advice or showed me down the right path whenever questions came up (and oh did they come up!) As Finn began to grow older, we thought that maybe we had reached a point where IHSS might be an option for us and he would qualify based on his needs. We spoke in the summer for a consult, and after consulting many other mamas I thought that I would do something brave...and apply on my own! It wasn't long before I called April and begged, "Help Me! I think I really screwed this up!" She was so calm and confident and lovingly took us on as clients (and she never once said "I told you so!"). Her organization and knowledge is just so amazing. In fact, during our initial home visit SHE was handing the social worker papers HE needed. More than anything, she just took such a HUGE load off my plate and I felt safe and guided the entire process. Even when I felt the fear rise up and asked, "But what if they..." questions (and there was many), she would just give me a reassuring smile and tell me, "Don't worry, we'll get Finn what he deserves". She was always reasonable and continually puts the needs of the child at the front of the fight. Although, with all her help we had a smooth process with no major bumps that she couldn't handle. She held our hands the whole way through, and I'm happy to report that just as her smile promised, Finn was awarded the hours that he was deserving of and our family had found a new balance in our life. She truly is amazing and my only regret was that I hadn't said YES from the get go. Being a parent to a child with special needs can sometimes feel so overwhelming and there are just so many hurdles to jump over. I've always believed that you don't have to know all the answers, you just need to know someone else who DOES and April DOES! I feel so grateful to have made a connection with her early on and I feel lucky to have her in Finn's corner. Let April help you, she is worth every penny and then some!
  Joori H.  We have a daughter who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 4 1/2. We had to move from another country to the United States in order to get the service that she needs. Things have been really challenging for me. There were so many moments where I felt frustrated, sad and hopeless. Since I am a foreigner, and my first language is not English, most steps were not easy, and I felt so frustrated time to time. Whenever I needed someone to help, April Villafana was there for me, and gave me prompt assistance. I had met April Villafana at my first support group meeting for families with children with special needs last summer at Sunset Park. As a beginner traveler along this long life journey, simply knowing someone was there already had meant a lot to me. Then April Villafana assisted me when applying for IHSS service. She gave us help, support, practical tips, and critical advice all through the process. April Villafana is a Professional Advocate, an expert her field, a sweet person, kind and friendly. April has been so wonderful, and I know I wouldn’t have received what I needed from IHSS without her help. I strongly recommend her being a part of your challenging journey, with your special little one. I feel very lucky to have encountered April in my life. Thank you, April for all you do for my family!
  Viviana C.  April has been a blessing to our family. When my son was born with Down syndrome and other heath conditions, I felt so overwhelmed and then I had to not only worry about the medical side, but his new relationship with Regional Center for his early intervention program, therapists, IFSP, etc. I met April when my son was born through the Down Syndrome Association. April was always available for support, advice, and questions. April not only made me feel at ease by sharing all the medical knowledge she knew and referrals. Due to her experience, I was able to get my son the best doctors, therapists, for his entire medical needs. April’s expertise and knowledge has been a benefit to him from infancy up to now. She was phenomenal with all his IFSP’s and I got to know what was available such as speech, free signing programs at Crimson Center, a year of free preschool through the HOPE program, loner hearing aids, respite, IHSS, and much more. My favorite part of using her advocacy has been that I am learning from such a great example in how to be an advocate for my son and help others as she has done. When my son transitioned from IFSP’s to IEP’s I was so grateful to have April, as I was standing up for my son to be in a full-inclusion program. I knew I was in good hands with April, as she has had to advocate for her own daughter, and has been successful. I’ve witnessed so many families she has helped, and the difference she has made for these kiddos in schools, and with IHSS. Matthan’s first IEP went wonderful, we got my son speech, OT, PT, and with April being so knowledgeable and expertise my son was able to stay at his preschool with typical kids, two days a week until now. We are scheduled for his second IEP next week, and we have full confidence it will turn out great, and even better than if I was just my husband, and I alone. April is amazing, well-known, dedicated, and extremely knowledgeable. April makes a tremendous difference with kiddos with disabilities, and also with typical kids that need an IEP due to ADHD or other reasons that may interfere with their education. I am extremely confident in April’s assistance, as I use her advocacy for two of my sons! April is extremely organized, her manner is exceptional, and it is evident in all her success stories.
  Norma V.  Let me tell you about my experience with April Villafana. My son started school five months ago. I thought everything was great. He came home happy, always anxious to go to school, nice staff. However, this only went on for a bit. My son started coming home with wet bibs, dirty diapers, he wasn’t being taken out of his stroller (he is non-mobile and non-verbal). My complaints were not being heard. It broke my heart to see my baby trying to get an aide’s attention, reaching his little arm out asking to be let out to play. I come back to my son’s IEP, the one we had right before he started school. I didn’t realize how important it was to know my rights and my son’s. I just went along with most things being said and offered, yet, even then, it wasn’t being done. This is how I met April Villafana. My son’s therapist knows her personally, and she is well known in the community for special needs kiddos. I hear many great things from a friend as well, so she gave me her contact information, and we went from there. April is professional, as well as caring. I’ve had people tell me, “I know how you feel”? Well, unless they are a special needs parent, they don’t. I didn’t feel that way with April. Why? Because she’s had these issues, as well as many others to overcome, with her daughter. April knows what I felt, and I couldn’t hold back tears as I poured my heart out. My son was not being treated right, and all I want for him is to enjoy school and be treated with respect. Why is this so much to ask from the school? What are my rights as a parent? How can I make this better? How do I get the teacher and aides to cooperate? Why didn’t I look in to what an IEP really meant before going? This and many other questions ate me up for weeks. We called another IEP, got things going, and met yesterday. I have never felt so relieved having someone on my side, someone who is not afraid to ask and demand any little thing we might need. It went perfect! I love that April is well mannered and knows how to word our needs. I sadly lack that. My emotions get in the way. It goes downhill from there. Besides all of that, I still have a long ways to go when It comes to the special needs education. ​I feel it is important to have someone like April by your side for IEP meetings, and any concerns not being met by the school. She knows the ins-and-outs of the system so we don’t have to do much work on that part. I have my babies to take care of. April is a professional at this. I left all the paperwork to her and trusted her to advocate for my son. That’s exactly what she did, and more.
  Gina B.  When I first moved out to San Diego I didn't know anybody, or the help that my son, Caleb, was missing out on. I thought Regional Center was the only place that offered my son help, as I knew no one that had kids with Down syndrome. I went to a couple of Down syndrome meetings but I didn't really meet anyone. Mostly people would ask me questions about Caleb since he was the oldest (he was two years old then) and everyone else had babies. As a newly divorced mom I was struggling with Caleb because I felt he wasn't get the proper help. Caleb wasn't talking and he was having a hard time walking. By now he was three years old and his Doctor, nor the Regional Center offered any help when I asked. Fast-forward to two years later and I met April. April has not only been amazing, but a blessing and Godsend! She helped me get Caleb on the right track. I was able to get PT, OT, Speech, and a Behaviorist for my son! My Caleb was so behind that in the few months that he has started his therapies... his speech, walking, and his fine motor skills have all improved. It's amazing to see how well Caleb is doing from a year ago. I'm so proud of him, but without April's help my baby wouldn't be advancing so well. Not only that but she was able to help me get an Intra-District Transfer after I was told no! My son was able to stay in his school after we moved to another city. I love California Avenue Preschool! The teachers and staff are awesome there! My Caleb loves them all and it was important for me to keep Caleb there. I can't thank April enough because she also helped Caleb get on the right track with his IEPs and he was able to get an extra session of OT a week! She's awesome! Not only has she always answered my questions, or been there with me for his IEPs, but she also told me about IHSS. Although it has been a long process, it's been worth it. April continues to help and guide me through the IHSS paperwork and follows up for me. I am SO thankful for all that she has done and continues to do for us. We love you April!! Plus, I've gotten to know her on a personal level and she's a wonderful mommy to two beautiful girls! I just love her little family. So please, if you need an advocate, look no further! April will help you as she is knowledgeable and a wealth of information. She is the BEST!
  Heather G.  April was so great to work with. She walked me through the entire IHSS process. She answered every question I had. She is very organized and responsive.
  Rick D.  I cannot say enough about April and her experience, selfless service, care, and knowledge about all things special needs. She has forgotten more than I will ever know on the subject.
  Nicole H.  If you need an advocate I would highly recommend April Villafana.
  Marci T.  April is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. She's always willing to help.
  Martha S.  I wanted to thank April for being our son's special education advocate, she was able to get him an IEP... finally after my years of begging his school. Yay! Thank you for giving me results and new hope!
  Candice W.  She has changed our lives! I am so thankful for her help and direction! She has been Godsend. 
  Thomas F.  We hired April to be our son's educational advocate, and the outcomes we requested were all delivered. Thank you for your ongoing advocacy support at the IEP meetings. 
  Kelly W.  What a blessing this lady is!!! She is so knowledgeable, understanding and helpful. Thanks to her we got all of our IHSS needs met! Thank you April!
  Jwana A.  I want to take a moment to thank April Villafaña for the knowledge she passed down to me, and for helping me get the maximum hours from IHSS... thank you so much!
  Guille A.  April Villafaña is very knowledgeable and a great resource for special needs families. I appreciate her quick responses to my questions and her willingness to help. Definitely recommend!
  Christy C.  April was wonderful to work with and went above and beyond to help and support us through the IHSS process. I highly recommend her! She's a wonderful and very accomplished advocate!
  Anne H.  I did a consulting session with April (over lunch) to learn more about the San Diego area and she was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. 
  Jill W.  If it weren't for April, we wouldn't have even known about IHSS! With her help, we traveled through the complicated process and got qualified.
  Sally S.  April is highly knowledgeable and so very helpful! She is great!
  Zaira O.  April is wonderful! She is very educated in IHSS nuts and bolts. Responsive to questions and phone call in a timely manner. 
  Delilah T.  April was very helpful with our IHSS application; we are blessed to have met her! She is extremely professional and prompt to respond. Thank you for your help April!
  Becky R.  Thankfully we have April join us at all IEP meetings, and we have started to see both of our children improve academically and socially. April is an experienced and efficient advocate. 
  Robin D.  We got IHSS' Protective Supervision! It took six months but we got it. Thank you April Villafaña! I started off doing it by myself but then when we received our denial I knew we needed help. April's advocacy got us a reassessment instead of having to go to appeal. April Villafaña Advocacy, thank you! I highly recommend her. 
  Ashley H.  April is amazing. She helped guide me through the entire IHSS process. And also helped with my daughter's IPP and Regional Center. And has even advised me on the IEP. She is very knowledgeable, as well as very sweet and kind. Her heart is in the right place. If you want someone who truly wants to help your child, she's the person.
  Jackie T.  April is extremely honest, responsive and organized. She guides parents with empathy and an armory of knowledge and resources. I highly recommend her.

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