Samantha Bellah

I studied law and psychology in college, then worked in government security before stepping away to raise my two kids. While staying home, I started substitute teaching, and when my youngest began kindergarten, I took on a full-time role as a 1:1 paraeducator for a student receiving special education services. That experience opened my eyes to just how many students were being overlooked or not receiving the support they truly needed, and I knew I couldn’t just stand by and watch.

I went back to school and earned my certifications in general education (K–8) and special education (K–12). I loved being in the classroom, working directly with students, and always advocating for them, even when it meant pushing back. But I quickly realized that the system was asking me to wear too many hats: a general education teacher, special education teacher, behavior response coordinator, and self-contained teacher all rolled into one. This “one-size-fits-all” approach didn’t serve my students, and I wasn’t able to provide the individualized support they needed. 

I spoke up when I saw laws being ignored and presented data to support my claims, but I wasn’t always heard. I even reached out to the state when my district wasn’t following special education requirements. Over time, I realized I was being asked to compromise my values, with the focus shifting more toward satisfying the district than doing what was best for my students. I wasn’t allowed to provide the real, meaningful support they truly needed. That’s when I made the difficult decision to leave teaching and start Rise Up Advocacy.

Now, I’m passionate about helping families navigate the special education system and ensuring their child gets the support they need to succeed. Having sat at the IEP table as a teacher and written IEPs myself, I now want to be by your side as an advocate. My mission is to give families the tools, knowledge, and confidence to support their child’s educational journey.

Outside of work, I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and together we’re raising our two amazing kids in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.