Samantha Bellah

I didn’t start my career in education. I actually studied law and psychology and worked in government security before stepping away to raise my two kids. While I was home, I started substitute teaching, and that’s when everything changed.

When my youngest started kindergarten, I accepted a full-time position as a 1:1 paraeducator for a student receiving special education services. That experience opened my eyes to how many students were being overlooked or not receiving the IEP support they were legally entitled to. I couldn’t unsee it, and I knew I had to do something.

I went back to school and earned my teaching certifications in general education (K–8) and special education (K–12). As a special education teacher, I loved my students and the families I worked with, but I quickly realized the system wasn’t built to meet their needs. I was often expected to juggle the roles of general education teacher, special education teacher, and behavior response coordinator all at once. That “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t work, especially for students who depend on individualized instruction and accommodations.

When I saw special education laws being ignored, I spoke up. I documented missed service minutes, collected data, and even reached out to the state when my district wasn’t following IEP requirements. Over time, I realized I was being asked to choose between keeping quiet or standing up for students’ rights, and I couldn’t stay silent.

That’s why I founded Rise Up Advocacy.
I help parents navigate the IEP and 504 process so their child receives the support and services they’re entitled to under the law. My work includes IEP coaching, parent education, and advocacy guidance to help families feel confident, informed, and empowered in meetings with their school districts.

Having written and implemented IEPs myself, I know what’s supposed to happen and what often doesn’t. Now, I use that insider experience to support families through every step of the special education journey.

When I’m not working with families, you’ll probably find me with my husband (my high school sweetheart) and our two kids exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest, usually between a swim meet, a ballet rehearsal, or our next road trip.