I was part of the system that I now work in…

As I sit across one of the youth who I am meeting for the first time, I look at the face of a child who is unsure about meeting me and has the look of distrust. I know that look all too well. I say, “I want to tell you something because I see the way you are looking at me” I see their eyes roll, telling me they already know where I am going. But, they don’t. I say, “When I was your age, I was in Gardner Betts too.” The look on their face changes. Their eye brows raise. They always ask me the same question: What did you do miss? I laugh. I tell them the same thing, “thats not important. What IS important is that I am not someone who is going to judge you or think of you as a trouble maker or label you as bad. I’m here to support you because I know what it feels like to need support, be out of control and not be fully understood” . I remember sitting in those chairs and being asked a million questions and I thought to myself, this person has no clue what I’ve been through. But thankfully, all the roads I’ve taken have led me to this field of work. The youth teach me everyday that it doesn’t matter how old you are, labels are inevitable and there are always systems in place that are designed to destroy and conquer. I am in this field for a reason and I will be forever grateful to the people who supported me and guided me to be the person that I am.

Our Case Management Philosophy

At ALMA of Austin, we pride ourselves on having a thoughtful and fully developed casework philosophy rooted in dignity, advocacy, and accountability. It is our honor to share this approach with you so that you can make an informed and confident decision when choosing to work with us.

We believe that every individual and family deserves to be heard, respected, and supported—especially when navigating complex systems such as education and disability services. Our work is guided by a commitment to equity, ensuring that youth receive the services, opportunities, and protections they are entitled to under the law.

How We Approach Our Work

Our casework is centered on:

• Advocacy First
  We prioritize the rights of the youth and families we serve, ensuring that schools and systems are held accountable to legal standards such as IDEA.

• Collaboration with Families
  We work alongside families—not above them—empowering them with knowledge, voice, and confidence throughout the process.

• Individualized Support
  Every case is unique. We take the time to understand each youth’s specific needs, challenges, and goals.

• Transparency & Integrity
  We communicate clearly, set realistic expectations, and remain honest throughout every step of the process.

• Consistency & Commitment
  Our support does not end at the meeting. We remain engaged, responsive, and available throughout the entire advocacy journey.

Our Commitment to You

At ALMA, this is more than a service—it is a responsibility. We are committed to standing beside you, advocating with purpose, and working toward outcomes that truly support the growth, education, and future of your child.

Why This Matters

Choosing an advocate is an important decision. By sharing our philosophy openly, we aim to build trust, clarity, and confidence from the very beginning—because you deserve to know exactly who is standing with you.