Holy Spirit Special Education Advocacy
Cristina Dorta
Cristina Dorta started Holy Spirit Special Education Advocacy in April 2025 after many years of serving children and families in education. She worked as an educator for 17 years and then as an administrator for five years, where she advocated for special education programs. Cristina is certified by the National Association of Special Education Teachers and has experience with Multi-Tiered System of Supports, also known as MTSS.
Cristina explained that MTSS is the support schools provide before a child is placed in special education. It helps document a child’s academic or behavioral needs and gives schools the opportunity to create intervention plans before an official special education evaluation takes place.
Through Holy Spirit Special Education Advocacy, Cristina works with families who are concerned that schools are not providing or following a child’s Individual Education Plan. She listens to parents, explains what the law requires, and helps them understand their rights. Many of the families she serves have limited financial resources, and many are Spanish-speaking families who struggle to understand the school system and special education language.
Cristina said her goal is not to confront schools, but to collaborate. She creates a collaboration report that outlines the parent’s concerns, explains what the law says, and provides possible solutions for the school. Cristina said many schools have been grateful for these reports because they offer helpful insight and guidance.
Holy Spirit Special Education Advocacy serves families in Bexar County and surrounding areas. Cristina works with children with special needs, also known as exceptional children. These may include children with autism, speech impairments, hearing or vision impairments, Down syndrome, ADHD, dysgraphia, dyslexia, epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, and other qualifying needs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Cristina shared that special education advocacy is often too expensive for low-income families. “When you need to decide if you’re going to feed your family or defend your child,” she said, families need someone who can stand with them. Over the last year, Holy Spirit Special Education Advocacy has helped more than 45 families.
In addition to her advocacy work, Cristina volunteers with Special Olympics, the Down Syndrome Association, Beyond 22, and other community organizations. Through her faith-driven mission, Cristina hopes to empower families, strengthen children, and help schools and parents work together for the good of every child.
For more information or to donate, call
210-577-6500 or visit
www.holyspiritadvocacy.com
