Andrea Robertson is a passionate activist and philanthropist for her child on the autism spectrum. Andrea has over a decade in fighting and advocating for school choice and educational rights for special needs. Andrea is the mother of Lexie, who is the namesake for Lexie’s Law, an Arizona State school corporate tax credit program. Andrea is also a regular member of the Arizona Senate Subcommittee on Education where she has helped formed the structure of the Empower Savings Account (“ESA’) and fought for the constitutionality of the program. Andrea is both a graduated member of Scottsdale Leadership Class XXX as well as a program day chair for Ethics and Diversity Day as well as President of the Board of Director for 2 years serving for a total of 5 years. Andrea is a proud Board member for National Charity League a non-profit organization designed to encourage community service and volunteering opportunities for mothers and daughters serving as President for one year of her 4-year involvement and now serves as President of the sustainers now that her daughters have graduated. Andrea is also a board member for The HEART Center an equine therapy and educational program for special needs individuals. Andrea is the Founder of her Foundation Lexie’s Voice, she continues to advocate and advance the educational needs for all special needs children, their families, the professionals that support them and other nonprofits that need supporting. Andrea is a native of Arizona, Scottsdale resident, is married with 5 kids and enjoys spending her spare time with her husband and family.
FWM: You have over a decade in fighting and advocating for school choice and educational rights for special needs. Share your background.
It’s probably a very similar origin story to most thrust in a battle they did not seek. I am by nature not a fighter or looking for fights, quite the opposite, I always avoided fights. However, as a young mother without many resources and being told that the educational system and State that has been the only home, I know told me that my daughter could not be educated instantly thrust me into defense mode and caused me to fight. Through time and education and support I turned that offensive fight into an offensive one.
FWM: What do you want people to know about your daughter, Lexie?
Lexie is more than her diagnosis of Autism, she can be and will be a productive member of society – just in a different style/fashion than society is accustomed to… In fact wonderful to see the evolution taking place that is creating a more welcoming society and place for all children and adults on the spectrum.
FWM: As the Founder of the Foundation Lexie’s Voice, what is your mission?
We are a Scottsdale based 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting those with autism and other developmental disabilities by supporting the families and supporting the professionals and other nonprofits that work with them.
FWM: Recently, you have joined the nonprofit, The Harbor House Foundation to help the Ukrainian Refugees. Why is this so important to you?
I am connected to HHF and the Ukrainian in a few very important ways; 1) My family, while a bit removed from the Ukraine, is all Ukrainian, 2) I have personally witnessed how amazing the Jones family and HHF is and the amazing things they do, 3) I was once a struggling single mother and know how tough the struggles are, I couldn’t imagine having gone through my path with also being displaced from my home, family, and community. Our support of this cause helps us expand our mission into the world and provide resources to be used for these displaced families that are also dealing with disabilities.
A recent press release on The Harbor House Foundation. Please help in any way you can. https://www.einpresswire.com/article/565212326/oklahoma-non-profit-housing-ukrainian-refugees-in-germany-castle
FWM: You are a Board member for the National Charity League. Share your initiatives.
Fostering the mother-daughter relationship through an ongoing commitment to philanthropy, culture and leadership. We are a multi-generational philanthropic organization of mother and daughters who volunteer close to three million hours annually to over 6,000 charities in the United States. We practice philanthropy which is the active effort to promote human welfare.
- Strengthening the mother-daughter bond
- Empowering women with the skills and confidence to mentor and lead
- Inspiring a legacy of social awareness and compassion
- Providing depth of support in local communities
- Honoring a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Modeling integrity, graciousness, and excellence
FWM: How important is The HEART Center, equine therapy and educational program for children with special needs individuals?
The H.E.A.R.T. Center was founded in 2014 with the mission of providing alternative and intentional therapeutic learning opportunities to children with social learning challenges and related disorders.
Today we continue to fulfill this mission through innovative and evidence-based practices. We strive every day to empower individuals with special needs to build confidence and develop life skills through recreation and activity integrated educational programs.
Where do I start 15 years in the making, Lexie went from a child that wouldn’t go near a horse to riding with Chelsea, sitting on her lap facing backwards in her arms in big bear hug to solo trotting! Gaining confidence all along he way, so much confidence over the years she has been able to go to sleep away camp where she has flourished in her social skills and independence in her life skills. This program has been life changing for her in ever aspect of her life.
@Andirobertson
