About Upcountry Advocate Affiliates
Upcountry Advocate works with a small group of Affiliates—experienced advocates who support families while staying aligned with our values, tools, and communication standards. Affiliates use Upcountry Advocate’s templates and ethical practices to keep the experience consistent and supportive. ​​
​What to expect when working with an Affiliate​
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When you choose an Affiliate, you’ll work directly with that advocate. Affiliates are independent contractors, which means they manage their own caseload and clients. ​
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Unless separately arranged, families working with an Affiliate should not expect Kelly Camp or Maia Ginnelly to attend meetings.
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*Confidentiality is maintained in compliance with IDEA/FERPA and company privacy practices, using company-approved systems. Affiliates are responsible for their own work and professional conduct.*
Meet Carla Amaya
Carla supports families in the Greater Los Angeles area and works with many Spanish-speaking families.
She’s bilingual (English/Spanish), and we have a dedicated Spanish-language support line routed to her.
Carla can translate what the school is saying into plain language, help you decide what to ask for, and put your priorities into clear notes and next steps—so meetings feel more organized and less overwhelming.
(You’ll work directly with Carla as your advocate.)
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Ready to connect?
(209) 332-8840 | carla@upcountryadvocate.com
​“My name is Carla, and my career in education began more than 10 years ago—and along the way, I discovered a deep passion for Special Education. Over the years, I served as a teacher, coordinator, and advocate for students with learning differences, actively participating in countless IEP meetings and supporting families through every step of the process.
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My perspective shifted even more when my daughter Sophie was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two. Despite my professional experience, I quickly realized how difficult and isolating it could feel to fully understand and access the services that come with a diagnosis. I had to learn so much on my own, and at times the journey felt incredibly lonely. That experience inspired me to dedicate myself to advocacy—to walk beside families, not only through the initial diagnosis but also through the many steps that follow.
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Ways I support families can include IEP meeting preparation and attendance, consultations, and advocacy support through the process.”
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