Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea E Marrero Lopez
Hi Andrea E, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Building My Business from Teacher to a Business Owner: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
When I stepped into the world of special education, I knew my purpose was bigger than just a career. It was a calling, my passion. My journey began in 2015 when I started working at a special education school in Puerto Rico, where I discovered that the true value of teaching wasn’t in the salary but in the impact, I could have on students who needed a voice.
Leaving my island and my family (2017) was one of the toughest decisions I ever had to make. But deep inside, I knew that my mission extended beyond personal comfort. One of my goals when I moved to Florida was to learn how the public school system works, because I only had experience from a private school back in Puerto Rico. While learning about the system and working with parents, the more I realized the struggles they faced in understanding the education system, particularly the complexities of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) in the Hispanic culture. When they move from another country they have no idea how the program works, or how to advocate for their child.
That developed a desire in my heart because I wanted to ensure that every child, regardless of their cognitive challenges, had access to the support and advocacy they deserved. I also decided that I wanted to help the community I love outside of the school system.
With this realization, my business was born. At first, it was only tutoring students at home, students whose parents understand that they do not have a space that fits their child so they decide to homeschool, or students with ADHD who struggle with daily living skills like organization and time management. In 2022, I began only with individualized tutoring at home or online, but then I discovered that the need wasn’t mostly for the students it was also for parents.
So, what started as a simple idea—to educate and empower parents—quickly evolved into a full-fledged mission. I began creating content on social media, breaking down complex educational concepts into digestible, relatable information. The goal was clear: to equip parents with the knowledge they needed to advocate effectively for their children.
Over time, I expanded my reach by offering one-on-one consultations, guiding families through the IEP process, and ensuring they understood their rights. I also collaborate with other colleagues to offer parent workshops about the transition to school, and how to navigate the IEP. Now, with the launch of my scheduling system on Calendly, I’ve made it easier than ever for parents to access the guidance they need.
Today, my business is more than just a service; it’s a movement. It’s about standing up for children who may not have the words to express their needs and supporting parents who are navigating an often overwhelming system. Looking ahead, I envision expanding my resources, reaching more families, and continuing to be a beacon of knowledge and advocacy.
This journey has been one of resilience, growth, and unwavering dedication. And I wouldn’t change a single part of it. Because at the heart of it all, my business isn’t just something I built—it’s something I live for every single day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every step of the journey has come with its own set of challenges, but each obstacle has only strengthened my resolve.
One of the biggest struggles was leaving my home and my family to pursue this path. Being in a new environment, away from the comfort of familiarity, was emotionally challenging. I had to navigate a new system, build connections from scratch, and establish credibility in a space where trust is essential.
Another major hurdle was the financial aspect of starting a business. With limited resources, I had to learn how to market my services, create content, and manage all aspects of my business on my own. There were moments of doubt—times when I questioned whether I was reaching the people who truly needed my help.
Additionally, advocating for children with special needs comes with its own set of emotional challenges. Many parents come to me feeling overwhelmed and discouraged, and carrying their worries while trying to empower them required a great deal of emotional resilience.
Despite these struggles, every challenge has been a learning experience. Each obstacle has shaped me into a stronger advocate, educator, and entrepreneur. The road hasn’t been easy, but it has been deeply fulfilling—and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business is built on the foundation of advocacy, education, and empowerment for parents of children with special needs, especially in the Hispanic community. I specialize in guiding parents through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, breaking down complex educational policies into clear, actionable steps. My goal is to ensure that parents feel confident in advocating for their children’s rights and securing the best possible educational support.
What sets my business apart is the personalized, hands-on approach I take with every family I work with. Unlike generic educational resources, I provide individualized consultations, tailored guidance, and ongoing support to ensure parents fully understand their child’s educational journey.
Through my content on social media, I make information accessible, relatable, and easy to apply in real-life situations.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the trust I have built within the community. Parents know they can turn to me not just for information, but for genuine support and encouragement. My business is more than a service—it’s a mission to create lasting change in the lives of children and families.
I want readers to know that I am here to help. Whether they need assistance understanding their child’s IEP, navigating school meetings, or simply seeking reassurance that they are not alone in this journey, my services are designed to provide the clarity and confidence they need.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
God deserves all the glory for this journey—He instilled this passion in my heart and has given me the confidence to pursue it. My parents have been my biggest cheerleaders, always offering their unwavering support. I am also deeply grateful to my clients, whose trust in my work has been instrumental to my success. Their referrals and continued belief in my services have allowed my business to grow. Since starting in 2022, many of my homeschooling tutoring students have remained with me to this day, a testament to the lasting relationships I’ve built.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @andreamarrero.specialed
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092683140840
- Other: https://calendly.com/iep-consultas/iep-consultas
Image Credits
Pictures with yellow and blue background – Bryan Negron from BN graphicz
Andrea E Marrero Lopez
