Preparing for a Leap of Faith
By Tia Marquis
Before I even understood what the word “advocacy” meant, I was doing it.
When my brother struggled in high school, my mom called me for help. He faced significant learning challenges and was often suspended. We knew something was off. This was the first time I realized how important it is to fight for kids who don’t always have a voice in the system.
Later, I became a general education teacher who always advocated for her students. This continued when I moved into special education and, eventually, God led me into becoming certified in deaf and hard-of-hearing services.
And when my own child was diagnosed with a disability, advocacy became a major part of my family’s life.
Preparing for a Leap of Faith
I now see how God prepared my journey to join Leap of Faith Learning, where I get to advocate for kids and their families every day. I’m in my sixth year with the organization, and I am blessed and truly love what I do.
Leap of Faith Learning was founded by Ron and Eileen Vachon-Vierra after their daughter with special needs received life-changing supports and resources. Their goal is to offer children in northern Arizona the same quality of education, services, and supports that transformed their daughter’s life so they can become the amazing individuals God created them to be.
At Leap of Faith Learning, we do our best to care for the whole child and their whole family. We have supported more than 150 children and their families across resource-scarce communities in northern Arizona–at no cost to the families.
Caring for the Whole Family
Leap of Faith Learning has four pillars–assessment, advocacy, remediation, and ministry–to meet families exactly where they are.
For many new students, the first step is a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment that goes far beyond the typical testing a school would offer. Parents often tell us, “This was the missing piece!” Suddenly, all the puzzle pieces begin to make sense for that child’s journey.
Advocacy is especially close to my heart. My role is not to take over advocacy for parents, but to empower them to advocate confidently for their own children. One of the greatest joys is watching parents “graduate” into that confidence, calling me before a meeting just to talk through strategy or afterwards to celebrate a victory.
We also provide remediation in the form of supplemental education, tutoring, life-skills instruction, social-skills groups, workplace readiness training, and even equine therapy through contracted providers across northern Arizona.
Through Bible studies, fellowship dinners, parent support groups, and various ministry activities, families find connection and encouragement. We are creating a space where kids can be kids, where parents don’t have to explain or apologize, and where every family is welcomed with love and dignity, just as God intended.
A Place of Belonging
I know how isolating this journey can be for students and their families. And when I sit across from parents now, I recognize the worry, frustration, exhaustion–and fierce love–they carry.
This work isn’t easy, but it is sacred. I’ve watched children find their voice. I’ve seen parents walk into meetings with new confidence. I’ve witnessed families rediscover hope.
Looking back, I can see how every step God laid out prepared me—my years in education, standing beside my mother as she fought for my brother, and even advocating for my own child. None of it was wasted. God was shaping my heart for this work.
If I could tell a parent just beginning this journey one thing, it would be this: you are not alone. There is a place for you, and there are people who will walk beside you.
That is my why. And it is why I will always be a champion for students with disabilities.
