Paije Lopez is the visionary Founder and CEO of The ATA Lopez Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs and their families. As a mother of three beautiful boys with special needs, Paije brings a deeply personal perspective to her work, blending her lived experience with over 10 years of professional expertise. Paije’s career spans various fields, including management, accounting, property management, and home health. However, her true passion emerged when she became a mother to children with special needs. This experience led her to found The ATA Lopez Foundation (formerly Autism Allies Sunflowers and Butterflies LLC), which provides bilingual services to support families through IEP advocacy, waiver guidance, peer-to-peer support, assistance with initial evaluations, inclusive playdates, mom meetups, and more. The foundation is committed to helping families navigate their unique journeys and create a more inclusive community for all. In addition to her work with the foundation, Paije has extensive experience in home health care, specializing in the care and support of children with special needs, as well as in developmental evaluations, particularly autism assessments. Her deep understanding and compassion for both children and families in the special needs community have made a lasting impact. Paije holds multiple diplomas and certifications, including in Special Educational Needs Coordination, Autism, Child Psychology, Teaching Methods in the Education of Autism, Early Childhood Special Education Needs, Special Needs, and Clinical Nursing Skills. These qualifications, combined with her personal experience as a mother, empower her to offer both professional expertise and heartfelt empathy in her advocacy. As an active member of LaCAN (Louisiana Citizens for Action Now) and COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates), Paije is dedicated to advancing the rights and opportunities for individuals with special needs. Her leadership and advocacy at the state level underscore her unwavering commitment to creating positive change for families and ensuring they have access to the resources they need. Through The ATA Lopez Foundation, Paije continues to work tirelessly to empower families, foster inclusion, and provide the support needed to help children with special needs and their loved ones thrive.