Building Inclusion Together: A Strong Partnership in Little Havana

At our recent all-staff meeting, we had the opportunity to hear directly from Yannet Amador, Director of the Leadership Learning Center at Saint John Bosco, Inc. She shared how the Advocacy Network on Disabilities has partnered with her team over the years to create an inclusive environment where every child is welcomed and supported.

Inclusion as a Mission

Yannet emphasized that inclusion is not just a goal—it’s part of her program’s mission. When students present challenges that go beyond her staff’s expertise, she turns to our Senior Inclusion Specialist, Ana, and Inclusion Coordinator, Maggie. Both visit the program regularly, observing students, coaching staff, and helping shape strategies that ensure no child is left out.

“Ana and Maggie are seen as part of our staff,” Yannet said. “They provide knowledge, training, and support that makes a real difference. Our team looks forward to learning from them.”

Supporting Students and Families

Through specialized grants, our network has also been able to provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children who otherwise would not have had access. These services are especially critical for students struggling with behavioral challenges and for families facing difficult circumstances, such as grandparents raising children on their own.

Over the past several years, multiple students have received ABA support and blossomed as a result. As Yannet explained, once one child’s needs are met and they are ready to move forward, those services are redirected to another student in need—ensuring continuous impact.

Beyond behavior support, our advocacy and social service staff, including Gigi, have stepped in to connect families with resources, parenting classes, and help navigating school systems. Our team has even joined parents at Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings to ensure their rights are respected.

Tailored Support for Every Student

Sometimes students don’t require full ABA therapy but do benefit from individualized support. In those cases, the Advocacy Network has funded Inclusion Support Staff, trained by Maggie, to provide one-on-one assistance. Other times, specialized services like trauma-focused therapy have been provided, helping students facing challenges such as eating disorders find a safe space to heal and grow.

Training, Coaching, and Growth

The partnership goes beyond student services. Ana provides ongoing training and coaching to staff employed by Leadership Learning Center, such as recent sessions on strategies to support students with ADHD. These sessions not only prepare staff for common challenges but also strengthen the overall culture of inclusion at the program.

Yannet highlighted how ongoing communication with our specialists ensures that staff feel supported in real time. Whether by email, phone, or on-site coaching, her team always has someone to turn to.

A Model for Other Programs

Both Yannet and our leadership team agreed: Leadership Learning Center is a model of what true inclusion can look like. The consistent collaboration, openness to support, and commitment to never turning a child away has created a welcoming environment for children and families in Little Havana.

“You are our strongest partner,” Yannet shared. “I never feel like I walk alone. Your support makes my life easier as a leader and helps our staff feel confident in serving every student.”

Looking Ahead

The hope is that this spirit of collaboration can expand across more programs in Miami-Dade. As was shared during the meeting, not every program fully embraces inclusion supports when they are offered. But when programs do—like Yannet’s—the results are transformational.

Together, we will continue to promote the message that inclusion works, and that every child deserves the opportunity to be part of a safe, supportive, and welcoming community.