I am Doreen G. Fulton — and I have been on this road for a very long time.

I am the mother of three adopted children: Greg, who delivers mail through the Virginia countryside with music in his ears and contentment in his bones. Sandra, who arrived from Latvia at five years old speaking only a few words of English, became her brother's first advocate in the schoolyard. And Robert, who navigated decades of IEP meetings, wrong schools, and a diagnostic journey that took years — and who has been living independently in his own apartment since 2015.

I am married to John — my partner of 48 years, the quiet hero behind every story in my book, the man who picks up the pen, does the math, and comes back within hours to say yes.

I built Believe in a Ray of Hope because a mother named Margaret reached the end of her rope, and two lives were lost. I heard God's voice clearly that morning. I have never stopped responding to that call.

I am a Special Needs Advocate, Transition Catalyst, and certified Dream Coach. I have been writing, speaking, and guiding families through successful transitions for over 25 years.

I am a contributing author in Pebbles in the Pond (Christine Kloser, 2012) and Tears to Triumph. My new book, Finally an IEP for Me!, is the fulfillment of a dream that began with those pages.

I live in Northern Virginia with John. I love my garden, the ocean, my beach house at Corolla, and lifelong learning. I am a grandmother of five. And I am, in every sense, a late bloomer — still sprouting, still spreading hope, still convinced that the oasis is just ahead.