History

Stand Out officially opened its doors in 2017, although Melissa and Marlene have been advocating and operating under separate businesses for more than a combined total of 25 years.

Melissa and Marlene and their coordination team (parent advocates themselves) are devoted to giving back and helping families initiate, build, strengthen, educate, and advocate for their loved ones.

We believe that advocating and building foundations is what makes our company truly “StandOut”, and we have the passion that drives it. We strive to change the trajectory for the whole family for many years to come.

Unlike any other advocacy group, Stand Out offers a full suite of services to help at every step of your loved one's journey.

We thank you for considering us!

 

Get in touch

We at Stand Out know that finding the right advocate to represent you is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and help you start to build your foundation.

Book an appointment ▸

 
 

Your Team

 

FOUNDER

Melissa Lander

Melissa has represented Special Needs clients large and small for nearly 15 years. Practicing since her son was diagnosed in 2009, Melissa has hands-on experience with how services affect those with special needs. Staying ahead of the state’s frequent changes, and ensuring all your families' needs are considered, Melissa’s priority. Although married to a Brit, Melissa was born and raised in West Bloomfield, Michigan is a mother of three and calls San Fernando Valley her home.

 

Activities & Affiliations

• COPAA Council of Parents Attorneys and Advocates, Member
• Person Centered Training, Person Centered Thinking, Independent Facilitator - Train the Trainer, Certificates
• Registered Behavioral Therapist

 
 
 
 

FOUNDER

Marlene Lueck

Marlene focuses on various facets of advocacy that revolve around In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Regional Center, and MediCal services, whether that’s securing assessments and services for clients or helping them navigate through this ever-changing process. She has represented and advocated for families and clients on their rights and responsibilities related to their disabilities for over 20 years. Born and raised in Southern California, Marlene grew up in the San Fernando Valley where she met her husband, is a mother of five, and calls Santa Clarita Valley home.

 

Activities & Affiliations

• COPAA Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Member
• If I Need Help, Non-Profit Agency, Board Member
• Person Centered Training, Person Centered Thinking, Independent Facilitator - Train the Trainer, Certificates

 
 
 
 

DIRECTOR OF STATE SERVICES and APPEALS

Allison Leatham

Allison joined Stand Out in 2019. Allison started as all child advocates do, her son was born with a disability. Allison chose StandOut to get her son the services he needed and thus has found a true passion in being there for others who are in need of a voice. Allison specializes in ensuring all our documentation is clear and accurate and ensuring cases are ready for assessments and hearings. She brings a personal and unique experience with a perspective of a parent utilizing services within California’s Department of Social Services. Her dedication and perseverance is what every one of Stand Out’s clients needs and deserves. Allison is a California native. She and her family call Saugus home.

Activities & Affiliations

• COPAA Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Member

 
 
 
 

ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Monica Zuniga

Monica joined Stand Out in 2021. She was one of StandOut’s first clients. Monica is a proud mom of 3 girls, 1 of which is a Regional Center consumer. She has many years of experience and is a wealth of information in our state’s more medically based programs such as Social Security, WPCS and CCS. She is incredibly knowledgeable and our resident Spanish speaker! Monica was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She and her family call Santa Clarita home.

Activities & Affiliations

• COPAA Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Member

 
 
 
 
 
 

Stand Out Advocates, LLC is a boutique business that provides experienced advice and services to our most vulnerable consumers diagnosed with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities and medical disabilities. We help you and your loved ones build a strong foundation of services that will empower you to continue to advocate and receive the services they deserve for years to come.

Authorized Representatives: IHSS | Regional Center, Medi-cal, CCS

Marlene and Melissa