Raja Marhaba Headshot

Raja Marhaba

Raja Marhaba is a nationally recognized paralegal, author, and founder of The Jonathan Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities, a nonprofit she established in 2001 after navigating her own son’s educational journey. For more than 25 years, she has helped hundreds of families secure appropriate evaluations, services, and educational opportunities for children with all disabilities, dedicating thousands of hours to advocacy and systems change.

Known for her strategic, evidence-based approach, Raja partners with families and legal teams to analyze educational records, identify procedural and substantive IDEA violations, and develop well-supported advocacy and due process strategies. Her experience includes IEPs, Section 504, independent educational evaluations (IEEs), compensatory education, and complex special education disputes.

In 2021, Raja received the Diane Lipton Award for Outstanding Advocacy from the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), one of the nation’s highest honors recognizing exceptional advocacy on behalf of children with disabilities. She is also a recipient of the Daily Point of Light Award, an honor established by President George H.W. Bush to recognize Americans whose volunteer service creates meaningful change in their communities. Additional recognitions include L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth, Marquis Who’s Who, and Arizona’s Remarkable Woman.

Raja believes every child deserves to be understood before being judged and that effective advocacy begins with preparation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring children receive the education and opportunities they deserve. She is honored to bring that philosophy and more than 25 years of advocacy experience to the IEP Defenders team.

 

Practice areas:

  • Special Education Advocacy (IDEA & Section 504) 

  • Educational Record Review & Case Analysis 

  • Due Process & Administrative Hearing Support 

  • Eligibility, Child Find & FAPE Matters 

 

Strengths:

  • Achiever

  • Belief

  • Restorative

  • Arranger

  • Learner

 

Education and Professional Training:

  • UCLA Anderson School of Management — Management Development for Entrepreneurs (MDE) Executive Program 

  • SEAT (Special Education Advocate Training) — Los Angeles First Cohort 

  • UCLA Extension — Paralegal Certificate (ABA-Approved Program)