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Jonathan Martinis

Founder and Principal

location_onFredericksburg, VA
Jonathan Martinis is the founder of LightPath Advocacy (www.lightpathadvocacy.com). For 25+ years he has helped people with disabilities and their families get the services and supports they're entitled to — taking on Special Education, Medicaid, Vocational Rehabilitation, and other systems nationwide. His work has been featured on CBS and PBS, and in the New York Times, Washington Post, Rolling Stone, and People. He offers free consultations to families across the country.

Information

Location Fredericksburg, VA
Service area Based in Fredericksburg · in person nearby, by video across Virginia
Languages English
Member since November 2, 2026
Attention & Focus (ADHD)Autism SpectrumBehavioral & EmotionalDeaf-BlindnessDevelopmental DelaysDyslexiaEmotional RegulationIDEAIntellectual / CognitiveIntellectual DisabilityLearning DisabilitiesMediationMultiple DisabilitiesPrivate SchoolSpeech & LanguageTransition PlanningEarly Childhood (0–5)Elementary (6–11)Middle School (12–14)High School (15–18+)Transition (18–22)

How Jonathan works with families

Jonathan Martinis is based in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Jonathan meets families in person around Fredericksburg and joins IEP meetings by video anywhere in Virginia. The posted rate is $250 per hour. Payment goes to Jonathan directly, by Credit Card, Bank Transfer, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay, Check, and Cash. The listed age range runs from preschool through transition-age students up to 22. The work history below starts in 1996. This profile has been listed with us since November 2026. We do not set directory prices or handle payments between you and an independent advocate.

Education

  • Doctorate in Law 1994

    Hofstra University · Hempstead, NY

  • Bachelor's Degree 1991

    James Madison University · Harrisonburg, VA

Experience

  1. Senior Director for Law and Policy 3/2016 – 6/2026

    The Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University

  2. Founder 5/2020 –

    Jonathan Gerald Martinis, LLC d/b/a LightPath Advocacy

  3. Legal Director 10/2012 – 3/2016

    Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities

  4. Managing Attorney 1/2001 – 10/2012

    Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy

  5. Acting Director 2/2003 – 4/2003

    Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy

  6. Staff Attorney 6/1998 – 1/2001

    Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy

  7. Contract Counsel 11/1996 – 6/1998

    Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy

Specialties

Attention & Focus (ADHD)Autism SpectrumBehavioral & EmotionalDeaf-BlindnessDevelopmental DelaysDyslexiaEmotional RegulationIDEAIntellectual / CognitiveIntellectual DisabilityLearning DisabilitiesMediationMultiple DisabilitiesPrivate SchoolSpeech & LanguageTransition Planning

Age Groups Served

Early Childhood (0–5)Elementary (6–11)Middle School (12–14)High School (15–18+)Transition (18–22)

Services

504 Meeting SupportDue ProcessEducational Records ReviewIEP File ReviewIEP Meeting SupportManifestation HearingsMediationOCR ComplaintsParent CoachingParent ConsultationState ComplaintsStrategy ConsultationSuspension & Expulsion Support

Rates & Payment

Hourly rateJonathan's price for each hour of work. If Jonathan offers flat-price services, those may cost less. $250/hr
Payment methods Credit Card, Bank Transfer, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay, Check, Cash

Working Style

Working with the school Balanced

Works with the school and pushes back when priorities clash.

Advocacy focus Rights

Comfortable with rights and formal remedies when needed.

In meetings Balanced

Leads or supports you depending on the meeting.

Staying in touch Balanced

Steady check-ins without overloading you.

When things get tense Assertive

Direct and firm when the moment calls for it.

Reviews

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No reviews yet

Availability

Typical days Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
Hours 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Clients Accepting clients
Ready to discuss your child's needs?
Send a message and Jonathan will get back to you as soon as possible.
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What an advocate can and cannot do

An advocate reads your child's school file, writes to the district, gets you ready for the meeting, and sits in the meeting with you.

Jonathan is not an attorney and does not give legal advice.

No advocate can promise a result. The district still has to agree to what you ask for, or you have to take the disagreement further.

Hiring is between you and Jonathan. Find Parent Advocates never assigns an advocate to a family, and the advocates listed here are independent professionals rather than our employees.

What to ask on the first call

Ask Jonathan these on the first call.

  • What have you done in my district before?
  • How many hours does a case like mine usually take, and what does that come to?
  • Who does the talking in the meeting, you or me?
  • Do you charge for email and phone time between meetings?
  • What happens if the school says no?

Common questions

Does Jonathan Martinis serve families in Fredericksburg, VA?

Jonathan Martinis works with families in Fredericksburg, VA and offers virtual support statewide.

What services does Jonathan Martinis offer as an IEP advocate in Fredericksburg?

Jonathan Martinis helps parents with IEP meetings, Section 504 plans, educational records review, dispute resolution, and special education rights under IDEA.

How do I contact an IEP advocate in Fredericksburg, VA?

View Jonathan Martinis's profile on Find Parent Advocates to compare services, rates, and parent reviews. Contact the advocate directly. We never assign anyone to you.

How much does Jonathan Martinis charge?

The posted rate is $250 per hour. Rates are set by the advocate, not by Find Parent Advocates, and can change.

Can Jonathan Martinis attend an IEP meeting by video?

Yes. Jonathan Martinis attends meetings in person and by video.