Tracie Smith, Founder/Advocate

Tracie Smith, Founder of Sydney Smith Advocates

I am the mother of two fabulous children - my youngest has non-verbal severe autism and that is why I do what I do today! I have a long history of working in different types of law but switched to special education shortly after my son was diagnosed in 2013.

When I have spare time from my job which I LOVE, I like to run, surf, travel and enjoy all that NYC has to offer. I follow the Manly Sea Eagles Australian NRL Team and the Philadelphia Eagles NFL Team so you can say that I love my footy!

My passion is getting to know other families like ours and helping their children secure services so they can thrive!

Fun Fact: I'm an Aussie and Hugh Jackman also follows the same Aussie footy team… Hugh helped me when we were both at a Manly Sea Eagles football game by holding my meat pie when my hands were full... top bloke!

Halen Jon, our inspiration

Halen Jon Smith, our inspiration

Halen is Tracie's youngest… he's smart, kind, super handsome, loves the outdoors and lives with non-verbal autism.

Halen's significant challenges make life a little harder for our family but especially for him!

Sometimes Halen is successful in pointing to letters on a letter board to communicate. Through this method of communication, we have happily learned that Halen's favorite singer is Bruce Springsteen, that he wants to learn how to play tennis and that, when he grows up, he wants to be a special education teacher "to help kids like myself." We just love him to bits!!