Meet the Advocates
Eloise Boccella, Education Advocate
A Philadelphia native and longtime resident of Delaware County. Eloise has spent most her career in the field of school psychology, in both the public and private school sectors. She taught for six years at Immaculata University in the School Psychology department. Eloise specializes in group counseling, social thinking skills and parent education. She has advocated for the rights of children throughout her career and worked very hard to make sure students were placed in the correct programs and receiving appropriate education. Part of her motivation for this cause is directly related to her personal experience advocating for the educational and medical needs of her only cousin who had many medical, neurological and learning impairments. Eloise received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Saint Joseph’s University; a Master’s Degree and Certification in Counselor Education from West Chester University and in School Psychology from Temple University; and a Doctorate in Psychoeducational Processes from Temple University.
Eloise has two adult children both daughters; one of whom is following in her footsteps in the field of school psychology, and the other following another path in the field of horticulture. In her leisure time she enjoys photography and can spend hours telling beautiful stories with pictures.
eboccella@delcoadvocacy.org
Nicole Mendez, Education Advocate, Program Coordinator
Nicole joined the organization when it was The Arc of Delaware County in 2014. Her passion for advocacy developed when she felt compelled to challenge the status quo and advocate for her son’s health and treatment when he was an infant. Her passion for education advocacy was fueled not only by her son’s autism related needs, medical, and behavioral challenges but from the realization that she too had required, yet never received, significant support following a tragic auto accident she experienced in high school where she suffered considerable physical injuries, a DAI/TBI (traumatic brain injury) and PTSD. It was only due to her inherent resilience and determination that she managed to fully recover on her own accord. She believes strongly in the right to an education that assures success and maximizes potential for every student. Nicole holds a Bachelor’s of Science, a certification from The National Special Education Advocacy Institute and has participated in various SPED trainings including Collaborative Proactive Solutions. She consults regularly with PDE Special Education Monitors, Disability Rights Advocates, Education Attorneys, volunteers as a parent consultant for PEAC and is a peer mentor for TACA. She spends her free time learning about mindfulness practices and improving her meditation practice.
nmendez@delcoadvocacy.org