A Note from the Founder
When my son was diagnosed with autism at age 3, I was a full time college student and a single mother navigating a world that didn't seem built for us. I didn't have a roadmap I had instinct, love, and a fierce determination to learn, advocate, and keep going. Every obstacle we faced became fuel for a vision of something better: a world where families don't have to fight alone, and where children with disabilities are met with understanding and opportunity.
The Speak 4 Me Foundation is more than an organization it's the echo of a promise I made in my hardest moments: to turn struggle into strength, and isolation into a community of care. There were so many moments when I wished someone would just show up and say, "You're not alone." But no one did so I became that someone.
Speak 4 Me Foundation was born from that resolve: to be the resource, the guide, the encouragement our founder didn't have. It's built on the belief that every child deserves support, and every caregiver deserves a village. Whether you're a parent, educator, or ally, I hope you'll find tools here, yes but more importantly, I hope you feel seen.
The Hearts Behind the Mission
Founder
Erica Johnson
Erica is a passionate advocate and seasoned legal professional. Originally from Bakersfield, California, she transformed lived experience into purposeful leadership-balancing motherhood and a decades-long legal career while building a foundation for families often left behind.
With over 25 years in the legal field, Erica has worked across diverse sectors-from homeowners association law to her current role in intellectual property. Her journey through the legal industry has sharpened her skills in research, precision, and rights protection-qualities she now channels into community-driven advocacy.
Erica has also served as an Autism Speaks Advocacy Ambassador for Southern California and volunteered with the Los Angeles Probation Department's Friends Forever program, mentoring system-involved youth.
She is the founder of Speak 4 Me Foundation, a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers caregivers through education, support, and systems-level change. Today, she merges her Juris Doctor degree with personal insight to uplift underrepresented voices and advocate for a more inclusive future.
"When they couldn't hear his voice, I found mine and now I speak for us both."
Dalfon Amey
Director and Associate Clinical Social Worker
Dalfon Amey was born and raised in Bakersfield CA, where he works as a School Social Worker with the Kern High School District, to support students' social-emotional development and academic success. He is also a Mental Health Counselor for Legacy Behavioral Services, a local non-profit, supporting clients on federal probation. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Master of Social Work (MSW) and licensure as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW).
He has over 20 years of work experience within the education, non-profit and for-profit industries. His role consists of providing mental health counseling and crisis intervention services. His focus is on breaking barriers to mental health access, particularly for underserved students, and creating safe, inclusive learning environments. Dalfon also collaborates with families and educators to build sustainable support networks for students. His goal is to become an LCSW and begin his own private practice.
Megan Daniels
Director and Social Worker
Megan Daniels is a proud social worker with nearly two decades of experience in the child welfare sector. I am committed to addressing the needs of all children and families, irrespective of their circumstances. I have had the privilege to work in various aspects of the community: from small grassroots agencies, schools, and non-profit organizations to agencies at both the state and county level. I believe that problem solving both at the micro and macro level makes me uniquely qualified to bring my perspective to this board.
As both a social worker and the mother of a child on the spectrum, I am wholly aware of the gaps in treatment, services, and educational advocacy afforded to our youth. I am blessed to have had the tools at my disposal to dive in early: to research and rally for what should be essential provisions for children with autism. I am a firm believer in early intervention, but we know that so often, our children go without the proper diagnosis and subsequent care-planning that is necessary to learn and grow. Through my own child I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the ways in which a child can thrive when they are afforded the individual consideration they deserve. Every child is worthy of this effort, and it is my goal to ensure that every parent I meet is empowered to access what rightfully and lawfully belongs to their child.
I look forward to the future of this project. Strength comes from having a true heart for your mission, and I can say unequivocally, this team has exactly that!