This is my introduction to my new blog, which will in turn, be my new business venture.
For years, I have been providing guidance to families, friends and strangers in the art of advocating for their children with medical and/or disability challenges. I have always known that one day the calling would come that when I finally "grow up" and get to pick what I want to do, this would be it. Advocate. I have done it before, as the Parent Advocate for the pediatric hematology/oncology department at our local children's hospital. I loved every moment of it, but motherhood called me home. Today, I return to my love, from home.
What exactly is Gateway to Success? Well, it's many things, but first and foremost is a safe place for parents and children alike to bring their dreams and needs. It's my desire to connect families with the many services that do, in fact, exist, but are so often not known. To help families navigate the complicated world of special education, disability services, the world of pediatric medicine, and transition services.
My experience is both professional and personal. I am the mother of six children, five of whom have significant challenges. I have walked the walk every parent with a child who possess unique characteristics has walked. I have had to fight for services, find services, create services and eventually implement services for my children who vary in age from 23 to 7 years. My husband and I have transitioned our eldest from our home to her own home, with supports in place. She has successfully started and maintained her own business as her means of employment. We continue to blaze new trails in our local area as she defies the status quo for children with multiple disabilities and medical challenges. My professional experience is in the realm of special education, as a teacher and speech therapist. I have recently attained my Ms. Ed with advanced certification in Education Administration.
All this to say, I am ready for my "grown-up" job.
For years, I have been providing guidance to families, friends and strangers in the art of advocating for their children with medical and/or disability challenges. I have always known that one day the calling would come that when I finally "grow up" and get to pick what I want to do, this would be it. Advocate. I have done it before, as the Parent Advocate for the pediatric hematology/oncology department at our local children's hospital. I loved every moment of it, but motherhood called me home. Today, I return to my love, from home.
What exactly is Gateway to Success? Well, it's many things, but first and foremost is a safe place for parents and children alike to bring their dreams and needs. It's my desire to connect families with the many services that do, in fact, exist, but are so often not known. To help families navigate the complicated world of special education, disability services, the world of pediatric medicine, and transition services.
My experience is both professional and personal. I am the mother of six children, five of whom have significant challenges. I have walked the walk every parent with a child who possess unique characteristics has walked. I have had to fight for services, find services, create services and eventually implement services for my children who vary in age from 23 to 7 years. My husband and I have transitioned our eldest from our home to her own home, with supports in place. She has successfully started and maintained her own business as her means of employment. We continue to blaze new trails in our local area as she defies the status quo for children with multiple disabilities and medical challenges. My professional experience is in the realm of special education, as a teacher and speech therapist. I have recently attained my Ms. Ed with advanced certification in Education Administration.
All this to say, I am ready for my "grown-up" job.
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