About Me
Originally from small-town Iowa, I graduated from Simpson College with a BA in Psychology. From there, I moved to Cedar Falls, IA and obtained my Masters in Education as well as my Education Specialist Degree through the School Psychology program at the University of Northern Iowa. After 3 years of working as a school psychologist, I met my husband and moved to Minnesota. Eventually my career transitioned to educational leadership roles within the special education realm. Right before Karter was born I completed by K-12 Principal and Special Education Director license. Throughout this time I continued to enjoy playing volleyball, teaching kickboxing, and became a mother to our beautiful daughter, Maddie. When I wasn’t working, I was enjoying all of those aspects of my life. Everything was going exactly as I had always hoped. Until it didn’t. Ironically the career path that I so clearly saw for myself ended shortly after it began.
Karter’s birth forever changed me in so many ways. Truly, I didn’t know what to do or how to get out from the dark trenches I found myself buried in. I feared for his life, my marriage, my daughter, and our family‘s future. I felt lost. Grief-stricken. Anxiety ridden. It was incredibly difficult. Slowly but surely, I began to pick up the pieces. I found my footing. Yes- my life took a hard, unforeseen turn. But eventually, I started moving again. It just was on a completely different road than I envisioned for my life.
I still don’t always know where I’m going, or if it’s the right direction. And it’s a rocky road. But as a former special education professional, and now special needs mom, I have realized I have a unique perspective, experiences, and skill-set. There are so many gaps in the medical, educational, and state programs people like me rely upon to do this life. I want to put my skills and experiences to use, and create bridges to make it easier for families like ours. The only way I know how to accomplish this is to share what I’ve learned.
My hope is that sharing our journey will not only be therapeutic for myself, but can help others in the process. I am humbled and grateful you would take the time out of your life to learn from mine.
