Pioneer Press Twin Cities
Press Publications
Check out more of my blogs and interviews here
Crescent Cove Gala 2021
Talk to Me Technologies Interview 2022
Talk to Me Technologies Interview 2022
In this 9 minute speech, I share a bit about our story and the importance of pediatric hospice and respite services.
Talk to Me Technologies Interview 2022
Talk to Me Technologies Interview 2022
Talk to Me Technologies Interview 2022
In order to raise awareness for Cerebral Palsy Day (March 25), I shared our journey with helping Karter find his voice through use of an AAC device.
Love What Matters Article
Talk to Me Technologies Interview 2022
Love What Matters Article
I write about raising children whose sibling has a shortened life-expectancy, and the beauty of how they are impacted by their brother's disability in a positive way.
Freedom Concepts Blog
Surviving Birth Trauma
Love What Matters Article
Karter's experience with Freedom Concept's products was featured here. He LOVES his custom, adaptive bike! His Chill-Out-Chair is supportive seat that is kid-friendly and "cool." Read about them here!
Crescent Cove Kid
Surviving Birth Trauma
Surviving Birth Trauma
Crescent Cove is a pediatric hospice and respite non-profit organization near and dear to our hearts. We support and share their message whenever we can! Learn more about Karter's experience and my perspective here.
Surviving Birth Trauma
Surviving Birth Trauma
Surviving Birth Trauma
On Karter's fourth birthday, I finally reflected and wrote about our birth trauma. There is power and healing in sharing our experiences. Read more here via The Mighty,
Newspaper Articles
"Focusing on His Life"- CitizenPress
"Focusing on His Life"- CitizenPress
"Focusing on His Life"- CitizenPress
The CitizenPress of Hugo featured our family, told our story, and explained the purpose behind our foundation.
"Chaotic Care"- Star Tribune
"Focusing on His Life"- CitizenPress
"Focusing on His Life"- CitizenPress
The Star Tribune did a series chronicling the inconsistencies and challenges the current waiver system creates. The author(s) captures the struggle and ramifications for families in a very accurate, authentic way. Karter's story was featured as one of many who were not accurately assessed, and how it affected our journey.
About Me
Originally from small-town Iowa, I graduated from Simpson College (Indianola, IA) 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 turned stay-at-home-medical-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.
