I grew up in Chicago, and my childhood took a sharp turn at age ten when a hip illness stopped me in my tracks. One minute I was visiting my dad at work; the next, the Chicago Bears’ orthopedic surgeon was telling my parents something was seriously wrong. What followed were surgeries, traction, and years in a wheelchair—years when most kids are running, climbing, and figuring out who they are.
While my world shrank physically, it blew wide open through books. A Chicago Public Schools home teacher showed up at my door with lofty expectations and zero pity. She fed my curiosity, my hunger to understand people, and my need to escape into stories. That’s how I survived a “special school” that made me feel different before I even knew who I was.
When my family moved to New York at fourteen, I carried that mix of grit and awkwardness with me. I was an introvert with a crooked medical history and a sharp eye for the kids who didn’t fit the mold. I made quirky friends, got into the usual teenage trouble, and forgot all about college. Instead, I went to work for MacMillan Educational Company and spent five years traveling up and down the East Coast selling books near military bases. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me how people learn, how families move, and how stories shape identity.
My commitment to public education came from the isolation of my own early schooling. Spaulding School for Crippled Children taught me two things: how it feels to be underestimated, and how powerful it is when even one adult believes in you. I wanted to be that adult. So, despite setbacks, including dropping out once—I fought my way back, earned my degrees, and spent 30 years serving children and youth.
I’ve lived the reality of systems that don’t always see the whole child. I’ve lived the resilience it takes to push through them. That’s why I’m able to stand beside families now—with empathy, clarity, and a deep understanding of how to navigate structures that can feel overwhelming. I help parents break out of limiting narratives, advocate with confidence, and find the resources their children deserve.
My life has been about service, survival, and stubborn hope. Swimming helped rebuild my body. Research rebuilt my voice. And every challenge I’ve faced has sharpened my ability to guide others through theirs. Families don’t need perfection—they need someone who’s been in the trenches and knows how to climb out. That’s the work I’m here to do.
Credentials and Experience
These experiences have grown into my personal services to families and children.
1990 – 1995
Infant/Toddler Assessor for vendors of Reginal Centers of California
Angel Rehabilitation and Mother and Infant Outreach, Azusa, CA
1995 – 2002
Pacific Oaks Education, BA in Human Development; Specialist Credential in Learning Handicapped ages birth – 21 years old; earned degree through life experience component, specializing in parents with disabilities and their children
2000 – 2006
Home and Hospital School Teacher: Carlson Home and Hospital School, Burbank Ca.
Critical education specially designed instruction for children with life-threatening illness as part of Los Angeles Unified School District direct instruction to children at home and in children’s hospitals (Children’s Hospital, Hollywood; City of Hope, Duarte, CA)
2007 – 2011
Resource Specialist Teacher, early primary centers established to reduce school sizes in inner city
2010 – 2011
Meditation teacher training, Pathum Thani, Thailand, volunteer teacher on sabbatical
2011
Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution, Negotiation and Peacebuilding, California State University, Dominquez Hills California
2011 – 2022
High School Level Teacher, Case Manager and Mentor Teacher, Polytechnic Senior High School, and Community School
2020 – 2025
Nationally Board-Certified Teacher, Exceptional Needs Students
2022 – 2024
Brookings Harbor School District 17C Resource Teacher
2023 – present
Teacher Sully Solves Puzzles, special education advocacy mentorship with trainer Lisa Lightner, owner of A Day in Life, Southeastern Pennsylvania
2026
Respite Care Worker, Child Welfare, Oregon Department of Human Services, Gold Beach/Brookings, Oregon
Bio
Empower Your Child’s Future: Join Us in Transforming Education for Exceptional Learners Today!
Empowering Young Minds
Dedicated to transforming education for exceptional children and their families.
I provide tailored educational support and advocacy for families, focusing on the unique needs of each child. My mission is to guide students through their educational journey, ensuring they are prepared for college and beyond.
Steps to Adapt Learning for Children
1
The first step is to assess each child’s unique needs and tailor educational strategies to foster their individual growth and development.
2
In the second step, I implement specialized instructional methods that engage students and enhance their learning experiences, ensuring they grasp essential concepts effectively.
3
The third step focuses on providing mentorship and guidance, helping students navigate their educational paths and prepare for future academic challenges.
4
During the fourth step, I collaborate with families and educational institutions to advocate for the necessary resources and support systems that benefit exceptional children.
5
Finally, the fifth step emphasizes continuous evaluation and adjustment of strategies to ensure that each child’s educational journey remains aligned with their evolving needs and goals.