I am an award-winning educator, author, and special needs mom who promotes interdependence and faith in Jesus. 

Even though it sometimes feels like we should, as adults, be able to figure out how to do life completely independently (and maybe we introverts even think we would prefer it that way), I believe we were designed to need each other! 

I’ve definitely experienced losing my free time and my sanity trying to do it all myself (for years) — because I wanted it done “right” and didn’t have time to train someone, or because I thought I “should” know more than I did and was embarrassed that I needed help. 

Some angels-on-earth stepped in to help me anyway.

Let me pay it forward — to you!

Here’s a little bit more about my background:

I began my teaching career in 2001 teaching language arts (grades 5-12), and then found my true calling teaching students with autism and related special needs in 2009 (grades K-8).  I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Language Arts Teaching, as well as a Master’s Degree in K-12 Special Education (Autism Specialization).  

In 2011, I was honored with the Lion Newcomer Award by the Linn-Mar CSD.  This is an award given in the first five years of employment to a person who “has made a significant impact on students through an extraordinary contribution of time and talent outside of employment responsibilities.” In 2017, I was a co-recipient of the ARC of East Central Iowa Teacher of the Year Award — awarded to an individual who goes “above and beyond for those with disabilities.”   

My greatest honor as a teacher, however, was getting to know and learn from each incredibly unique student and family — as well as many amazing, deeply committed educators and paraprofessionals.  

I created The Special Needs Spa as an “easy button” for educators, caregivers, and service providers to say goodbye to the guilt–and renew their creativity, increase their impact, and rediscover their lives.