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Giving Back: A Cheerful Helpers Event
Posted on December 12, 2018 Leave a Comment
(Cheerful Helpers Alumni Association Presents: A Read-a-Long / Sing-A-Long!) I know I talk about Cheerful Helpers Child & Family Study Center, A LOT. Perhaps it’s because we are still super involved with the school even though Arizona graduated 4 years ago. Maybe it’s because I still feel so supported by the community, and that […]
Launching Soon: An Online Course for Special Needs Families
Posted on November 27, 2018 Leave a Comment
(Coming soon: 2019!) I am so ecstatic to announce the upcoming launch of my first online course: Life Management for Special Needs Families. This course will take families like mine on a 4-week journey in finding joy and balance in their lives. Even in our life’s work of advocating for and supporting our children […]
Cheerful Helpers Child & Family Study Center: An Alumni Tribute
Posted on November 18, 2018 1 Comment
(A visit to Cheerful Helpers Child & Study Center post-graduation) Every November, a group of alumni parents (and some older adult students who graduated years ago) come together for an “Alumni Night” with the current student families and staff. Alumni families have an opportunity to speak about their experiences at Cheerful Helpers and beyond; giving […]
Autism Speaks: Into the Blue Gala, 2018
Posted on October 6, 2018 Leave a Comment
(Moms’ night out: grateful for my GIRLFRIENDS!) It was an honor to attend the annual INTO THE BLUE gala last night at the historic Beverly Hills Hotel. It was a beautiful and heart centered evening showcasing and celebrating the mission of Autism Speaks. The reality is this: ONE in 59 children are diagnosed with autism […]
Spotlight: Enjoy Life Foods
Posted on September 20, 2018 1 Comment
(Gluten free, vegan, nut free brownies? Yes, please!) My journey with food allergies began as soon as Arizona was born. I remembered thinking that a lot of children had allergies but also that a lot of children grew out of them. I was convinced this would also be the case with my daughter. 12 years […]
Autism Speaks : Into The Blue
Posted on October 24, 2017 1 Comment
(Me & Arizona, dressed in blue for Autism Speaks) There were a lot of firsts for Arizona this past Saturday night as she participated in the opening of the Autism Speaks annual gala held at downtown Los Angeles’ historic Union Station. I was reveling in that culminating moment, reflecting on just how far my 11 […]
What’s Wrong With Her?
Posted on April 24, 2017 4 Comments
(Shine bright, baby girl!) In the very early days of Arizona’s journey with doctor visits and assessments, it was hard to explain to outsiders (family and close friends included) what exactly was going on with her. I was confused by the wide range of diagnostic terminology used to describe Arizona : auditory processing disorder, sensory […]
A New School Year 2016
Posted on August 16, 2016 3 Comments
(Arizona and her new aide, Ms. Denise) It’s our 3rd year at the public school in our neighborhood and I still pinch myself that my commute is all of 3 minutes (driving) or 10 minutes (walking). It hasn’t been an easy road getting Arizona into a mainstream classroom with all of the support she needs, […]
Cheerful Helpers Alumni Association : Game Night
Posted on April 26, 2016 Leave a Comment
(Cookie decorating fun!) When Arizona graduated from Cheerful Helpers 2 years ago, I felt like I was losing a limb. The community of staff, teachers and families carried me through some tumultuous years and not only changed my child’s life but mine as well. I always knew I would stay connected to the school because […]
Book Review : Not My Boy!
Posted on July 14, 2015 5 Comments
The Robinson-Peetes are one of my favorite autism families. I have been a longtime supporter of the HollyRod Foundation and look forward to attending their annual gala next month. There are a lot of books about families struggling with autism. The majority of the books I’ve read are told from the mother’s perspective. I understand […]
