I have Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurological condition in which my body attacks the covering of my nerves, causing pain, nerve death, and muscle and coordination challenges. This disease is mostly invisible (except for the times I’ve recovered from my 11 surgeries so far), and from the outside, my desire to rest or use handicapped parking can look like “laziness” to others. (A fact that strangers still sometimes point out to me!)

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When I was in school, I obsessed over becoming just like the “perfect kids.” But, I certainly couldn’t run like they did—with my funky little feet—and doing a cartwheel was more like a fumbling, sideways somersault, if that. My class would have to sit on the grass waiting for me to finish the mile run, and, let me tell you, having 34 kids watch you struggle is embarrassing and lonely. I felt I was the only one with a problem. My mom would hug me and assure that everyone had something, and I tried hard to believe her. 

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I know what it’s like to have an invisible disability. I know what it’s like to try your hardest but still be deemed “not good enough” by teachers and other adults. I know how greatly supportive strategies can transform your life. And I know what it’s like to fight hard for understanding—for myself and for my students.

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I’m here to help take you from awareness to action, from theory to practice. It’s too important to wait. Learn with me, and I’ll show you how to teach and coach your child to fill those executive function skill gaps and experience success at school, and home, and in all areas of life!