Our Story
When I began advocating for my child, I didn’t set out to build a consulting practice. I was simply a parent and teacher trying to understand why my son was struggling and how to help him thrive. Like many families, we quickly learned that the path was not straightforward. My husband, our family, and a growing circle of friends stood beside me through every step of the journey. They offered encouragement when things felt overwhelming and gently pushed me forward when stepping outside my comfort zone felt impossible. Along the way, we discovered something powerful: the saying that it “takes a village” is absolutely true, especially when raising a child whose path is unique. Today, I strive to be part of that village for other families.

Where the Journey Began
My advocacy journey began when my son was just 18 months old, when I requested an Early Intervention evaluation after noticing he was not meeting developmental milestones. He didn't qualify and I didn't know either of our rights then. At three years old, he received a private speech evaluation and began services for a phonological processing disorder and articulation challenges. It was the first of many moments that reminded me how important early advocacy can be.

When Learning Became a Struggle
At six years old, learning to read became a battle we were losing. As an educator and reading interventionist myself, it was heartbreaking. One day he explained that words “hopped like frogs” when he tried to read and punctuation “disappeared.” A comprehensive evaluation with a developmental optometrist revealed farsightedness, amblyopia (lazy eye), convergence insufficiency, and astigmatism. Intensive vision therapy over several months transformed his confidence and ability to learn. This evaluation is not done or even recognized in most districts.

Discovering the Whole Child
Soon after, an occupational therapy evaluation confirmed additional challenges: sensory processing differences, developmental coordination disorder, and dysgraphia. We implemented therapies incorporating sensory integration, movement-based strategies, and a sensory diet. Improvements were seen with Listening Therapy, Astronaut Training, and the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol , but therapeutic horseback riding became a turning point, helping him gain confidence and independence. He "graduated" from therapy and began competing in both English and Western styles, earning multiple ribbons including County Champion and Reserve Champion titles.

Understanding ADHD
As academic demands increased, attention and focus challenges became more noticeable. A private evaluation at the end of second grade confirmed Combined Type ADHD. Through advocacy, we eventually established a 504 plan with supports and accommodations to help him succeed. Medication, when chosen later, acted as a light switch—making previously impossible tasks manageable.

Navigating Anxiety, Bullying, and Middle School
By fourth grade, anxiety emerged as friendships became harder to navigate and bullying appeared—a common co-occurring challenge with ADHD. Additional support from a licensed clinical therapist helped him develop tools to manage his emotions. He continued to engage in activities that played to his strengths, including swimming, chess, parkour, soccer and martial arts.

Building Independence and Strengths

At age 12, he attended a specialized ADHD summer camp to develop executive, social, and emotional skills. This was a place where he felt understood and accepted—a formative experience that boosted confidence and self-awareness.

Challenging Times in 8th Grade
Middle school brought new struggles. A behavioral incident, including a Stationhouse adjustment, during a documented medication change highlighted the need for stronger supports and advocacy. These challenges helped us better understand systemic gaps and the importance of documenting each intervention and support. Although, there was so much I still didn't know about our rights.

High School and Mental Health
Transitioning to a regional high school in ninth grade increased his anxiety and depression and presented additional hurdles. With consistent therapeutic support and a continued focus on his strengths, he began learning how to manage emotions, cope with stress, and develop executive functioning skills when the right alternative placement was found. The experience reinforced our belief that advocacy must integrate mental health, school systems, and individualized supports.

Where We Are Today
Today, he is a three-year high school graduate, nearly finished with trade school, and has a position waiting in cyber security. His journey demonstrates the power of individualized supports, advocacy, and combining educational strategies with real-life experiences.

Why Wings to Learning Exists
Through every step of this journey, we made mistakes, learned hard lessons, discovered incredible resources, and met people who guided us when we felt lost. Those experiences shaped the work I do today. Wings to Learning Advocacy was created to help other families navigate the same complex systems we once struggled to understand. My goal is to help parents translate evaluations, diagnoses, and recommendations into meaningful supports so children can thrive—not just in school, but in life. Because no family should have to walk this path alone. And sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to walk beside you.