Who could benefit from my services?

Newly diagnosed families – navigating the myriad of options, treatments and family challenges

• Now what?? After the shock of the initial diagnoses or birth of a special needs child comes the practical task of figuring out how to move forward in a healthy way. Here is what I know:
• Every family is unique and has limited time, resources and energy to deal with their child’s special needs. It is impossible to do “everything” so it is important to figure out what will be most successful and to have a focused approach
• Educating extended family and friends and gaining their support often proves to be an unanticipated challenge
• Working with a coach can help you weigh your options, clarify your goals and prioritize your plan of action

Families seeking more balance and fulfillment

Our success in working together begins with our point of view about the circumstances. I believe that a special needs child creates opportunities for everyone in the family to flourish. My personal experience has shown me:

• It is not uncommon for the demands of a special needs child to over shadow the needs of the other members of the family
• Couples frequently find they are so devoted to caring for their child that they lose being a couple.
• Siblings of special needs children often must grow up faster than is age appropriate; their needs taking back seat to those of their “special” sibling.
• Balancing a career and the demands of a special needs family or being the full time caregiver is exhausting and parents frequently neglect taking care of themselves.
• Working with a coach can assist you in creating more balance and fulfillment for all members of your family

Families in transition – weighing the possibilities and creating an action plan

As our children age, our own mortality becomes more prominent and we are faced with thinking about providing them with the life we want for them when we will no longer be here to do so. Additionally, some couples do not survive the challenges of a special needs child and they must figure out how to create a new type of family with two households. Drawing upon my years as a married and then divorced, single mother, I understand the wisdom of:

• Investigating and weighing the options can be frightening and overwhelming
• Working with a coach can make the transitioning process less frightening and overwhelming and through the process of clarifying and prioritizing your goals provide much needed peace of mind

Families in need of practical advocacy on behalf of their child

Learning how to navigate the realm of school services and other institutions on your own is tantamount to taking a hike in the wilderness, without a map. My first hand experience will take the guesswork out of getting the services and therapies needed for you and your family.

I have learned that the value of collaboration and team building versus being adversarial is often the most effective, least costly and far less emotionally draining approach.

Special Needs Professionals

Naturally, you want to be more effective in creating a collaborative and team approach to working with special needs families. As a recipient of care from professionals, I know that

• As professionals, you work with our children in the area of your expertise and, while you get to go home at the end of the day, you often don't leave your concerns in the classroom or at the office compromising your personal lives
  
• Understanding the daily challenges facing your clients’ parents can help you to be more successful in meeting your clients’ needs