I started caring for children with special needs 15 years ago as an aide in a classroom for a special education collaborative summer extended year program. Since getting my Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy, I have mainly worked with children (aged 3-22 years) with physical, emotional, developmental and/or behavioral challenges. As my career as an OT progressed, my focus became centered on children with sensory integration difficulties and kids on the Autism Spectrum. One of my favorite things about what I do is finding creative ways to reach a child and help him or her reach goals that some believe are not achievable. I honestly believe that a higher level of functioning and independence is always possible, and I love finding ways to help kids and families get there. I also love finding and using a child's strengths in order to combat areas of difficulty. My older son is on the Autism Spectrum, and while raising him has been challenging, it has also delighted me, helped me grow as a parent and as a human, and refueled my desire to care for other individuals challenged by differing needs.