I experience learning disabilities you can’t tell I have them by looking at me. I grew up always feeling like I was less than the “normal” kids. I always had to work twice as hard as my siblings just to make c grades. This experience helped form me and my determination it made me a strong person and advocate for others who experience disabilities.

My mom’s brother my uncle experiences I/DD he lived at Fairview training center. I remember visiting with him and other individuals who didn’t ever get visitors. I remember thinking how sad that was and I wanted them to know they were not alone and someone cared about them. I would read to them, spend time with them, and sometimes even color a picture for them to put on the wall. I met a lot of wonderful people that I will always remember. I knew I had my true calling. As soon as I was old enough I started working in a group home as a staff caring for some of the wonderful people I had met when I was a child.