12/28/2025
In 2018, I started my business during one of the most challenging periods of my life. I was in my early 40s, recovering from my second brain aneurysm surgery, newly diagnosed as neurodivergent, going through a divorce, and being forced out of a school board where I had worked for 20 years. Before that, I worked at ABC daycare and newbeginnings as well as autism servicesâI had never been unemployed and had no idea what my next step would be.
The school board encouraged me to take a disability pension, but I was not deemed disabled. Being neurodivergent ( in my case) is not a disability its a super power and my aneurysms had been fully treated, with less than a 3% chance of rupture. I was medically fine. That left me with two choices: apply for government disability or figure something out on my own. I chose to figure something out.
With the encouragement of my partner Markâwho believed in me when I wasnât sure I believed in myselfâI followed my long-held dream and started my own service: Hand Over Hand. He even paid for my very first business license.
The first two years were incredibly difficult. I was learning to navigate self-employment while also learning to understand myself through my neurodivergent lens. My first two clients were not a good fit, and there were moments when I truly thought about giving up.
Then Jeremy came into my lifeâand seven years later, he is still with me. Then came Moody, Ahmed, and so many others. Today, I work consistently with eight amazing families, and I am incredibly grateful for each of them.
Over the past seven years, Iâve learned more than I ever imaginedâabout running a business, doing taxes (with the help of a wonderful accountant), communicating professionally, setting healthy boundaries, and growing as both a person and a service provider. But the greatest gift of all is that I get to do what I love every single day.
Honestly, I never imagined I would last this long. Seven years later, here I amâhappier than I have ever been in my career. My clients are not just clients; they are family. Their families know and love my family, and the sense of community weâve built together is nothing short of a blessing.
Listening to Mark and starting Hand Over Hand was the best career decision Iâve ever made. It took time, but I now earn slightly more than I did as an EAâand more importantly, I have autonomy, creativity, and joy in my work. I create my own programming, plan my own outings, incorporate art, and collaborate closely with parents and other organizations
There is no bossâjust teamwork. I truly love what I do, and I love my guys deeply, like family.
From the bottom of this womanâs heart, thank you. Thank you to my families for trusting and supporting me. Thank you to my followersâboth those I know and those I donâtâwho show up daily with kind words and encouragement. Your support means more than you know.
As I look ahead, I hope that on my 10th anniversary in three years, I can rent a hall and bring all of my families together for a big celebration. I would love to host an open house and finally meet some of you face-to-face.
Wishing you all a very happy new year, and thank youâtrulyâfor being part of this journey
