Pick Up The Pieces TN

03/14/2026

03/10/2026

📢Now Booking: Educational Presentations for Parent Groups and Community Organizations!

Families navigating disabilities shouldn’t have to figure everything out alone.

With 28 years working in Special Education and with students struggling with Behavior issues, I’m excited to begin offering presentations and workshops through Pick Up The Pieces TN to help parents, educators, and communities better support children with disabilities.

➡️Some topics I offer include:

-An Overview of Autism
-Disabilities Awareness in the Community
-Navigating Developmental Disabilities
-Working with Parents of Children with Special Needs
-How to Include Children with Disabilities in After-School Activities

⭐These talks are designed for:
Parent Support Groups, School Staff and Educators, Disability Organizations, Churches and Community Groups, Non-Profits, Conferences or Workshops, Homeschool Groups, Child Care Centers, After School Programs, and Summer Camp Staff, etc.

I’m looking to book 3–5 local groups this Spring as I expand into speaking opportunities. Some community presentations may be offered at no cost, while others may include an honorarium depending on the event and organization.

My goal is simply to get helpful information and encouragement into the hands of people who need it.

If your parent group, church, or organization might benefit from one of these presentations, I would love to connect. Feel free to message me or comment below.

And if you know a group that could use this kind of support, please feel free to share this post.

Sincerely,
Cari

*This work is part of my mission through Pick Up The Pieces TN to support families navigating disabilities. If your organization has a speaker budget or would like to support this work, honorariums and donations are always appreciated and help make it possible to continue offering resources to families. Venmo -parr. PayPal-pickupthepiecestn@gmail.com*

Pick Up The Pieces TN

03/06/2026

The Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support invites parents and families of high school students with disabilities (ages 14–22), special education educators, professionals in the field, and all others to join us for helpful transition information to plan for life after high school!

✨ What we’ll discuss:
✔️ Conservatorship & other legal support options
✔️ Transition services
✔️ Supported Decision-Making
✔️ Planning for the future with confidence
🗓 March 9, 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM CST-7:00PM CST
👉 Register today: https://bit.ly/4aTTYvB

03/06/2026

💡 2026 Power Up Tech Camp – Middle Tennessee!

This exciting FREE one-day camp is designed for teens and adults age 15+ with intellectual or developmental disabilities who want to explore assistive and enabling technology in a fun outdoor setting.

📍 Henry Horton State Park – Chapel Hill, TN
📅 May 5 or May 6, 2026 (choose one day)
⏰ 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Participants will:
✨ Explore hands-on technology
🔥 Enjoy outdoor activities
🍽️ Have lunch together
🍫 Make s’mores using technology
🎒 Receive a backpack, tech swag, and certificate

This is a great opportunity to learn about technology that supports independence and daily living.

⚠️ Apply by April 6, 2026

If you’re interested, check out the registration link or scan the QR code in the flyer!

03/06/2026

Join The Arc Tennessee's Family Engagement in Special Education team for the Johnson City Schools Spring Transition Fair!

Are you looking for resources and support to help prepare your student for life after high school? This transition fair is a great way to explore college and career readiness programs, ask questions, and connect with other families on a similar special education journey. Come discover opportunities, meet experts, and find the tools your family needs to support your student's transition into higher education, employment, and independent living.

Don't miss out—join us and start planning for the future today!

Register today - https://familyengagementtn.com/event/johnson-city-schools-spring-transition-fair/

03/06/2026

🌦️✨ Weather takes center stage at All Access Night on Thursday, March 12th. Enjoy hands-on weather fun in a calm, welcoming setting where families can explore at their own pace.

🌈 Paper strip rainbows
🎡 Weather wheels
🎨 Weather painting
☁️ Weather sensory bin
🌦️ Weather playdough mats

With smaller crowds and reduced sensory stimulation, it’s a comfortable way to experience the museum after hours.

Sponsored by SEC, Inc., the event is free with advanced registration. 🎟️

👉 Sign up at https://explorethedc.org/all-access-nights.

03/06/2026

High Hopes Preschool and Pediatric Therapy Clinic has unveiled the launch of an innovative therapeutic preschool model this fall.