Hi, I’m Jenn
As a fellow parent advocate, I’ve been where you are. I understand the uphill battles, the moments of frustration, and the relentless commitment to securing the best possible education for your child.
As a parent of a neurodivergent child myself, I know that advocating for your child’s needs can sometimes feel like an exhausting, solitary journey. I’ve personally experienced the joys of small victories and the heartaches of setbacks, and I’ve channelled those experiences into a passion for supporting parents just like you.
My mission is simple: to empower you with the knowledge, tools, and unwavering support needed to become a confident and effective advocate. I’m here to help you transform the overwhelming maze of educational bureaucracy into a path that leads to clarity, empowerment, and successful outcomes for your child.
Whether you’re navigating the education system for the first time or seeking a fresh perspective, I’m here as a friend and confidant to help you understand and advocate for your neurodivergent child.
Let’s embark on this advocacy journey together. I’m excited to connect with you, share my experiences, and work hand-in-hand to ensure your child receives the education they deserve. Your child’s journey is our journey, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
-Jenn
Education Background
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Education
Master of Arts
Teaching Certification
I am a certified teacher in British Columbia, and I was also a certified teacher in Ontario when I trained and worked there before moving west. These teaching credentials have provided me with the practical knowledge and firsthand experience needed to navigate the education system effectively.
More About Me
My Journey
I’ve been deeply involved in education for nearly three decades. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with children and teens in a variety of alternative and traditional education environments, both in Canada and abroad. From my experiences with organizations like Outward Bound Canada, the Pearson Seminar on Youth Leadership, Project Canoe, Trails Youth Initiatives, and teaching in Kenya, to my time at independent schools such as Collingwood School and Whistler Waldorf School, I’ve always felt a strong connection to youth and program development.
The Shift
However, what I didn’t anticipate was my transition from educator to parent advocate. When my own child faced challenges in the traditional school system, I knew it wasn’t a matter of my parenting skills. Instead, it became evident that both my child and I are neurodivergent. In those early days, I lacked the knowledge and skills needed to advocate effectively. So, I immersed myself in understanding this side of the education system.
A Neuro-Affirming Approach
Throughout my career, I’ve consistently championed a child-centred approach in my teaching and program development. This approach led me to delve into neuro-affirming practices, including learning from experts like Ross Greene, Mona Delahooke and Shelley Moore. In addition, I have immersed myself in building a community of neurodivergent adults, from whom I am consistently learning. Combining my extensive experience with a particular interest and expertise in the Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile of autism, I’ve become a unique asset to parents.
Stories of Exclusion
In addition to my work as a school advocacy coach and consultant, I am deeply committed to shedding light on the issue of school exclusion. When my own child was placed on a shortened 2-hour school day by the school district, I began to question how common such exclusionary practices were.
This led to the creation of the Stories of Exclusion project, where I collected narratives from other families who, like mine, had transitioned from public brick-and-mortar school districts to online learning due to experiences of school exclusion. With the help of Kyla Whitwell, I published a report featuring the stories of 60 families who have faced similar challenges.
I hope that by sharing these stories, we can foster awareness and change within the education system, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment for all neurodivergent students.