Meet Jenn
Hi, I’m Jenn.
As a fellow parent advocate and a parent of a neurodivergent child, I understand the challenges and triumphs that come with advocating for your child’s education. I know firsthand the moments of frustration and the joy of seeing your child thrive in a supportive environment. These experiences have fuelled my passion for helping parents navigate the complexities of the education system with confidence and clarity.
My mission is to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and unwavering support needed to advocate effectively for your child. I believe in a neuro-affirming approach that celebrates each child’s strengths and promotes a culture of acceptance and belonging within schools. Together, we can create a path that leads to positive outcomes, focusing on building inclusive and supportive educational environments.
Whether you are just beginning your advocacy journey or seeking a new perspective, I am here as a trusted partner to support you in advocating for your neurodivergent child. Let’s work together to ensure your child receives the education they deserve, in an environment where they feel valued and understood.
I’m excited to connect with you and work hand-in-hand to make a meaningful difference in your child’s educational experience. Your child’s journey is important, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
My Philosophy
I believe every neurodivergent child has the right to an inclusive, supportive, and enriching education. My approach is rooted in a neuro-affirming philosophy that respects and celebrates the strengths and perspectives of each child. I work collaboratively with families and school teams to develop strategies that focus on removing barriers and fostering a positive learning environment.
I advocate for a cohesive, team-based approach to ensure that all efforts are aligned and focused on what is best for the child. This means prioritizing consistent communication, mutual respect, and shared goals among everyone involved. My role is to guide and support parents in navigating the school system, helping them to become effective advocates for their children while working collaboratively with educators and other professionals.
I focus on proactive problem-solving and clear communication. I believe in building strong, positive relationships with school teams to foster trust and understanding, which are essential for creating meaningful, lasting change. By working together, we can ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive in their educational journey.
If you are looking for advocacy support that aligns with these principles, I’m here to help guide you every step of the way.
Neuro-Affirming Approach
My approach to advocacy focuses on fostering a culture of acceptance and belonging for neurodivergent children in schools. I believe in celebrating each child and promoting an environment where they can thrive without needing to change who they are to fit in.
Behaviour modification techniques do not align with my philosophy. I advocate for creating supportive learning environments that respect and embrace neurodivergence. My goal is to work with families and schools to remove barriers and create inclusive spaces where every child feels valued and understood.
While I respect the choices of each family, I recognize that my approach may not align with everyone’s views. If your focus is on finding an advocate who supports behaviour modification strategies, it might be better to seek out someone whose philosophy aligns more closely with your needs.
Education
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Education
Master of Arts
Teaching Certification
I am a certified teacher in British Columbia.
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.