Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your family, and your SMS individual?
I am North Carolina born and raised, transplanted to Arizona since 1996. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Appalachian State University and then a K-12th grade certificate of endorsement for gifted education. Once in Arizona, I earned a Master’s Degree in Education: Administration and Supervision. I hold current certifications in all three areas, plus a substitute certificate in the State of Arizona. Like all the other moms (and dads), I have also earned a “Mom” degree in special education.
When I get time to myself, I love exercise, baking and reading. I am also an active member in the Cactus Wren Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. This means I LOVE doing genealogical research and then talking about what I’ve learned. Actually, I love talking with people in general, so be careful what you ask me! I love volunteering for my church, DAR and Raising Special Kids Arizona.
Our family includes my husband, Steve, our youngest son, Zeke (18) and of course our SMSer, Joey (22). We also have a cairn terrier named Jarvis. Zeke will be going off to college at ASU Polytechnical Campus this fall. It will be a big adjustment for all of us.
Joey was diagnosed with SMS at 9 months old. He never passed his newborn hearing screening test at the hospital when he was born. That was the tip of the iceberg that helped us get a diagnosis for him quickly. Joey’s SMS “package” is this: SNHL, ADHD with impulsivity, Retinal detachments, Legally blind. He became legally blind a couple of years ago. Adjusting to a DeafBlind status has been interesting to say the least. Most of Joey’s school life was at a private day school funded by the local school district for tuition and transportation. Like most people these days, his favorite thing to do is be on his iPad to watch YouTube videos. Joey loves Stitch from Disney, getting scared, dressing up in costumes (talks about Halloween costumes all year long), and eating any carbs on the planet.
How long have you been a Regional Rep for PRISMS? I honestly can’t remember when I signed up!
Why did you decide to become a Regional Rep? I wanted to become a Regional Rep in order to learn more about SMS and get to know more people connected to SMS. I also want to be accessible to other parents to share what I’ve learned and to help them navigate the SMS road as well.
What is your favorite part of being a Regional Rep? My favorite part about being a Regional Rep is connecting to more people in the SMS community.
In all the years you have been a Regional Rep, how do you think you have impacted others? I want to do more for the members of my community by offering more opportunities to connect, while also respecting the busyness of having a son or daughter with special needs.
What does PRISMS mean to you? PRISMS is a gold mine to me. It offered information and direction to us when Joey was first diagnosed. Like most families when they got the diagnosis, we were shocked. But, PRISMS was always there in many different capacities that we didn’t even realize we needed. There is a lot of understanding and strength in our worldwide community.
If you would like to find a Regional Representative in your area, or are interested in serving as a Regional Representative for PRISMS, please email in**@***ms.org.