The SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine 1st Issue | Page 31
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Interview
needed to. The “Pocket” concept was important
to me because families could always have their
therapist handy if they bought the book! I sincerely
wish that I had the book when I was starting the
journey of raising children with special needs.
Tell us what a typical day looks
like in your household?
It’s crazy! We begin our day with a prayer and
then quickly move to our home school classroom
area. There’s got to be structure in order for my
Also, having the information written in terms
children (and me) to stay on task. We complete
that aren’t technical was important to me. Not
all of our lessons and then it’s break time for the
everyone has a degree in therapy and the
boys. This is when I begin my work day. There is
information should be accessible to EVERYBODY.
much to do for me and I must be efficient with my
time. In between all of this, I’ve got to find time
What advice can you offer to other
mothers who are looking to start a
business or charity?
to cook, clean, and run my boys to their activities!
I actually wrote an article about this last year!
There’s music, dancing, fun family activities tossed
It’s extremely important to be a “master of your
in too.
trade” and have a special interest that you feel
will fill a gap. If you’re not passionate about what
you are doing, it will reflect poorly in your business.
Do something you love because owing your own
business takes up a great deal of time. There
have been many 60 plus hour work weeks and
you’re never really “off.” Make it a labor of love
and you can’t go wrong!
What was the biggest struggle
you encountered when starting
your business/charity?
I feel that the most difficult part of beginning
any business is the funding for equipment and
space. Also, if you’re not a “business-oriented
person” than you need to hire someone who is.
My problem has always been that I give away my
time, products, and ideas because I think with my
heart. While that’s a wonderful thing, it certainly
does not pay the rent. It’s also critical to hire an
accountant and have a realistic business plan.
There isn’t much time for sleep right now. We do
have fun at whatever we do. My husband and
I like to keep the atmosphere uplifting and fun.
How do you balance work
and family life?
I truly believe that living with children who have
special needs gives me a unique empathy for
what my clients go through. When I give my clients
a home activity, I have personally tried it and
know it works. It’s not at all easy raising two kids
with special needs, but I feel very blessed to have
the chance to use my professional expertise to
help my own boys. I homeschooled both boys for
years and now I have my sons in my “classroom.”
I absolutely love seeing them grasp a concept
that’s difficult. Being their mom and teacher is
very neat. My husband is a blessing to us as he’s
always willing to help out after work with school
and tries to give me some free time!
Do you have any awards or
recognitions you want to share?
I was the recipient of the Duquesne University’s
Winter 2014 ~ The SpecialMoms magazine 31