Kristel’s Story
My passion for helping children with social and behavioral challenges started with my son. I have been around individuals with disabilities my entire life. My Aunt Jamie was born with Cerebral Palsy. She was always an inspiration with her positive outlook on life no matter what challenges she faced. She lived independently most of her adult life. She moved to North Dakota to attend high school, while her family remained in New Jersey, deciding to live in Minnesota after graduation. She never let her disabilities hold her back, from graduating college, to writing a book to help other people with disabilities navigate all the services available to them in the city. She battled cancer several times but never lost her positive outlook on life. I have always aspired to live my life in the same light she lived hers.
I have three children, my oldest have being diagnosed with high functioning autism. I spent three years maneuvering through the system to get the correct diagnosis for my son. Through his journey with ABA, I have become a better person and a better parent. The challenges that I have with finding services, camps, clubs, along with navigating through school meetings, and social issues is the reason I wanted to start this company. I intend to provide a safe place where all children not only have their individual needs met but also a place where they can feel safe, understood, respected, and a place to find friendships to last a lifetime.