Ooh, you made it to the About Page. But…
We should start by talking about you for a minute…
If you’re a Real Tired Parent™ who:
has a child who zigs when others zag
is navigating your own journey as an autistic person
is up to your chin in phone calls, IEP documents, and appointments
I am so glad you are here. You are in the right place.
If you’re an anxious (but BRAVE!) human who:
is overwhelmed by a new diagnosis and needs someone to be the Leslie Knope to your Ann Perkins (unwavering support with color-coded binders)
believes in a weight-neutral, Health at Every Size approach to health but hasn’t quite figured out how to speak up for your wonderful-as-you-are self at appointments
leaves appointments feeling like nothing was accomplished, and you don’t even remember if any of your questions were answered
I am so grateful that you are looking for my help. This is where it’s at.
I’m Jillian (she/her). I bring my experience as an educator and Actually Autistic adult into my advocacy work, where all my passions perfectly intersect.
As a child who had a seat at the table of my own IEP meetings, I believe in finding sustainable solutions deeply rooted in respect for your child. With a laundry list of rare chronic diseases and growing up in hospitals with my parents, I’ve gained years of experience maneuvering around doctors and insurance companies and have used these skills to support clients, friends, and family. I know how crucial it is to have an individualized and holistic approach to your healthcare plan, with you calling the shots.
I earned my BA in Education at Warren Wilson College and became a NC-licensed educator. During this time, I was a top-rated ECERS Pre-K lead teacher. I have two decades of childcare experience, and I work to create positive relationships with educators, schools, doctors, therapists, and whoever you want on your team to foster collaboration.
When I’m not working as the Olivia Pope of IEPs or on hold with your insurance company so you can live your life, I love crafts, spending time with kids in my care, and singing off-key. I am currently working on a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Advocacy at Sarah Lawrence University. I live in Asheville, NC with my adorable, snaggle-tooth puppy.
FUN FACTS
Remember those MySpace Bulletins where we’d share those little surveys about ourselves? Here’s mine - tell me what we have in common!
Name: Jillian
Town: Asheville, NC
Asheville Faves: Dolly and Ru Murals, White Duck Taco (RAD location), Abby the Spoon Lady, Nun on a Unicycle, Rock Band Bus Stop Guy
Celeb Loves: Stephanie March, Angie Harmon, Nicole Byer, Kimya Dawson, Stacey Farber, Maria Bamford, Nick Offerman
~ * SPICE UP YOUR LIFE * ~ with this fun fact: I’ve got all of my original Spice Girls dolls in their original boxes in my office…so if you wanna be my client, you gotta get with my dolls ;)