From Struggle to Purpose: My Journey to Empowering Unique Needs

I was always the quiet one in class-the shy girl who struggled to keep up. While I found joy in reading and writing, the rest of school felt like an uphill battle. I had uncontrollable hand tremors as a child and had no idea why. Tasks like buttoning my shirt and holding a pencil felt impossible. Over time, the tremors moved to my voice and head. A diagnosis of essential tremors answered the question about what has caused the tremors.

Math was my biggest academic hurdle. The numbers never made sense, and I often sat silently in confusion, too shy to ask for help. Looking back, I think that I had a math learning disability, which was something that wasn’t understood at the time.

College did not seem achievable for someone like me. But my dad encouraged me to try junior college, and although I enrolled, my heart was not in it. I had a dream of becoming an actress and working in the entertainment business. I dropped out of college and pursued acting full-time. But after going to auditions and taking acting classes, I decided it was no longer worth pursuing.

I returned to college with a new direction and earned my degree in Communications from Middle Tennessee State University in 1999. After graduating, I moved back to Texas and began working in the entertainment industry at Theatre Under the Stars and the Alley Theatre, which I loved. But deep down, I knew something was missing and that I wanted a job where I could give back.

I began exploring teaching as a new career and found a job teaching special education at an inner-city school in Houston. I had not planned on this specialty, but it felt like destiny. My own childhood struggles had prepared me to understand and advocate for students that had learning and physical challenges just like I had as a child.

After spending several years as a teacher, I returned to school for a Master of Education in School Counseling. Though I did not become a School Counselor, the journey made me a better educator. It also paved the way for the next chapter in my life.

After 20 years of devotion to the classroom, I knew it was time to step away. Burnout had taken its toll. I spent the summer resting and reflecting before discovering a powerful opportunity: training to become a Certified Special Needs Life Quality Coach. The moment I found the program, I knew it was the right fit.

After earning my certification, I launched Unique Needs Consulting. My mission is simple but heartfelt: to help individuals with special needs live their most fulfilling lives. My personal experiences and my years in Special Education are my foundation. My purpose is to empower others to rise beyond their challenges.