More life-changing help, less going it alone.
Imagine if those phone calls were handled, if you had vetted resources you could trust, and you had the answers to the questions you’ve been afraid to ask.
Dear wonderful human being:
I know you’d probably love a day without worrying about the heaps of phone calls that need to be made, getting a phone call from the school, and the upcoming IEP meeting looming overhead. Not to mention the tossing and turning, the parent guilt, and the regular day-to-day stress of adulting in America in the year of 2023.
And what about your own health needs? The needs of your aging parents?
Did you know that 54% of Americans in their 40s are caring for both an aging parent and a young child? You’re not alone in this sandwich generation.
Hey, friend. I’m Jillian.
I can help you create an action plan with know-how, perseverance, and vetted resources. Consider those phone calls handled.
I am uniquely qualified to help you because I am:
someone who has been there- both as a child and as an adult
both an advocate and an educator, your spoonie friend and professional patient
a seasoned childcare pro, serving families in AVL for over a decade
With lived experience as a chronically ill person and a caregiver, I bring years of professional and personal experience to the table.
“I can’t imagine how the first 3 years of our life with our child would have been different without the positive impact and love that Jill brought to our home.”
In Asheville
These are services I offer exclusively in Asheville. Keep in mind that in-person services are always subject to availability.
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Let's team up for your medical appointments! Whether in-person or virtual, we'll chat beforehand to address your concerns, provide top-notch support, and align on your expectations for the visit. On the day of, I'll be by your side at the office. If you'd rather skip the weigh-in, no problem—I'll let the nurse know. Worried about forgetting questions? I've got it covered with notes from our first chat, so nothing slips through the cracks- not even your list of questions.
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Hey there, fellow human! I totally get it—you deserve a well-deserved break every now and then. I know you know that if you're a caregiver for someone who needs extra-special care, finding the right support can be a challenge. This is something that I can help with. Let's connect and discuss how I can provide a helping hand. Your loved one deserves the best, and together, we can make a positive difference in their life and yours.
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Look, I get it. Your friends and family are amazing and you treasure every single second of help you are given. But…what you really want is a night of sleep; pure, uninterrupted, no bargaining for two minutes kind of sleep. I want that for you, too.
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I'll be there to take meticulous notes, speak up when you can't, and discreetly pass you post-its with reminders of all the important things you wanted to bring up. I'll make sure they remember their legal obligations to your child, help brainstorm effective ways to implement goals, and all that "blah blah blah" stuff. Together, we've got this!
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For children aged 12 months through 6 years, I offer personalized support tailored to your specific needs. Whether it's establishing schedules and routines for transitional periods or for the entire day, finding solutions for bedtime, mealtime, or the daily dash to get out the door, I can make your days much, much easier.
In Asheville & Beyond
These are services I offer outside of Asheville either virtually or with added cost of travel. Keep in mind that in-person services are always subject to availability.
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Perhaps something feels off, but you can't quite put your finger on it, and researching it seems overwhelmingly daunting. Let me put my years of teaching experience, my personal journey with an IEP and 504 plan, and my uncanny knack for deep research to work for you.
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In times of hospitalization for anybody you love, making arrangements and living in anxiety can become your additional full-time jobs. That's where I step in. I provide companionship and support to your loved one at the hospital (or rehabilitation center) while you take a much needed break. I'll diligently take notes on any updates, record important conversations during doctors' rounds, and provide assistance with feeding, comforting, and engaging activities – just as I would (and have) for my own family members.
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If you’re fighting with insurance, struggling to get doctors to answer you or schedule an appointment, need to gather your medical records or any other task that means you have to call and listen to early 2000’s soft rock while your frustration grows and people give you the run around—let me do some research and make the calls for you!
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Families often opt for this service when they are going on vacation and need an extra set of experienced hands. Whether handling special medical equipment or keeping a close eye out for meeting unique health needs, I can provide the assistance needed to help make the trip just a little smoother and a lot more enjoyable.
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Whether it's in person or virtual, I work with families to provide a calming and comfortable environment for everyone. By understanding unique preferences and needs, I craft personalized solutions that promote relaxation and reduce sensory overload. Together we can determine everything you need, where to find it, and how to set it up for a sensory-friendly oasis.
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Let me help you dig into that stack of papers. It can be overwhelming to interpret evaluations, documentation, and reports filled with industry jargon. Let me be your second set of eyes and read alongside you. I’ll read over all of the papers, and I’ll provide clear explanations so you can understand what each document entails.
Hey! I’m Jillian.
I’m all about inclusivity, self-advocacy, and compassion for self and others.
As a child, I sat in on my own IEP meetings (not to brag, but I definitely used fidget toys before it was cool.) My mother involved me in making decisions about my own life and education starting in elementary school so I never thought it would or could be any other way.
Now, I use my lived experience as an Actually Autistic Adult (checkout that alliteration) and my professional experience as a licensed educator to help foster this same sense of age-appropriate self-advocacy.
I created Embrace AVL to support whole, nuanced families in Asheville, NC and all over the country.
We’re a great match if:
This makes you say heck yeah…
Helping kids become their best selves
Practical solutions that you can use immediately
Sitting crooked and talking straight
Bright crafts
This makes you say no thank youuuuuu…
Toxic positivity
The pressure to be Pinterest Perfect
Thinking of autism as an ‘illness’ to be ‘cured"‘
Crappy ABA Practices
FAQ
Q: Do you provide in-person services outside of Asheville?
A: There are many services I can provide outside of AVL. When we chat about your customized support plan, we can discuss travel costs, my availability, and case by case suitability.
Q: Can you help support our family even if we don’t have an existing diagnosis?
A: YES! Choosing whether to seek out a formal diagnosis is a big decision. I can offer you radical support as you navigate the nuances in your unique situation. I can help you find and access services in your area or discuss the benefits of doing so. Alternatively, I can support you in your choice to not seek out a formal diagnosis and help you prepare for what comes after you make that decision.
Either way, I want to meet you where you’re at and ease the stress surrounding diagnosis.
Q: What’s your approach to working with children?
A: I truly believe that all children are doing their personal best; it’s up to us to give them the best support and be the most enthusiastic hype men to keep them striving towards their goals. The world is a rough place, I want to make it kinder/softer. I seek to offer sanity-saving solutions for you and self-esteem boosters for them.
Q: What’s your take on ABA/Autism Speaks/~*finding a cure*~?
A: Hard no for me! I have a collection of alternative resources available here.