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Special Needs Travel Planning
Aside from travel, my other lifelong passion has always been helping others. From protesting at the Department of Transportation on my 16th birthday for wheelchair-accessible buses, to getting my master's degree in school psychology and helping children access special education, I have always felt moved to use my time, efforts, and skills to make others' lives a bit better.
In 2009, I was lucky to marry a man who felt the same way, and as a family, we've continued to service our community and beyond. I wanted to share this part of our lives here to show that my travel specialization is deeply meaningful and a core part of who I am -- and have always been.
A lifelong passion of service and advocacy
I'm honored to serve as a founding board member of Growing Together: The Friendship Factory, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering inclusive social and recreational opportunities for children with developmental disabilities in our community.
I'm especially proud of our efforts to save a local neurodivergent Teen Club from ending when another organization who hosted it suddenly closed its doors. Within 9 days, The Friendship Factory found a space, a facilitator, and all of the families followed us to our new location. Having a consistent, neuroaffirming social space for my daughter and other teens every week has been incredibly important for their mental health.
At the 2025 National Convention, my husband, Mike, and I were honored to receive the Phi Sigma Pi 2024-2025 Alumni Tripod – Excellence in Leadership Award.
"This award honors individuals whose character and actions demonstrate outstanding leadership that advances the common good. Your ongoing dedication, particularly your meaningful contributions within the autism community, has had a profound impact. The compassion, advocacy, and leadership you have shown in your efforts have not only brought awareness but also created lasting change."
Mike is an attorney who represents numerous intellectual disability/autism service providers in Pennsylvania and is also a frequent speaker and writer on ID/A issues. Very proud to call him my husband!
What a Certified Autism Travel Professional Can Do For You
UNDERSTAND AUTISM
CATPs are knowledgeable about autism, including common sensitivities and communication differences--but most of all, the need for individualized approaches. You don't have to start from scratch with me -- I get it. I'm living it. Additionally, my training and experience in school psychology has provided me with tools to help those with other disabilities as well, including anxiety, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, and sensory processing disorder.
PLAN ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL
I create fully accessible itineraries tailored to the specific needs of your family. This includes consideration and planning for mobility needs, sensory needs, and dietary restrictions/food allergies..
MINIMIZE STRESS
My goal is to reduce the stress and challenges associated with traveling by providing solutions, supports, and strategies tailored to your family's needs.
FOSTER INCLUSION
I want to ensure that your loved one and your family can enjoy and participate in the entire travel experience, whether that means flying, riding rides, staying at an all-inclusive resort, navigating a major city, dining in restaurants, using public transportation, & more.
What You'll Receive
Customized travel guide
Before your trip, you'll receive a comprehensive travel guide from me tailored to your family's travel needs. My guides often include information about:
- Locations of sensory rooms in your airports
- TSA cares
- Safety bracelets/tattoos/devices
- Sunflower Program
- Family restrooms in airports & those with height-adjustable changing tables
- Private lounges in airports available for day passes
customized social story
I can create a fully customized, neuroaffirming Social Story about your trip, starting from your departure day and ending when you return home. I use pictures of your airports, airplane, specific accommodation(s), transfer vehicle(s), activities, and restaurants whenever possible. The Social Story will be written for your loved one's reading level to ensure their interest and comprehension.
additional guides
Based on our discovery call and your trip's itinerary, I can provide additional relevant guides as needed to ensure your trip's success. For example, I share sensory guides to theme parks such as Disney World, information about park disability passes, customized park itineraries, and more.
Video proposal
Based on the information you provide me, I create a proposal with recommendations carefully tailored to your needs and preferences. I talk through them via recorded video, which I email to you for you to view at your convenience.
We then discuss your thoughts and feedback, make any adjustments if necessary, and when everything is perfect, I secure the bookings for you!