HELLO

I am interested in Autism Spectrum Disorders as I have worked with many families that have children on the spectrum.  I have worked with nonverbal children, limited verbal children and children without language problems.  I have worked with aggressive children, self injurious children and children without any aggressiveness.

I find working with each one challenging and rewarding. I like helping families stay together - through providing respite so that parents can take a break and do something else and not worry whether their child is safe or not - SAFETY is always first for me - FUN is second.

I am currently taking an Autism Spectrum Disorders certificate program at Antioch University New England in Keene, NH.  I have 5 more weekends to travel to Keene - I go every third weekend so I will be done with my program the end of April.  (See my plea for help?)

I do not have children, but treat everyone's children as my own. I love children and hope to adopt a child with special needs at some point in my life.  I have a special needs bunny and a behaviorally challenging four-legged son currently.  Reuben is the love of my life - but he wants to be the only one in my life, which makes things a bit difficult for people to get close to me in my own home - other places he could care less unless he is in the car.  (He then shows his displeasure by chewing up seatbelts - drivers has been replaced 4 times and needs to be again....anyone know of a good junkyard?)

I have a Mental Health and Human Services BS and did my internship at the Autism Society of Maine.  I really enjoyed working with the wonderful ladies at ASM and meeting several of the families as well.

I am a certified respite provider in Regions 1 and 2 here in Maine and considering adding the last Region 3.  Have tried to find out how to become certified in New Hampshire and New York as well (I like to travel.)  I have a CNA that is helpful when dealing with physically ill children as well.

I am a Behvaioral Health Professional as certified by the State of Maine and an Instructor for the BHP as well as an Instructor for CPR and First Aid.

Yes, I love education!!!  I cannot think of anything more grand than learning something new everyday - even if it is as simple as an ASL sign or something that works for an individual that might work for someone else!!