Spring has a way of reminding us that life is always capable of renewal. After months of bitter cold and dormancy, buds appear, tiny and fragile, yet full of potential. That sense of quiet hope mirrors my journey as a mom to a son with Autism...a journey filled with challenges and small victories. It has felt a lot like watching the seasons change...sometimes slow, sometimes uncertain, but always with the potential for growth.  

Preparing the Medium: 

Parenting a child on the spectrum has taught me lessons I carry with me every day: patience, resilience, and the understanding that growth often happens quietly, in ways that aren’t always immediately visible. Most of it is only seen in hindsight because you find yourself consumed with just getting through the day unscathed. I give credit to my village for supporting me and taking care of me, while I was busy taking care of him. We would not be here, telling this particular story without their support. I understand now how powerful it is to connect with other parents who understand your experiences, struggles, and triumphs.  

Planting the Seed: 

This was my first winter back in New England and these cold dreary days In Massachusetts gave me plenty of time to work on not only the seeds I planted years ago (Real Estate) but also the seed that was placed in my life when I was busy surviving...HOPE.  

My decision to move back to Springfield after ten years has felt like one that I was led to make. I had been consumed in all that was this little boy who now was a young man heading off to college. This was now to be MY season, and I knew returning home had to be a new experience, just in a place that felt familiar...Home. What I have found that I wasn’t expecting, was the opportunity to meet so many parents and caregivers while working in real estate this winter, who for no other reason than God, decided to share with me that they have a child with Autism. All of them with similar experiences of trying to navigate and advocate, but most of the time, not knowing where to start. All of them thanking me for sharing my story, for passing on to them the seed of hope planted in me.  

Finding Purpose:  

Both roles, parenting and real estate, are about fostering spaces where people feel safe, supported, and empowered. The lessons I’ve learned in the 18 yrs of being an Autism parent in patience & listening, problem-solving & advocacy, and creating a place to flourish are all the skills that shape who I am as a realtor. Maybe the opportunity to start this career, that I once considered unattainable because I had this huge responsibility of raising a child on the Spectrum, has only come full circle to be the vessel in which I help support other families like mine. That God would intertwine these experiences in this new chapter, leaves me speechless and feeling empowered. Could it be that I am finding my purpose? 

New Beginnings:  

Spring is the perfect time to begin something new! This Spring, I am planting my mustard seed of faith and starting: It Takes a Village: Autism Support Group for Parents. My vision is simple yet meaningful...to build a community where families can share experiences, exchange resources, and find encouragement during both the difficult and joyous moments. This group will be a space where parents feel seen, supported, and hopeful. A place where the seeds of understanding and connection can grow. 

If you’re a parent who’s navigating life with a child on the Autism Spectrum: 

 I want you to know that you’re not alone. Parenting a child with Autism is a beautiful, complex, and sometimes exhausting journey. Every milestone feels monumental, and every setback is a lesson in patience and resilience. From navigating therapies and IEP’s to celebrating tiny victories that most people might overlook, I’ve learned that the smallest moments often carry the most profound meaning. The moments of uncertainty, the questions, and even the quiet victories are best shared with a community that understands. The journey may feel overwhelming at times, but there is a community ready to support you.  

Whether you join from day one or simply keep the idea in mind for the future, I hope this space will be a reminder that small steps can lead to meaningful growth and that, like Spring, hope always has the power to bloom. 

To everyone who took the time to read this through: Thank you

It Takes A Village:

Autism Support Group for Parents

Please Join Us for Our First Meeting:

Saturday, April 25th, 12PM

Hispanic-American Library

55 Frank B Murray St.

Springfield, MA 01103

[email protected]