I am so excited to have the opportunity this April to pair two things that I am extremely passionate about: working with children with Autism and Running!

On April 7th, 2019, I will have the privilege to join many other runners in the Rock 'n' Roll Series San Francisco as a member of Team Organization for Autism Research (OAR). My mission for these next two months will be to raise awareness, acceptance and funds for those whose lives and families are directly impacted by autism.

I first began working with children during high school. It wasn’t until I was in college that I had my first experience working with a child with Autism. The strong relationship and immediate connection I formed with that child was one of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve ever had in my professional career thus far. Autism, at the time, was a new and completely foreign concept to me. However, because of my deep emotional connection  with the child, I was very intrigued and motivated to learn more in order to help understand him more. Similar to that of learning a foreign language, it was intimidating and challenging. It required a great deal of patience, along with willingness to learn new things, accept the uncertainty, and make mistakes. Though these challenges often deter many others from wanting to learn more, I recognized just how beautiful this foreign language was. I saw that behind this language barrier, stood a creative and talented child, just like the other children that surrounded him.  He wanted to play the same things, learn the same things, to be loved by his teachers the same way his peers were, and I was the key to making this happen. So, I made a commitment to myself to not only learn more about this language, but also to share it with others and show them just how unique but similar it was.

Currently, I serve as a support teacher at an inclusive preschool, where I work closely with children with learning challenges. Additionally, I am working on my Masters degree and credentials in Early Childhood Special Education, as well as an Autism Spectrum Graduate Certificate. Between my daily work and the knowledge I'm gaining, I'm often thinking about the child I met in college and the committment I made. My passion to be the key in decoding this foreign langauge and sharing it with others has only grown stronger and stronger. 

By joining the Run for Autism team this April, I will be able to take my passion of working with children with learning difficulties and my passion of running to help support OAR’s mission to fund research and resources that help people with autism and their families.

It is my hope that further discoveries are made and the world will have a better understanding of what autism is and just how one-of-a-kind these children are. I hope that you will join me in celebrating these amazing kids by considering a tax-deductible contribution towards my fundraising efforts.

                                Thank you for your support!!