Every child has a purpose—let's navigate the journey togethe
Your Involvement is Key!
I take great pride in being Kendall’s mom. My advocacy journey began when he was just 18 months old, and since then, I’ve dedicated myself to ensuring he has the resources and support he needs to thrive. Along the way, I’ve gained valuable insights into the systems, people, and processes that serve individuals with developmental disabilities in California.
My advocacy started with navigating the school system for Kendall, a journey that ultimately led to him earning a bachelor’s degree from Fresno State. Over the years, I have served on numerous nonprofit boards and committees, including the Tulare County Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for Special Education. For a decade, I was a board member for PSW, a key service provider for individuals with disabilities in Tulare County. Today, I serve as the President of the Board of Directors for the Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC), which supports over 30,000 individuals with disabilities across six counties in Central California.
I don’t claim to have all the answers—this system is complex and constantly evolving. But I have a strong working knowledge of available resources and a network of connections that help me find solutions when needed. My passion lies in empowering individuals and families by sharing what I’ve learned and helping them navigate their own journeys with confidence.
About Kendall
Kendall is an autistic adult artist and filmmaker who refuses to let social challenges stand in the way of his dreams. He began school as a non-verbal child in a severely handicapped class, yet through perseverance and the right support, he became a college graduate with a degree in graphic arts from Fresno State.
Through his YouTube channel, Adventures With Kendall, he takes viewers on weekly adventures while inspiring others on the autism spectrum to embrace their God-given abilities. As Kendall says, “May your gifts bless the world.”
Of course, this journey was anything but easy. Getting Kendall through high school and into college came with countless hurdles and challenges. Today, we continue working on his "job-ready" skills, focusing on the specialized training that best supports his growth.
Through this process, Kendall has gained a confidence we never imagined. Seeing him navigate social situations with ease is a joy beyond words. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone thrive after being told their challenges would hold them back. GO KENDALL!
My Commitment to Kendall
I noticed that Kendall was often unresponsive to verbal cues at about 18 months old. I started with the family doctor who was knowledgable enough to refer us to the regional center in our geographic area. That lead to a referral to a school speech therapist and a special education pre-school. At five, Kendall was official diagnosed with high functioning autism.
In the process of getting Kendall through the various levels of school, I took ever opportunity to get involved at school, attend training sessions and conferences open to parents, read books, etc. I served for many years of the Tulare County Office of Education Community Advisory Committee for Special Education, always served on the school site council, etc. I did all of this so I would know as much as possible about the services and rights Kendall had to a quality education. Later I joined the any related committee or board of directors that would have me. All to gain knowledge and insight into the processes that impacted his life.
Of course there were highs and lows, but I always knew he could do great things. We picked our battles and focused on the areas where change was likely to be successful and meaningful. I tried many times to teach him to tie his shoes before I realized he could live a full life without the ability to tie a knot. The bottom line was to love him unconditionally and encourage him to develop skills that made him happy.
This hasn't been an easy journey, but Kendall and I both hope to make it easier for you. Having other parents or autistic individuals to network with has been extremely helpful for us. This website is a continued commitment to Kendall and our way of helping others use their "gifts to bless the world".