Find an advocate to
fit your family

Emily & Morgan

Diagnosis & Healthcare Advocate

Grace in the Unexpected is hosted by two moms, that are friends, who live the realities of pediatric brain injury every day. Our perspective is not just informed—it is lived. Between us, we represent both sides of the brain injury journey: one of us parenting a child with an acquired traumatic brain injury (TBI), and the other raising a child with a congenital brain injury. This dual lens allows us to speak with depth and nuance about the wide spectrum of challenges, adaptations, and victories families experience. Emily brings insight into adoption, as well as firsthand experience navigating epilepsy and its complexities within the context of brain injury. Morgan offers extensive knowledge in tube feeding, adaptive equipment, and AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) devices. Both moms are sharing practical guidance for families managing daily medical and communication needs. Together, we explore the full spectrum of cerebral palsy, recognizing that no two children—or journeys—are the same. From higher support needs to more independent mobility, we speak candidly about what it looks like to meet our children where they are and advocate for what they need. Our goal is to create a space where real-life experience meets honest conversation—offering support, education, and connection for families walking similar paths.

Amanda Bailey

Special Education Advocate

I am an educational advocate with more than 18 years of experience supporting students, families, and schools. As a former special education teacher, case manager, and educational consultant, I help families understand their rights, navigate the special education process, and collaborate effectively with school teams. My approach is compassionate, solution-focused, and centered on building positive relationships while ensuring every child receives the support they need to succeed. I believe parents should feel informed, empowered, and confident throughout their educational journey, and I am committed to helping families find practical solutions that put students first.

Brittany Barr

Special Education Advocate

I was born with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. I had an IEP all the way through school.. Now I have a daughter who has spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy and has an IEP. I’ve lived in the Philippines for 10 years without resources and now live in the US so I know what it’s like to have to find your own resources and do digging and be the voice for yourself and the voice for your child.

Jennifer Trevino

Special Education Advocate

Kathleen Skeins

Diagnosis & Healthcare Advocate

TBI navigation and caregiving isn't explained in the hospital. I do that here. I'm Kathleen Skeins, Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) and wife of a severe traumatic brain injury survivor. I teach TBI caregivers what no one has time to explain: the medical terms, the decisions, the logistics, the parts nobody prepares you for. No recovery promises. No timelines. Just what you need to know, explained plainly, by someone who's lived it. I know it may feel like it, but you are not alone.

Karen

Special Education Advocate

I focus on Inclusive education , helping families secure an inclusive placement or better inclusive practices within an existing placement.

Jennie Dopp

Special Education Advocate

I am a mother of a 25 year old sone with autism and a rare chromosome duplication. I am also a ChSNC (Charted Special Needs Consultant). I specialize in helping families plan for the future, who will care for their child when they are gone, and I help them find the next right step in the planning process.

Nicole Fox

Diagnosis & Healthcare Advocate

Hi! I’m Nicole, a pediatric physical therapist who provides in home PT for children in Chicagoland. I primarily specialize in doing DMI intensives, but also work on breathing, breath support, electrical stimulation, and pediatric bowel and bladder. I created my company, Kidvincible, because I wanted to offer a place where children feel invincible and families are given the hope, support, and confidence they deserve. Through tailored, intensive therapy programs, I work closely with families to create an environment where progress isn’t just possible — it’s celebrated every step of the way.

Mary Beth Patton

Special Education Advocate

I am a mother of a 19 year old that receives special education and a younger daughter that receives special education. Before my oldest was born I was a para educator finished my degree and was a special education teacher. Certified in all areas in my state. I have been an advocate for other families for many years have been a professional advocate with an LLC for a year.

Rebeka Acosta

Diagnosis & Healthcare Advocate