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.

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.

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.

Rebeka Acosta

Diagnosis & Healthcare Advocate

Jamie Kappelmann

Special Education Advocate

Special needs mom to two girls. Both with rare genetic conditions. One by neurological requiring complete care and one with low vision condition.

Tina Ayhan

Diagnosis & Healthcare Advocate

I had no experience with speacial needs and had to learn the hard way. My daughter has CP, epilepsy, global development delay. Had surgeries, had status epilepticus, stayed in hospitals for months. Learned to advocate for a non-verbal child while caring for two other kids one younger one older. Later went back to school and got my LMSW degree and now working for LCSW. Working in a psychiatric hospital while raising kids and managing being a full time assistant to my daughter with disabilities.

Kathlyn Roffina

Special Education Advocate

I have a physical disability and have lived this life for 31 years. My son and husband have different medical complexities and have been thrown into navigating everything as a parent. I would love to help you feel less alone and help you thrive again.

Maricarmen Aguilar

Special Education Advocate

Hi! My name is Maricarmen! I have two kids Benjamin has 10 years old and Rebecca has 7 years old. Benjamin has citomegalovirus that I passed him when I was pregnant and because of that Benjamin has a lot of diagnosis. As a Mom I’m trying every single therapy or treatment for Benji so I guess I have enough experience to share and also I speak Spanish.

Heidi Martin RN, BSN, LAS

Diagnosis & Healthcare Advocate

As the Trauma Informed Perinatal Case Manager for Journey of a Lifetime (JOL), I have 24 years of nursing experience with 20 years of that experience being in a high level NICU. I am also the mother to a special needs child with a rare genetic diagnosis known as Mowat-Wilson Syndrome. I understand the medical and nursing aspects of a perinatal diagnosis, as well as the parental journey, the NICU Journey, and all aspects of advocating for a child with complex medical needs. Additionally, JOL is staffed by a retired family practice physician who provides an additional layer of support in the medical and advocacy journey. As a faith based non-profit, all services are offered at no cost to clients and provided regardless of one’s faith.