Meet Merrie
Special Education Teacher, IEP Advocate, Autism Mom, and Your Guide Through the Diagnosis
I've Been Where You Are
I didn't choose this path because I studied autism in a textbook. I chose it because autism chose my family—and it changed everything.
When I met Jacob, I was a preschool teacher in an ESE classroom. He was a nonverbal, level 3 autistic little boy who had already been through too many foster homes. My husband and I knew immediately: Jacob was ours.
Jacob Changed Everything
Adopting Jacob meant diving headfirst into the world of autism. I'm a natural learner—I read everything, tried everything, and figured out what worked. But I quickly realized something: most parents don't have the time, energy, or roadmap to do what I did.
They're drowning in information but starving for clarity. They want someone to say, "Here's what to do next." That's why I started Parenting the Spectrum.
Today, Jacob is a happy, thriving 10-year-old boy who loves his life. Every day, I work to make sure he's taking steps toward living as normal a life as he's able to live. And every day, I help other parents do the same for their children.
I've Sat on Both Sides of the IEP Table
I spent 8 years working in the public school ESE system—preschool through middle school. I've been in every possible special education scenario. And I've sat in hundreds of IEP meetings as a school employee.
Here's what broke my heart: I knew parents had legal rights, but I couldn't tell them. The IEP is a legally binding document, but schools don't always tell you what they're required to provide. I watched parents leave meetings without knowing they could have asked for more.
That's why I became an IEP advocate. I know what happens behind closed doors. I know what schools are legally obligated to do. And now, I'm on your side of the table.
Credentials & Experience
Education
- • Bachelor's in Informal Learning Education (Focus: Autism Spectrum Disorder)
- • Master's in Exceptional Student Education & Alternate Assessment
Experience
- • 8+ Years in Special Education (ESE)
- • Preschool through Middle School
- • IEP Advocate & Parent Coach
Lived Experience
- • Adoptive Mom to Level 3 Autistic Son
- • Navigated Public School, Private, & Homeschool
- • Current Homeschool-Therapy Hybrid Model
Philosophy
- • Parent-First Decision Making
- • Public, Private, or Homeschool Support
- • Empowering Parents as Primary Educators
Beyond the Credentials
I'm a teacher at heart. I'm faith-based, love my family, and spend my free time with our chickens, homesteading, and cooking from scratch. But I'm also a millennial—throw on some 2000s rap, and I'm right there with you.
I believe parents are the primary educators. My job isn't to take over—it's to equip you with the clarity, tools, and confidence to make the best decisions for your child.
Where We Serve
In-Person: Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Pace, Milton, and surrounding Northwest Florida communities.
Virtual: Coaching, IEP advocacy, and tutoring available to families in all 50 states.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Let's work together to create a plan for your child's future.