Hello!
I found myself in the unexpected role of Special Needs parent quite suddenly in 2011 when my otherwise healthy four month old son had a 45 minute seizure. After a hospitalization that included a spinal tap, a CAT scan and a diagnosis of RSV we made our way home to a brand new life. Many seizures followed throughout the next year and his normal development slowed by the time he was 24 months. After genetic testing we received an official diagnosis of Dravet Syndrome (a form of epilepsy that is generally unresponsive to current medications), and just recently in 2021 a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder followed.
Throughout the past twelve years I’ve gone through all of the ups and downs you’d expect. I have had to lean heavily on my training in Psychology and Elementary Education to help not only my son, but myself and my family in general. There have been many times over the years when I have been grateful for my professional background and the ways in which it's allowed me to navigate all the complexities of raising a child with special needs. I have had the benefit of sitting on both sides of the IEP table--as both an educator and a special needs parent--and working as a Regular Education teacher in a collaborative classroom environment alongside a Special Education teacher. I have worked with administrators, parents, doctors and lawyers to ensure the needs of all children are met. Knowing that many parents come into special needs parenting without some form of professional experience has inspired me to lend a hand and support parents in need. As a mom who's been there, an experienced educator and an active member of C.O.P.A.A. (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates) I am prepared to walk you through your journey and give you the guidance and support you deserve.
Listen in to "The Learning Curve" Podcast with
The Parent Whisperer, Lup Wai Chan
Carinne chats candidly with her husband Frank about how parenting a child with special needs can affect a marriage...
See Carinne's blog featured by The Lucas Project
Carinne holds a
Master of Arts Degree in Communications
from
New York University's
Steinhart School of Education
Carinne holds a
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology
and a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education
from
Southern Connecticut State University
Carinne is a proud and active member of
Resource Partnerships
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