Meet Joel

Originally from a ranch in rural Kansas, Joel brings both heart and expertise to his work with families. After earning a degree in K–6 Special Education from Kansas State University, he taught students with significant needs in Kansas City, Kansas for multiple years. While teaching, he completed a Master’s in Low-Incidence Special Education from the University of Kansas—one of the nation’s top programs. Today, Joel focuses on supporting families directly, helping them navigate challenges and build fulfilling futures.

My Approach

I approach this work by, first and foremost, focusing on a strength-based mindset. I believe that all individuals—including those at the center of my support—bring unique, joy-filled qualities to the world around them. By focusing on these strengths and thoughtfully implementing systems that support both the individual and their family, we can create environments that are more peaceful, functional, and fulfilling for everyone involved.

Through collaboration, we’ll work to cultivate supportive mindsets, establish meaningful goals, and build practical, sustainable systems. The aim is to help families gain clarity and confidence while taking intentional, achievable steps that strengthen connection, build stability, and promote growth for both the individual and the family as a whole.

Why This Matters to Me

This work is personal to me for many reasons. I’ve spent years supporting children with significant disabilities in schools, but over time, one thing became increasingly clear: raising a child with multiple disabilities offers access to unique joys—but also brings undeniable stressors. These can include challenges related to health, education, family dynamics, the future, and more. Often, they can become so consuming that they overwhelm a family’s ability to focus on the joys that are also present.

What’s more, families are often left to face these challenges on their own—without access to the kinds of strategic tools or support systems that can make all the difference. As much as I enjoyed working with students in the classroom, I felt a growing call to shift my focus to supporting families directly. I want to help these families feel seen, supported, and equipped to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Another reason I do this work is deeply personal, being that I grew up in a family with a family member who has a disability. This early, direct access to the inside of a family navigating complex needs is a big part of why I am who I am today—and why I do what I do.

I believe in families. I believe your child is a powerful entry point to some of the most meaningful joys life has to offer. And I believe that your family has the strength, wisdom, and capacity to create meaningful change when given the right tools and guidance. It brings me real joy to walk alongside families like yours—to share perspectives, and not just problem-solve, but create space for joy, connection, and lifelong growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I support families navigating the unique challenges of raising a child with significant disabilities by offering guidance, resources, and strategies tailored to their individual situations with the focus of pursuing joy, clarity, and meaningful progress.

  • Yes! While I'm based in Kansas, I connect and work virtually with families from across the country.

  • While I primarily support families of individuals from early childhood through young adulthood, families of individuals of all ages may benefit from the strategies, frameworks, and personalized guidance provided through these services.

  • We offer a free, no-obligation consultation in which we’ll discuss your goals, challenges, and what kind of support you’re looking for. It’s a relaxed conversation to understand your needs, to see if we’re a good fit, and to help you choose the best service option for your family.