My Why: How Life, Faith, and Family Led Me to Write Special Needs, Special Plans
I heard a quote on podcast recently that hasn’t left me. Coach Eli Drinkwitz said, “We are a product of what others have poured into us and God’s grace.” That resonates deeply with me. I’d only add: our experiences. Because it’s those very moments—planned and unplanned—that shape who we are.
If you had asked me in high school what I wanted to be when I grew up, “financial advisor” wouldn’t have even been on the list. I went to school to become a teacher—and I did. But life has a way of evolving. With some encouragement from my husband, I made the decision to pivot careers and step into the world of financial planning.
That transition wasn’t easy, but it was right. My background in education influences everything I do—from how I communicate to how I advocate. I carry that teacher’s heart with me every day in my work.
From Educator to Financial Advisor in Columbia, Missouri
A few years ago, I couldn’t have imagined helping to launch a financial firm here in Columbia, Missouri. But through shared values and deep trust, that’s exactly what my team and I did. We built something we’re proud of: a firm that meets families with empathy, walks alongside them with purpose, and helps them move forward with confidence.
Serving clients across Mid-Missouri—from Columbia to Ashland and beyond—has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey.
The Intersection of Personal and Professional
I also never imagined I’d be parenting a child with special needs. But that, too, became part of our story—and ultimately part of my calling. Yes, there are challenges, but there’s also an incredible amount of joy, strength, and perspective.
When I first became a special needs parent, I often felt overwhelmed—navigating systems, services, and information that felt scattered and unclear. Even with a background in financial planning, I found myself asking: Why isn’t there a clear roadmap for families like mine?
So I started building one.
Not all at once. But piece by piece—through research, trial and error, and a lot of lived experience. That path eventually led to the creation of Special Needs, Special Plans.
Life Isn’t Linear—It’s Layered
For a long time, I saw my life in separate lanes: education, financial services, and special needs parenting. But now I realize it’s more like a Venn diagram. It’s in those overlaps that the real meaning lives—and it’s in those intersections that this book was born.
I believe we are all given gifts. I used to struggle to name mine. I’m not a singer or a painter, and I don’t have millions to donate. But I’ve come to see that sometimes, your gift is your willingness to share the journey you’ve lived—openly, honestly, and in the hope it helps someone else.
Why This Book? Why Now?
Because this is the book I wish I had.
Special Needs, Special Plans isn’t just about financial planning. It’s about making families feel seen and supported—especially those navigating life with a loved one who has a disability. It’s about knowing you don’t have to figure it all out alone. That there are professionals who understand not just the numbers, but the heart behind the decisions.
If even one family in Columbia, Missouri—or anywhere in Mid-Missouri—feels more empowered because of this book, then I’ll consider it a success. That’s a legacy I’d be proud to leave.
Looking Ahead
I don’t know exactly what’s next. Maybe it’s workshops, community events, partnerships with local schools or employers. Maybe it’s speaking engagements or book studies. Or maybe it’s something I haven’t imagined yet.
But what I do know is this: I’m ready. Because this journey—this life—is my “why.”