I’m a mother, entrepreneur, special needs product expert, consultant and advocate. I opened The Sensory Kids® Store in 2011, after a 24+ year career in Marketing, Graphic Design and Retail.

As a parent of children with myriad challenges, I understand how difficult raising kids with special needs can be and that finding the necessary resources can be even harder. I resolved to change this experience for other families:

My business was founded upon the principal that inclusion isn’t enough. Rather, we should strive to encompass the differences among us. The Sensory Kids® Store was conceived as the first typical retail store in the country dedicated to serving the specific needs of individuals with special needs. Finally, a store that made it easy for parents and professionals to find what they need!

After moving from Chicago to Wilmette, the store changed to meet the needs of a broader audience: Now primarily accessible worldwide through my online store at www.sensorykidstore.com, my products are also available by appointment in my showroom. Sensory Kids® offers a full range of sensory, developmental and therapeutic products in a fun, easy-to-navigate format.

In addition to providing this valuable resource, I’m an advocate: I am a member of the D39 Board of Education, liaison to WCSEA (SPED cooperative), standing PASS39 liaison to both the Romona and Wilmette Junior High Schools (District 39 Parent Association for Special Needs Services) and former Chair of the NPN Chicago Developmental Differences Support Group.

I was one of the founders and key organizers of the Greater Chicagoland Annual Developmental Differences Resource Fair—which continues to serve hundreds of families each year throughout the Greater Chicagoland Area. I speak regularly to parent groups and enjoy collaborating with therapy clinics and schools to educate parents and teachers about “sensory diets,” and other issues impacting the special needs community.

As a National Commissioner for the Anti Defamation League for over 20 years, I actively fight for equality and civil rights and teach tolerance & understanding in our beautifully diverse world. I strive to stomp out hate, bigotry and anti-semitism wherever it rears its ugly head.

I am passionate and live passionately. I try, every day, to do something in my own tiny way that will make the world a little better place for my kids and for others.