Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

With a decade of experience as a high school special educator, I am tired of following a bad plan. Rather than continue to complain about the problems public schools face daily, I decided to be a part of the solution and create Oly Able. Teachers don't need more new tools or initiatives- they need adequate training and support to be able to implement what they have and teach ALL learners. I aim to foster the learning environments students with and without disabilities deserve.

How do you stay motivated?

I started my career as a special educator with a lot of ideas, and frustrated by the limitations the system put on my students. I quickly embodied the phrase: “Tell me what they can’t do, and I’ll show you what they can do.” It is beyond clear that public education needs a rebrand, and lawmakers don’t have the answers. Knowing my expertise can solve issues at the district, school, or classroom level drives me to be a part of the evolution of public ed.

What would you do with the $25,000?

$25,000 would allow me to build out our LMS platform, and provide digital resources to educators across the country faster. Funding would also cover marketing materials required to participate in education conferences and build meaningful connections with decision makers. This grant would support dedicated time to completing my self-contained teachers’ manual and publishing our first printed materials. This would accelerate our mission to make impactful resources accessible to educators.