Hi, I'm Tracy.
I'm the founder of Empowered Living.
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Special Education and a Master's degree in Secondary Special Education and Transition. For more than 15 years, I've had the privilege of supporting individuals with disabilities as a special education teacher, transition specialist, curriculum developer, and inclusion advocate.
I founded Empowered Living because I believe adults with disabilities deserve opportunities to continue learning, building new skills, and taking an active role in the life they want to create. My goal is to help people think through everyday decisions, solve real-life problems, and discover practical tools and strategies that support greater independence.
Professional Background
Education
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Bachelor's Degree in Special Education
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Master's Degree in Secondary Special Education and Transition
Professional Experience
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15+ years supporting individuals with disabilities
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Licensed Special Education Teacher
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Transition Specialist
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Curriculum Developer
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Adjunct Instructor, Disability Support Services
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Founder, Empowered Living
My Journey
My journey began in my hometown, a suburb of Chicago, where I worked as a respite provider and inclusion advocate. Supporting an individual as he developed greater independence at home and in the community sparked a passion that ultimately shaped my career.
After becoming a licensed special education teacher, I spent years teaching high school and transition-aged students, helping them develop functional life skills, vocational skills, self-advocacy, and the confidence needed for adult life.
In 2018, I relocated to Orange County, California, where I served as a leader and curriculum developer for a nonprofit organization supporting adults with developmental disabilities. I designed robust curriculum for the agency's five adult programs, including independent living, employment preparation, and three day programs, while training and mentoring staff to deliver high-quality, person-centered services.
In 2023, I founded Empowered Living to bring together my experience as an educator and my passion for helping adults build the skills needed for greater independence. Today, I have the privilege of helping adults, families, and organizations through virtual courses, individualized coaching, family consultation, and professional training, bringing together everything I've learned throughout my career as an educator.
My Philosophy
Fostering Independence, One Skill at a Time
I believe every person has the right to grow, learn, and build confidence in their own way and at their own pace. Real growth comes through learning, practice, problem-solving, and opportunities to apply new skills in meaningful, real-world situations.
Everyone deserves to build the life they want and to do so with confidence, dignity, and pride. That's why I focus on teaching not only what to do, but also how and why it matters. My goal is to help individuals become confident decision-makers who can solve problems and make choices that work for their own lives.
My role is not to do things for people, but to teach, encourage, and empower. I provide individuals with the tools and strategies to achieve their own goals and build the life they want, one skill at a time.
A Little About Me
When I'm not teaching or developing new resources, you'll usually find me baking in the kitchen, painting with watercolors, or enjoying life with my husband and our dog, Rosie.
Thank you for visiting Empowered Living. I'm honored to be part of so many individuals' journeys toward greater independence, and I look forward to supporting you every step of the way.