Hello, my name is Sarah Montgomery. I am a dedicated professional with degrees in business administration, management, and public relations. My passion for child development and sociology initially led me to focus on working with adopted children. However, my career path evolved when I was given the opportunity to lead a program supporti
Hello, my name is Sarah Montgomery. I am a dedicated professional with degrees in business administration, management, and public relations. My passion for child development and sociology initially led me to focus on working with adopted children. However, my career path evolved when I was given the opportunity to lead a program supporting children in the foster care system. Our life’s changed drastically. Our first son was born. Emotionally my position took quite a toll on me. My husband and his work partner along with myself decided to start a Dog Training company to continue to help families as we were all extremely passionate about dogs and their ability to heal. Both my husband and his work partner are ex K9 law enforcement. 16 years later here we are the founders of Fidos Landing Dog Rescue and Training.
As a mother of two incredible boys on the autism spectrum, I have a deep personal commitment to community outreach, inclusion, and family support. Our oldest was hypoxic at birth, which caused infantile spasms to develop around five months of age. Around age 2, we noticed certain behaviors that prompted a visit to a specialist where Noah was diagnosed with autism. At that point, we did not believe we could handle any other bad news. As time continued those behavior stopped a new whirlwind of sensory disorders and apraxia arose, we took one step at a time making sure Noah was given the services he needed. Noah’s little brother Avery was also diagnosed with autism when he was three years old. We were incomplete in utter disbelief, but already had the tools needed to make sure that our children will be successful in life, no matter what.
My husband and I have been proud residents of Tinley Park, Illinois, for the past three years. I am honored to use my experience and expertise to advocate for and support families navigating similar journeys.
My name is Christina Kreml. I am the parent of one daughter with Autism.
With a parent who was a special education teacher, I grew up tutoring others and taking education classes as young as high school. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in special education, working at Moraine Valley Community College and at South Suburban Special Re
My name is Christina Kreml. I am the parent of one daughter with Autism.
With a parent who was a special education teacher, I grew up tutoring others and taking education classes as young as high school. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in special education, working at Moraine Valley Community College and at South Suburban Special Recreation continuing to help our youth in an educational and recreational capacity. A lifelong learner, I continued my education by earning a Masters Degree in Differentiated Instruction and another Masters in Administration.
With special education as my passion and career, it shifted to become our world in 2021, when our daughter was diagnosed with Autism. While my husband and I knew this true, we saw disability for the first time as a parents, and know that there is still more work to be done to support parents and families. In 2024, founded IEP Clarity, a IEP Coaching service for families to support their special education journey with their child and to help them develop their own voice at the IEP table. I am committed to empowering families, and championing the rights of children with disabilities, and helping parents navigate the journey of raising exceptional children.
My name is Ashley Patrick, I am a mom of 7 (2 biological, 1 adopted and 4 step children). I graduated in 2009 with my associates in applied science in Criminal Justice. I then received my Bachelor’s in Arts also in Criminal Justice in 2010 and I received my Master’s in Health Science in 2013 majoring in Addiction Studies and Counseling.
My name is Ashley Patrick, I am a mom of 7 (2 biological, 1 adopted and 4 step children). I graduated in 2009 with my associates in applied science in Criminal Justice. I then received my Bachelor’s in Arts also in Criminal Justice in 2010 and I received my Master’s in Health Science in 2013 majoring in Addiction Studies and Counseling. I have been working in the Law Enforcement field for 15 years and most recently been employed with Cook County as a probation officer for the last 7 years.
My children at home are Gabbi who is 6, Trey who is 3 and my niece Brianna who is 10. Brianna came to us last year after my sister in law passed. Gabbi is autistic and was my reason for advocating. Gabbi was diagnosed shortly before her 3rd birthday. We were told that she may never speak and she utilized an AAC device. Gabbi has definitely beat the odds and not only is she verbal but she’s sassy as ever! Gabbi also has hyperlexia which means she reads at a very high level. I can’t wait to share her stories with you all.
My path for advocacy started when i realized that children in our community were not being included in events. It has since become my mission to teach others about inclusion. It also became super important to me that all parents find their community. That everyone felt lucky enough as I did to have people that understood. I hosted my first event in February of 2025 and it was an instant success. So it’s time to continue the fight and growing the Village!
I was introduced to the world of advocacy at a young age. I had an Aunt Dorothy who was special needs. I grew up seeing my family advocate for her and make sure she was always included. As I grew up I joined in on the advocacy, not only for her but for people like her. A nickname I gave her as a baby was Duck and the Duck in our logo is to honor her. My aunt passed on June 13, 2024. She was the most resilient and strong woman I know. I’m honored to keep advocating in her name and to make her proud.
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