With the school year coming to a close, summer is beginning for many of the youth and families I work alongside. While routines may look different over the next few months, the need for resources, support, and opportunities for autistic individuals and their families continues year-round. As I continue training for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, I'm also continuing to raise funds for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). Last month, I completed both the Colfax Half Marathon and my first BolderBoulder 10K, and each race has been an important milestone on the road to NYC. I still have $2,600 left to raise toward my fundraising goal. Every donation helps support practical resources, scholarships, educational materials, and research that make a meaningful difference in the lives of autistic individuals and their families. Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey so far. If you're able to donate or share my fundraiser, I would greatly appreciate it. Every contribution helps move this mission forward—and brings me one step closer to the finish line.

BolderBoulder 10K w/ sister

After finishing my second half marathon this weekend, I’ve been thinking a lot about how many people it takes to help someone keep moving forward. In my work, I see families constantly balancing appointments, school meetings, therapies, transportation, emotional needs, and daily routines — all while advocating for their children in systems that can feel overwhelming and exhausting. That’s why continuing to raise money for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) feels so important to me. OAR funds practical supports that families can actually use in everyday life — educational resources, safety materials, scholarships, and research focused on improving real outcomes for autistic individuals and their communities. This training journey has challenged me physically and mentally, but it has also reminded me how powerful consistency, support, and community can be. Watching the resilience of the youth and families I work alongside every day continues to motivate me far beyond race training itself. I’m so grateful for everyone who has donated, shared, encouraged me, or followed along so far. Your support is helping fund resources that truly matter for so many families. NYC training continues 🗽💙

Colfax Half Marathon

Every day in my work, I have the privilege of supporting children, youth, and families navigating complex systems, advocating for services, and building meaningful supports that help individuals thrive in their communities. Through this work, I’ve seen firsthand how important access to resources, research, understanding, and compassionate care can be for autistic individuals and their families. That is one of the reasons I joined the RUN FOR AUTISM team for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. This cause is deeply meaningful to me both personally and professionally. I wanted to challenge myself physically while also supporting an organization that funds research, resources, and programs that create real-world impact for the autism community. Training for a marathon has reminded me a lot of the work families do every day — progress takes persistence, support, flexibility, and community. Some days feel strong, and some days feel hard, but continuing forward matters. April was honestly a tough month for me personally and it shifted some of my original training plans. Because of that, I’ve made some changes and now have a half marathon coming up as part of rebuilding and continuing forward in this journey. While it hasn’t looked exactly how I originally planned, I’m proud that I’m still showing up and continuing toward my goal. This weekend was also a wonderful Mother’s Day spent appreciating the incredible moms, caregivers, and families I have the privilege of working alongside every day. Their resilience, advocacy, and love continue to inspire me both in my work and throughout this training journey. I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me so far, whether through donations, encouragement, or simply following along on this journey. Every contribution helps support autism research and resources that make a difference in the lives of so many families. Thank you for being part of this journey with me!

Coming out of Easter weekend, I’ve been thinking a lot about what balance looks like right now—both in life and in training. Things don’t always go perfectly, and I’ve been learning to give myself some flexibility while still staying committed to the bigger goal. I’m still running when I can, fitting in miles where they make sense, and leaning more into cross-training lately—especially at solidcore. It’s been a different kind of challenge, but one that’s helping me build strength in ways I didn’t expect. This season of training feels less about perfection and more about consistency, showing up in whatever way I’m able that day. April also marks Autism Acceptance Month, which makes this point in the journey feel especially meaningful. I’m continuing to fundraise for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), and this month feels like an important reminder of why this cause matters. In the work I do, I see how impactful the right support and resources can be—not just for individuals, but for entire families navigating systems that can often feel overwhelming. OAR’s work continues to stand out because it’s practical, accessible, and centered on real-life needs. This part of the journey feels a little quieter than the start—less about big milestones and more about staying grounded in purpose, building strength over time, and continuing forward. If supporting this cause is something that resonates with you, I’d be grateful if you’d consider donating or sharing. Every bit of support helps contribute to resources that make a meaningful difference. For now, I’ll keep moving forward—one run, one class, one step at a time 💙

Lately, training has started to feel more real. The miles are adding up, the early mornings are getting earlier, and the runs aren’t always easy—but each one reminds me why I started this journey in the first place. As I prepare for the New York City Marathon, I’m not just training for race day. I’m also working toward a fundraising goal in support of Organization for Autism Research (OAR). In my work, I have the privilege of supporting youth and families navigating complex systems every day. I see firsthand how important access to resources, support, and advocacy truly is—not just for individuals, but for entire families. And while I’ve shared a bit about my “why,” what continues to motivate me during training is knowing that this effort contributes to something bigger than myself. OAR focuses on practical, real-life impact. The funds raised don’t just sit in theory—they go toward tools for educators, support for families, and research that helps people navigate everyday life. That kind of impact matters. Training for a marathon is a commitment. It’s showing up on the days when you feel strong, and especially on the days when you don’t. It’s pushing through discomfort, staying consistent, and trusting the process. In many ways, it mirrors the resilience I see in the families I work with every day. I still have a ways to go—both in training and in reaching my fundraising goal. But I’m taking it one step at a time. If you feel moved to support this journey, whether by donating or simply sharing, it truly means a lot. Every bit of support helps expand access to meaningful resources and opportunities for individuals and families who need them. Thank you for being part of this journey with me 💙

Medal Monday 🏅✨ Another 5K in the books, and I’m feeling so grateful for every mile along the way. 💛 A huge thank you to my sister for being there to cheer me on—you made the day even more special (and you still owe me another race together 😉). Next up: Colfax Marathon 🏃‍♀️ I’m continuing to fundraise for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), and every share or donation truly means so much 💙

Spring Fever 5k

I’m so excited to share that I’ve been given the opportunity to run the New York City Marathon this year—something that has been a personal goal of mine for a long time. Even more meaningful, I’ll be running in support of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). Through my work as a social worker, I support youth and families navigating complex needs, including autism. I see every day how important access to practical, evidence-based resources is—not just for individuals, but for entire families. That’s why OAR’s mission matters so much to me. Their work focuses on real-life impact, providing tools and research that directly support the communities I care deeply about. Running has been such a powerful part of my own journey, and I’m grateful to combine that passion with a purpose like this. If you’d like to support or share, I’d truly appreciate it.