Helping Parent volunteers are experienced caregivers of children or adults with disabilities, have completed a training program, and are available to provide support and information to other parents. All information is kept confidential.
Below you will find the profiles and a brief introduction of our current trained volunteer Helping Parents. If you wish to reach out to any of them, please contact the Parent to Parent Coordinator via email:
p2p@wwvdn.org for our English speaking coordinator
p2pespanol@wwvdn.org for our Spanish speaking coordinator
If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter of events and weekly reminders, please sign up at: https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1872922/1886626/
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Christina ArevaloFluent in: English
Experienced with the following topics: Advocacy, Behavior Issues, Education, IEPs (Individual Education Programs), Social/Recreation, Speech TherapyAbout me: Hello! My name is Christina Arevalo. I am step-mom to a teenager with autism and an experienced teacher specializing in early learning. I understand the challenges and joys of raising a child with special needs and I'm passionate about supporting families navigate through various concerns and milestones.
The transition to school can be a big step for both children and families. I believe in creating inclusive environments that utilize the power of play and creating strong partnerships between home, school, and the community to ensure all individuals receive the support and resources they need to thrive.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I'm here to support you every step of the way! -
Geneva ArevaloFluent in: English
Experienced with the following topics: Behavior Issues, Education, IEPs (Individual Education Programs), Puberty Issues, Social/Recreation, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), WanderingAbout me: My husband and I have 3 kids. Oldest son Auggie 16, diagnosed with Autism at age 3. Avery, who is 14, diagnosed at age 3. We also have a daughter, 13, who is neurotypical. I have a general knowledge of IEPs, school systems, and behavior issues. I love to garden, read, and spend time outside.
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Shamra BaezFluent in: English
Familiar with the following diagnoses: Down syndrome
Experienced with the following topics: Advocacy, DDA, Education & IEPs, Inclusion, Puberty, Social/Rec, SSI, Transition to AdulthoodAbout me: Like many families, our life together has been a journey. Our early years were consumed with medical appointments, speech therapy, OT/PT, and so on. We have experienced public school, private school, homeschooling, and online schooling. Each has their own benefits. My daughter recently completed the STEP (Students Transitioning into Employment Possibilities) program at WaHi and we are exploring her future plans. My daughter loves to dance, sing, and generally be on a stage. She has been in stage productions at WaHi and Little Theatre of Walla Walla -- and we hope more in the future. I am a firm believer in inclusion in all aspects of life (work, play, learning) and believe that removing barriers is more helpful than assisting people over them.
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Elise HawkinsFluent in: English, Spanish, Conversational ASL (American Sign Language)
Experienced with the following topics: Advocacy, Behavior Issues, Education, Feeding Issues, IEPs, Occupational & Physical Therapy, Social or Recreation Options, Speech TherapyAbout me: I have a son with Down Syndrome. His name is Gavin. He is my 8th of 9 children. I have 3 adult children and my youngest child is 3. Gavin had feeding difficulties when he was born, but eventually over came them. He also has severe Hypotonia so he didn't walk until he was 3 years and 8 months old. He is still not potty trained. He can speak, but it can be hard to understand him. I am happy to discuss my experience with anyone that would be interested. I am also a huge advocate for inclusion and am currently doing all I can to have my son included in school.
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LewisFamFluent in: English (husband speaks Spanish fluently)
Experienced with the following topics: Advocacy, Behavior Issues, Education, IEPsAbout me: We are a family of 6, our second oldest (6 years old) has been diagnosed with Autism (level 2). Our 1st child (7 years old) has Hydrocephalus. We love spending time as a family outside and with friends. We are knowledgeable about getting a diagnosis for Autism, Special Education law, IEP's, and school evaluations.
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Angie WittFluent in: English
Experienced with the following topics: Advocacy, Behavior Issues, DDA, DVR, Education, Feeding Issues, IEPs, Job Skills, Medical Issues, OT/PT, Puberty, Social/Rec, Speech Therapy, SSI, WanderingAbout me: My child who is now 25 has a rare chromosome abnormality called Trisomy1q 32-QTER. My daughter is very sociable and active in our community and loves to be on the go. She is involved with volunteering at the Police Station, working at Goodwill, church and P2P and SOAR activities and softball, bowling, track and basketball through Special Olympics and WWVDN. She was born very sick with a cleft palate, failure to thrive, feeding issues and breathing issues. She was g-tube fed until 8 years old, walked at 4 and has had many surgeries involving her ears, cleft repair, dental, jaw, fundoplication, and an intestine blockage repair. All these surgeries took place at Seattle Children's Hospital. Haley attended school at Blue Ridge, Green Park, Pioneer High School and Walla Walla High school in the life skills programs. She sang in choir and loved pottery. Our family likes to travel to the Oregon Coast, watch sports, hang out with friends and family.
