After 25 years in higher education, including serving as a Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, I decided it was time to close one chapter of my life and figure out what might come next.

While I was searching for that “next chapter,” I took a babysitting gig. I thought spending my days with a sweet three-month-old would be a pretty wonderful way to enjoy some downtime while I figured things out.

And then…poof. I fell in love. And I never left.

That little man changed the course of my life in ways I never could have imagined. When his autism diagnosis was confirmed, I was already completely hooked, and determined to learn everything I could, be part of his journey, and make sure he had the very best nanny I could possibly become.

What I didn't know then was that his journey would lead me to mine.

It brought me to Raising Harts, where I found a new team, a new purpose, and my own people. Today, I get to use so much of what I learned during those 25 years in higher education in an entirely different way, helping build a community where families raising autistic children can find connection, resources, support, and people who understand their journey.

I went looking for my next chapter. Turns out, it found me.

So when I run the Natick 5K for Raising Harts, I’ll be running for that little boy who changed everything, for the families I've had the privilege of meeting along the way, and for every family still searching to find their people.