We’re passionate about helping you find hope, happiness, and experience lasting change.
Alt text: Two women smiling by a desk looking at the viewer, with a laptop computer open and house plants in the background. The picture implies they are welcoming a visitor.
Alt text: Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with brown hair. She wears black glasses and silver butterfly earrings, and stands outdoors with lush green leaves in the background.
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
Qualifications: Over 20 years of experience in making spaces, processes, and places more accessible for people with disabilities plus 30+ years managing my own mental health conditions.
Completed a Masters degree in Biology and a Bachelors degree in Leadership and Special Populations (Special Education).
Obtained certificates in Universal and Accessible design, NAMI DuPage Recovery Support training program, Mental Health First Aid for Adults and Youth, Partners in Policymaking Class 4 diploma (IL Council of Development Disabilities), and ADA Coordinator - Advanced Certification (ACTCP).
This company was developed as a result of the over 200 hours of education, training, and my access/advocacy project dedicated to disability inclusion from the Partners in Policy program. Currently work on requirements toward a Board Certified Credential in Peer Recovery Support Specialist (expected in Fall/Winter 2024).
Meet Beth (she/her)
Beth Carey (she/her) knows the sting of hardship. Her life has been marked by mental health challenges, adverse childhood experiences, and the ever-present feeling of not fitting in this neurotypical world. Yet, through it all, she has persevered, demonstrating remarkable resilience, strength, and courage.
The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a particularly difficult time for Beth. Her C-PTSD symptoms resurfaced with a vengeance, leading to daily flashbacks and nightmares. As the pandemic continued, her previous struggles with suicidal ideations, situational mutism, and self-harm became increasingly frequent along with a reduced ability to mask her Autism. With the help of her support network, she was able to utilize both clinical and non-clinical tools to get her condition under control and move from mental health relapse to recovery so she could start to enjoy life again.
Undeterred by this relapse, Beth decided to transform her own struggles into a beacon of hope for others as a non-clinical, mental heath advocate.* She is now on a mission to use her lived experiences to empower individuals to find their authentic selves and achieve long-term recovery, regardless of their disability or condition.
Beth's story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-discovery, and advocacy. She is a beacon of hope for those struggling in the darkness, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, healing and a brighter future are always possible.
Note: We do NOT provide crisis care or clinical support, like therapy.
*Anticipated full Peer Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) Credential in Fall 2024.
I stay current in the field by taking trainings, attending conferences, following, and completing CEUs from entities like:
U.S. Access Board
ASKJan
SAMHSA
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
IL and MN Councils on Developmental Disabilities
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Mental Health America
Mental Health Summit Coalition in IL
ARC IL
ROSC DuPage
Great Plains ADA Center
LINK Center (for mental heath and disability resources)
The MHAutism project - Mental Heath in Autism research and resources from School of Psychology, University of Nottingham
Autistica [Neurodiverse research team in the UK]
RespectAbility
Kieran Rose - The Autistic Advocate
The Neurodivergent Collective
NAMI training classes, NAMI on Campus officer, and NAMI DuPage volunteer
NAMI Illinois Alliance of Peer Professionals
C.O.D. - CRSS student (to sit for the CRSS State certification exam in fall/winter)
ADA Coordinator webinars
Stuck not Broken podcast
Conferences like: AUsometraining.com, Minding Autistic Minds Conference, Americans with Disabilities Act Conference, ARC Mental Health Conference, the ADA Coordinator Conference, Conference for Assistive Technology and Education, and the NDI Entrepreneurs Conference…
And much more!
We can help.
Bring your ideas to life
It all begins with a goal. Maybe you just want to build your resources and support system. Maybe you want to want to understand how your neurodiversity is a strength. No goal is too small or too big when we work together.
Build your confidence
It can be intimidating to mange your anxiety, depression, or sensory overwhelm alone. Learn your strengths so you know when to ask for help and when you can help yourself.
Expand your potential
We want to help you meet your maximum potential. Whether it’s helping with your long term recovery or expanding your strategies to reduce your daily stress, we are here for you.