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Join Our Life With Theodorable Zoom Meeting! 💙

I’m so excited to host a Life With Theodorable Zoom meeting on Monday, August 17th at 7:00 PM!

This meeting is for individuals who have siblings with Autism, as well as anyone who wants to join, listen, and learn more about what it can be like living with and loving an Autistic family member.

My hope is to create a welcoming space where we can share our experiences, connect with others who understand, ask questions, and continue building a community centered around understanding, acceptance, and support. 💙♾️

Want to join us? Check out my Life With Theodorable Facebook Group for all of the Zoom information and details! I can’t wait to connect with all of you on Monday! 🤍

Every milestone deserves to be celebrated, and our family could not be more proud of Teddy!

For a long time, Teddy preferred to stick with his favorite meal from McDonald’s—chicken tenders and fries. Trying new foods can be a big challenge for many Autistic individuals, so every new bite is a huge accomplishment.

Recently, Teddy has been stepping outside of his comfort zone and trying so many new foods, including fried chicken tenders, sesame chicken, Brussels sprouts, corn, pizza, hot dogs, spaghetti, and more!

When Teddy was little, one of the first life skills my family prioritized was teaching him how to swim. We knew that swimming wasn’t just a fun activity—it was an essential safety skill. While nothing can replace constant supervision, learning to swim gave us greater confidence whenever Teddy was around water.

As families, it’s so important that we continue talking about water safety, encourage swim lessons when possible, and raise awareness about the increased risk of wandering and water attraction for many autistic individuals.

Just recently, a young autistic boy not in far from my home went missing and unfortunately was found in a neighbors pool. This reminded me of Teddy and the importance of water safety for all children especially those on the Autism spectrum.

This past Saturday, I had the incredible honor of being crowned Miss New York’s Teen 2026. It’s still hard to believe that I’ll have the opportunity to represent New York at Miss America’s Teen this September!

While this was such a special moment for our family, there was one person missing… My little brother Teddy. Because of his autism, Teddy isn’t able to attend my competitions, and of course I wish he could have been there to experience this moment with us. Even though he wasn’t in the audience, he is such an important part of our family and of my journey.

The best part was coming home and giving Teddy the biggest hug and lots of kisses.

Moments like that remind me that no matter where this journey takes me, family is always what matters most. I can’t wait to continue representing New York while carrying Teddy, our family, and the mission of Life With Theodorable with me every step of the way.

Recently, I attended my very first prom! Before I left, there was one photo I knew I had to get one with Teddy. He may not have wanted to stop and pose for a picture, but it was important to me to capture the moment with him. No matter how big the milestone, Teddy is always a special part of it. I’m so glad I have this memory from such an exciting night.

Recently, I held my second annual Sensory Softball Game, an opportunity for individuals of all abilities and their families to enjoy a softball game in a sensory-friendly environment.

One of the most special parts of the day was watching my brother Teddy participate. If you had told my family a year ago that Teddy would be hitting the ball during the game, we probably wouldn’t have believed you. Seeing how much he has grown from last year to this year made us incredibly proud.

Moments like these are why this event means so much to me. I am grateful to provide opportunities for families like mine to make memories, celebrate accomplishments, and simply enjoy being together.

When I went to Boom Dance Complex, the sweetest girl and her mom came up to me and told me that after hearing me talk about my community service initiative dedicated to my autistic brother Teddy, she knew exactly what she wanted her own initiative to be. Her brother is also autistic, and being able to connect through that shared experience meant so much to me.

Moments like these remind me why I share Teddy’s story. You never know who might need to hear it, and sometimes the most meaningful connections happen when you least expect them. ❤️

It has been so special having Teddy home on the weekends again. He came home for Memorial Day weekend and has been home again this weekend!

As Teddy continues adjusting to his new routine, we know it will become more natural and comfortable for him with time. We are so grateful for every moment we get to spend together and look forward to making many more memories as a family.

We love you, Teddy! 

One thing that my family has learned through our journey is that change can be both emotional and necessary. Recently, my family made the difficult decision to enroll Teddy in a residential school. This has been a very big adjustment for all of us, and we are all learning how to navigate this new routine together.

Although this decision was not easy, we are hopeful that this new environment will help Teddy continue to learn, grow, and build a successful future. No matter where life takes him, one thing will never change: how deeply loved he is by our family.

Teddy, we love you so much and will always be here for you every step of the way. I am looking forward to seeing you this weekend! 

One of Teddy’s favorite things is riding automobiles at our land. It brings him so much joy, especially when he gets to spend that time with his dad and our family. Those simple moments together mean everything.