Hi, I’m Jessie — Educator, Educational Consultant, Advocate, and Founder of Joyful Horizons.
I help families understand what their child needs to thrive in their education, explore what’s possible, and figure out what to do next.
Educational consulting for families in Vermont and online nationwide.
Free 20-minute introductory meeting
Maybe your child is anxious or overwhelmed by school.
Maybe they’re bored, shutting down, or getting stuck on schoolwork.
Maybe they’re losing their spark.
Sometimes it’s clear that something needs to change, but much less clear why things are so hard or what would actually help.
That’s where I come in.
I bring 16 years of experience as an educator, along with curiosity and creativity, to help you make sense of what you’re seeing with your child.
I have particular experience supporting neurodivergent learners with a range of learning profiles, including autistic and ADHD learners, PDAers, gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) learners, and learners with sensory differences.
We’ll ask questions, listen to your child, look at their strengths, needs, experiences, and environment, and consider what might be getting in the way. Then we’ll use what we learn to explore practical ways to make things better.
My goal is to help you understand what may be going on, see possibilities you may not have considered, and find a path forward that fits your child and family.
Because there is almost always another question to ask, another possibility to explore, or another way to approach a problem.
Getting Curious About Why
When a child is having a hard time, I like to explore and understand why.
What does the child have to say about their own experience?
When are things easier — and what can we learn from that?
What helps this learner feel safe, engaged, curious, and able to participate?
Where are their strengths and interests showing up?
What could we change about the environment, expectations, relationships, or approach?
From there, we can figure out what might help.
“As a parent, having someone like Jessie in your corner is invaluable. She offers practical solutions, a deep understanding of middle schoolers' emotional and social needs, and an affirmation that it’s okay to step outside the system and find your own path.”
- Christina from Richmond, VT
How I Can Help
Every child and family is different, so our work together starts with getting a clear understanding of what’s going on and what might be getting in the way.
But that’s only the beginning. Together, we can turn what we’re learning about your child into practical ideas, supports, and next steps that make sense for your individual situation.
Explore Possibilities
Sometimes there are meaningful changes we can make within your child’s current school — different supports or accommodations, changes to the environment or expectations, or a plan that better reflects what your child actually needs.
Other times, it makes sense to think more broadly. We might explore a different school, homeschooling, online learning, a different schedule, or an educational path you hadn’t considered before.
We can explore the possibilities without assuming there is only one right path.
Prepare, Communicate, and Advocate
I can help you prepare for school meetings, organize your thoughts and questions, understand your options, communicate with educators, and advocate for the changes and supports your child needs.
When helpful, I can also participate in meetings or consult directly with a school team.
Sometimes one conversation is enough to help you see things differently and figure out your next steps. Other times, it’s helpful to have someone in your corner as things evolve.
We can work together for a one-time consultation or continue over time, depending on what’s most helpful for you and your family.
A Little More About Me
What I’ve always loved most about working with children is getting to know who they are. Their humor, their ideas, their passions, their creativity, the things they’re really good at, and the unique ways they see the world. I respect children, take them seriously, and believe they are often far more capable than adults give them credit for.
That’s shaped the way I’ve approached my work throughout 16 years as an educator in Vermont public schools, independent schools, and alternative education settings.
I’ve taught children in 3rd-8th grade and worked with students possessing a wide range of strengths, needs, interests, and learning profiles. My experience includes classroom teaching, multi-age education, project-based learning, school leadership, family support, and advocacy.
Those experiences have taught me that there’s no single way to be a successful learner and no single educational path that works for every child.
I believe in working with children. Their ideas, experiences, and perspectives matter, and they deserve a meaningful voice in their own education — an education that makes room for who they actually are.
That’s the heart of Joyful Horizons.
What Families Are Saying
A Few Things That Guide My Work
Start from the assumption that children are doing the best they can.
When something isn’t working, I look for what might be getting in the way and what the child may need in order to move forward.
Challenge and support can exist together.
Children need opportunities to stretch, take risks, make mistakes, and grow — and they also need adults who are willing to change the environment or remove barriers when something isn't accessible.
Help children understand themselves.
The goal isn't just to have adults figure out what works for a child. Over time, children can learn what they need, what helps, what gets in their way, and how to advocate for themselves.
Not Sure What Your Next Steps Should Be?
You don’t need to have it all figured out before reaching out.
I offer a free 20-minute introductory call where you can tell me a little about what’s going on and what you’re hoping for. I’ll listen, ask a few questions, and we can decide together whether I might be a good fit to support you and your family.
Sometimes a conversation is the best place to start!