by Kristen Kucharski
Photos by Mike Catuara
FINDING BALANCE BY ALLOWING HERSELF ENOUGH GRACE TO TAKE BREAKS WHEN NEEDED
LISLE/NAPERVILLE–Mary is the Family Life Specialist at Turning Pointe Autism Foundation in Naperville and recently received the Certified Family Life Educator designation from the National Council on Family Relations. She works with families and caregivers, offering support, educational seminars, and referrals to address diagnostic, therapeutic behavioral, medical, financial, legal, and social challenges related to autism.
“I love supporting families in our school and in the community,” Mary says. “The autism journey can be incredibly overwhelming at times and I take a lot of pride in the fact that I can help families navigate through. I also love seeing our students be so happy and make incredible progress!”
Additionally, belonging to the Professional Allies in Youth and Family Services also allows her to network with different professionals to gain further perspective and opportunities.
Mary is empathetic, grounded, and encouraging, living by the words of Morgan Harper Nichols, “This is the season she will make beautiful things, not perfect things, but honest things that speak to who she is and who she is called to be.”
In a world full of pressure to be perfect, Mary allows herself enough grace to take breaks when needed by taking daily walks, working out, journaling, snuggling her dogs, and of course, ordering takeout and binging on a television series for the ultimate checks and balance system.
