My 11 years in the classroom, journey as a parent of a young adult with Autism, coupled with my experience and training as a scholar make me uniquely qualified to support interdisciplinary training for special education service providers. Having worked with young children and families in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, I was able to see first-hand the dire need parents often have for information about their child’s disability and support to navigate systems of care while developing self- efficacy. Further, the shared experience of frustration navigating health and education systems and the understanding of my position of relative privilege propelled my commitment to reducing disparities for families from economically, culturally and linguistically diverse groups early through the provision of training, peer support and a focus on physical and emotional wellness. Because parents are the enduring relationship in the lives of people with disabilities, it is imperative to build their knowledge, skills and reduce the stress associated with care giving early on, so their children and family can thrive.