A Road Wrought With Challenge
My son is no stranger to challenges. At the age of 3, he was diagnosed with epilepsy and just before the age of 5, we added ADHD and auditory processing disorder into the mix. As you can imagine, that has created several challenges when it comes to academics and its fair share of evaluations. If you’ve ever experienced a school psychological evaluation, then you know the overwhelming feelings that go into that. At the time, my son’s auditory processing disorder was so significant we had to break the evaluation up over multiple days. It was a lot, to say the least.
As a parent, it is heartbreaking to go through that process. To watch your child struggle, and have anxiety over that struggle (because he is very self-aware of his challenges). It is not something I would wish on any parent. It’s especially hard because as their parent, you see their amazing potential underneath all the chaos. You understand that their brain isn’t wrong, it just engages with the world in a different (and often beautiful) way. I’d even say there are some incredible benefits to a neurodivergent brain.
Light In The Darkness
Shortly after my son’s evaluation, we began the search for a learning specialist who could fully support my son with his academic endeavors. That’s when we were blessed to find Cindy Mitchel! I knew that she was something special from the moment we met her. You see, my son is incredibly shy and weary of new adults. This is especially true for medical professionals, teachers, and therapists/evaluators. In fact, up to that point, he had never willingly gone with an aforementioned professional without a firm grip on my hand and insistence that I stay with him as long as possible. But as soon as Cindy opened the door, he walked right in without so much as a second glance my way. It has been a beautiful and special relationship ever since.
In the years since that initial meeting, Cindy has been a steadfast advocate and cheerleader for my son. She has tutored him for nearly 5 years and has NEVER made him feel anything other than perfect just the way he is. She has built him up in a way that has given him the confidence to meet new academic challenges head-on. Cindy is the reason he can not only read, but LOVES to read. She has made such an impact on my son, that he brings her up routinely, even when it is not an established tutoring day. And I believe that it’s because he knows she is in his corner. My son knows that she believes in him, especially when she is pushing him to do his best. He knows that if he makes a mistake in front of her, she will help him problem-solve.
Success In Kindness
Cindy’s loving and supportive approach is why I feel our time with her has been so productive. She has truly found a balance in pushing my son to do his best, while not making him feel less than when it doesn’t come to him on the first try. Cindy SAW my son when no one else did. She never defined him by his challenges or limitations, and she always encourages him in a way that makes him feel empowered and capable. I genuinely don’t know where we would be without her love, support, and grace.
As a mom to a neurodivergent kiddo, I can admit that the impact of constant advocacy and extra support takes a toll on your emotional and mental health. Fighting for people to see your child for their potential and beautiful personality amidst all the challenges is draining in a way I think many people don’t understand. It’s not something I would wish on any parent. So trust me when I say that a teacher like Cindy is nothing short of a godsend. She was a lifeline. For my son, yes, but even more so for me.
Words Can’t Do Her Justice
I have told her this many times, but I’m not sure words will ever adequately convey my gratitude. But words are unfortunately all I have. So let me end with this … THANK YOU! Thank you, Cindy for believing in my child when not many others did. Thank you for recognizing his amazing potential and his beautiful soul. Because of your support, he loves his “wonderful brain” (as he says), and has the confidence to keep going. Thank you for helping him realize all HE CAN do!
There is nothing greater than a teacher who epitomizes Cindy. Why can’t all if them feel this way and act this way. Thank you Cindy! You really are a NOLA treasure!