My Journey to Becoming a Parent Partner
Becoming a parent partner at Aspiranet Intensive Home-Based Services (IHBS) Wraparound in Visalia was not just my career choice, it was a part of my personal mission, rooted in my experiences navigating the often complex and overwhelming world of mental health care.
My journey began as a parent who was struggling to get adequate mental health support for my daughter. I faced many challenges, but they were all lessons learned which inspired me to support other parents and caregivers walking a similar route.
One of the most significant struggles was comprehending how the mental health system worked. As a parent, I was thrust head-first into an unfamiliar system filled with confusing terminology, bureaucratic processes and limited resources available due to insurance coverage. My daughter’s symptoms and struggles were misunderstood, and she was misdiagnosed early on, which only added to our frustration, confusion and distrust in the mental health system. It was disheartening to see her suffer while feeling powerless to help because I did not have the tools or knowledge to advocate for her effectively. This experience planted a seed of desire to empower other parents with the information that I had gained and offer the support I lacked during those vital moments.
Every child and family deserve to feel seen, heard and valued by the professionals they trust and turn to for help and guidance.
Another painful hurdle was the lack of sensitivity and personalization I observed firsthand in mental health care. At one point, my daughter was treated more like a number than a human being. Mental health professionals would call her by the wrong name and often failed to recall basic details about her case. It felt like she was just another “case file” in a long line of patients to check off, and this lack of connection and empathy took a toll on both of us. As a parent, I often left appointments feeling unheard and defeated. I knew there had to be a better way to approach mental health care that would prioritize genuine connection, empathy and dignity.
Scheduling and accessibility were additional barriers. As a working parent, I constantly struggled to balance my job responsibilities with my daughter’s appointments, along with meeting the needs of my other children. Many services were only accessible during standard business hours, forcing me to choose between my income and my child’s mental health. I vividly recall rushing to appointments, working overtime to make up missed hours and feeling stressed and torn.
My frustrating experiences fueled and ignited a passion to create change. As a parent partner, I now work to provide the support I desperately needed during my journey. I strive to guide parents through the system, help them understand how to show up for their child, ask the right questions and advocate for what’s best for their family. I respect each family’s values and views, and I work to empower parents to trust themselves, extend grace to themselves and strengthen their role within a united family system.
I have worked at Aspiranet on the best teams that bring humanity, a judgment-free attitude and relatability to the process. I have sat with parents when they are not their best selves and have been there during their peaks and valleys through court meetings, housing and financial struggles, as well as for celebrating their triumphs such as walking into their new home as a confident family prepared and empowered to navigate the systems.
Every child and family deserves to feel seen, heard and valued by the professionals they trust and turn to for help and guidance.
Becoming a parent partner is my way of turning adversity into my purpose. It is a step into creating a better experience for other families and ensuring that no parent feels as lost or powerless as I once did. By sharing my story and walking alongside other parents, I hope to make mental health care a more compassionate experience.