I’ve always liked the expression, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” It’s been particularly true for me, as I founded my business to fulfill a vital need that I witnessed firsthand.

After graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in Theater and TRF (TV, Radio, Film) Production from the Newhouse School, I had the exciting opportunity to work and travel, singing my way around the world on luxury cruise lines. After 9-11, everything changed.

I began substitute teaching in the D.C. metropolitan area and I immediately noticed how cluttered and over stimulating the classrooms were for everyone, but especially those kids on the spectrum who were being mainstreamed.  When those children had an outburst of any kind, they were moved to a room that was cold and sterile, with harsh fluorescent lighting. As a result, they’d become even more agitated than they were in original classroom. 

I started to research color, lighting, and all the other sensory aspects of our surroundings, such as scent, tactile elements and spatial organization. I founded my first company in the summer of 2002: With a Brush of Love.  My focus was creating personalized sensory surroundings for children with special needs, particularly those with ASD.

Over the last 20 years, I’ve worked with many autism experts and various therapists. I’ve immersed myself in research on both sensory integration and color psychology to develop expertise in a field that’s completely underserved.

I had the opportunity to move to Los Angeles in 2006. As my business grew, it became clear how integral the impact of sensory design became and my business evolved to include home and commercial office spaces, educational facilities, hospitals and care facilities. I was featured on HGTV’s “kidspace”, ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, ” and created my own show, “Room to be Different” for The Autism Channel. I also wrote a handbook on sensory design called, “Unique Kids. Unique Surroundings.” (Available on Amazon)

I recently moved to South Florida to be closer to family, and realized it was time to expand my business into new areas. Sensory Design is not something that only benefits those with special needs, and I received a great deal of interest from businesses, medical facilities, elder care facilities and others. While I still have a large focus on ASD and the special needs community, my work has expanded to include everyone, as we’re all affected by our sensory surroundings.

People often ask me if I have a family member with autism or a special need. When I say no, they’re always surprised; but for me, the only question was if I could do something that made a difference. There are lots of things we don’t have control over, but creating an optimal environment for people is something I can control, and that is what makes a difference!