A Mother's Journey
My journey began with the birth of my two beautiful daughters, Anina and Bruni, who are both on the autism spectrum. Anina, my eldest, has Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2 and lymphadenopathy, while my youngest daughter has Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1, ADHD, and Chronic Idiopathic Neutropenia, requiring ongoing chemo injection treatment. Navigating the world of special needs has been both challenging and profoundly rewarding.
When I was pregnant with Anina, I was finishing my bachelor's degree in Network Technology and Application Development when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma Nodular Sclerosis. I waited seven months to start treatment because I didn’t want to terminate the pregnancy; I wanted to have my baby. By the time they performed the C-section, I was at stage 4, and the cancer was aggressive. I underwent one year of AVBD, one of the strongest chemotherapies for HL. While in and out of the hospital, I noticed Anina developing bumps on her neck, armpits, and pelvis. We took her to hematology oncology, and she had her first aspirated biopsy at 11 months old. We also noticed that she was staring at lights, not responding to my voice, had low muscle tone, and was developmentally delayed, started to W sit, never crawled, nor talked, hand-flapping, goin on circles, aligning objects, avoided swings, loud noises, and tiptoe walking. After a year of treatment, my cancer returned, and we decided to move to the United States to get a second opinion for myself and start early intervention for Anina.
Upon arriving in the United States, I started Brentuximab Vedotin and Bendamustine for about a year, followed by 1.5 years of Brentuximab. While on this treatment, I became pregnant with Bruni and was simultaneously pursuing my master's in Information Technology. Bruni began developing eczema and hives, and after visiting immunology, we discovered she was allergic to over 30 things. Additionally, her neutrophil count was extremely low, leading to several oncologist visits and her first bone marrow biopsy around age two. She was diagnosed with Chronic Idiopathic Neutropenia and mild anemia. Bruni also started showing red flags for the autism spectrum, but later than Anina. At about nine months old, Bruni did not respond to her name, banged her head during transitions, developed PICA, and exhibited behaviors such as hand-flapping, goin on circles, aligning objects, and tiptoe walking.
Given our immunocompromised status and the frequent illnesses from therapy sessions at home, I decided to start buying the therapy toys and learning about their uses. As Anina transitioned from the Early Steps program to school, she continued to get sick often, leading us to start homeschooling her. I quit one of my jobs because I was recovering from chemoport removal surgery, studying, and working with my girls. Despite requesting part-time work and being denied, I chose to stay with my evening part-time job and to prioritize my daughters. My dedication to educating myself on how to understand and teach my children became my primary focus.
The Birth of Anistella Connect Solutions
My dedication to my daughters' development and my background in technology and education inspired me to create Anistella Connect Solutions. Under this banner, we create sensory bins tailored specifically for kids with sensory processing challenges, particularly those with autism, learning disabilities and ADHD.
The inspiration for these sensory bins came from my hands-on experience with my daughters. I witnessed firsthand how sensory play could transform a child's day, providing calm, focus, and joy. Each bin is crafted with love and care, designed to engage children in meaningful play that stimulates their senses and supports their development. Our products cater to Montessori schools, homeschool kids, and children with special needs, helping them explore the world in a way that is both fun and therapeutic.
My Path to Becoming an ESE Teacher
Driven by my personal journey and the desire to make a broader impact, I am now pursuing a Master's degree in Exceptional Student Education (ESE). My goal is to create inclusive educational materials that support children with exceptional needs. As a software development instructor with a bachelor's degree in Network Technology and Application Development and an MS in Information Technology, I have always been passionate about education. However, my daughters' needs have inspired me to focus on special education, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Bringing Joyful Learning Through Sensory Adventures
At Anistella Connect Solutions, our slogan is "Bringing Joyful Learning Through Sensory Adventures." This reflects our commitment to creating products that not only support children's development but also bring happiness and excitement to their learning experiences. My daughters often help pack and craft for our business, making it a true family endeavor filled with love and dedication.
As I continue my journey as an ESE teacher, I am committed to advocating for inclusive education and developing innovative solutions that meet the diverse needs of all students. My story is one of hope, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that with the right support, every child can reach their full potential.
Thank you for being a part of our sensory adventure. Together, we can create a world where every child feels valued, understood, and empowered to succeed.