Penni Echols
ASTra Advocate, GBYS Parent Guide
My husband, Micah and I have 6 daughters, our youngest was born with CHARGE Syndrome and is deaf-blind.
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position: I have a BS in Sociology, so I enjoy the chance to look at the way people and systems interact and am very interested in how we can improve organizations to meet the needs of the people they serve. But my real qualification is that I want all kids to succeed in school and life no matter what support they need.
What advice would you give a family on this journey: Let your kid be a kid. This is something that comes from Martha’s extended stays in the hospital struggling with congenital heart disease. Every day is precious and even kids with challenges need to feel the snow, swim in the ocean and ride a bike. The best therapy is sometimes playing in the park together.
My favorite word in the English language is GOOOOAAAAALLL! In both soccer and educational advocacy. I have very often wanted to do an Andres Cantor voice in an IEP meeting when Martha has met a goal and we are changing or upgrading it.
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position: I have a BS in Sociology, so I enjoy the chance to look at the way people and systems interact and am very interested in how we can improve organizations to meet the needs of the people they serve. But my real qualification is that I want all kids to succeed in school and life no matter what support they need.
What advice would you give a family on this journey: Let your kid be a kid. This is something that comes from Martha’s extended stays in the hospital struggling with congenital heart disease. Every day is precious and even kids with challenges need to feel the snow, swim in the ocean and ride a bike. The best therapy is sometimes playing in the park together.
My favorite word in the English language is GOOOOAAAAALLL! In both soccer and educational advocacy. I have very often wanted to do an Andres Cantor voice in an IEP meeting when Martha has met a goal and we are changing or upgrading it.