Hi, I’m Cathie Christmas, and I wear a lot of hats—business owner, BCBA, neurodivergent advocate, world traveler, and, most importantly, mom to two amazing, complex, and wildly intelligent boys. My journey has been anything but traditional, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

I’ve spent my career working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), but not in the way most people expect. I strongly believe in assent-based care, which means I work to support individuals with disabilities in a way that respects their autonomy, voices, and needs. Too often, therapy focuses on compliance over empowerment, and I refuse to be part of that. Through my business, Innovations, I strive to push for better, more ethical approaches that truly help people live fuller, happier lives on their own terms.

 

My Family & Why I Do What I Do

 

My passion for neurodivergent advocacy is deeply personal. I’m the mother of two incredible children, both autistic and ADHD, with one also having mild cerebral palsy. Every single day, they teach me more about the world than any degree ever could. Parenting them has completely reshaped the way I think about education, support systems, and the massive gaps in accessibility that exist for individuals like them.

 

I’ve seen firsthand how the world isn’t built for kids like mine—and I refuse to accept that as an unchangeable fact. That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to making systems better—whether that’s through advocacy, professional training, or directly helping families navigate the overwhelming maze of special education and services.

 

My family is also at a crossroads. We’re actively planning a permanent move out of the U.S. to an English-speaking country that offers publicly funded healthcare, better social benefits, and a more inclusive, progressive society. We love to travel, and we’ve been exploring the world for years, so the idea of settling somewhere new that aligns with our values is incredibly exciting.

 

What I Love

 

When I’m not working or advocating, you can usually find me reading, traveling, or playing with our two dogs. Books have always been my escape and my way of learning about the world. I love diving into anything thought-provoking, whether it’s about psychology, education, history, or a beautifully written novel.

 

Travel has been a major part of my life since before my kids were even born. My oldest had been on 26 flights by the age of two, including an international trip to New Zealand! The ocean, sun, and beach are our happy places, and we take every opportunity to explore new places together.

 

Our dogs are also a huge part of our lives. There’s something incredibly grounding about coming home to unconditional love and a wagging tail. They remind me to slow down, be present, and appreciate the little joys in life.

 

My Goals for the World

 

If I could change one thing about the world, it would be accessibility—not just in the physical sense, but in education, healthcare, and opportunities. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive, not just survive, and that’s not possible when systems are built with only neurotypical, able-bodied people in mind.

 

I want to continue fighting for:

✔️ A better education system that truly serves all learners, not just those who fit into a narrow definition of success.

✔️ More ethical, assent-based therapy that supports neurodivergent individuals instead of trying to “fix” them.

✔️ Stronger social safety nets so that families don’t have to fight tooth and nail for basic services.

✔️ A cultural shift where neurodivergence is seen as a natural part of human diversity, not a deficit to be corrected.

 

I believe real change happens when people speak up, push back, and refuse to settle for the status quo. That’s what I plan to keep doing—through my work, my writing, my advocacy, and raising two kids who know their worth and won’t let the world tell them otherwise.

 

If you’re here, reading this, chances are you care about these things too. Let’s connect and make the world better—one conversation, one policy, and one empowered individual at a time.