Charting the course for whatever comes next
Growing up as a sibling to brothers with unique needs, I watched my own family navigate the unbelievable maze of state funding, waivers, providers, and school-to-adult transitions. After spending years in the classroom as a special education teacher, I moved on to transition planning and found my passion.
I know firsthand the anxiety families feel when looking toward the future, asking: What comes next? I know the weight of feeling like your safety net has evaporated after graduation day. I know the feeling of helplessness that can come with navigating a path for your loved one with disabilities, and the isolation that can come with it.
LEAP Transitions Strategies, LLC provides support though any of life’s major transitions, one-on-one life-skills coaching, and navigation through Maryland’s systems. This mission is to take the fear out of adulthood by focusing on four core pillars:
Linkages
Education
Advocacy
Person-centered planning
Guarding the path for life
Carly brings over a decade of experience in transition and adult life planning, with a professional background that includes roles as a transition specialist within a local school system, a DDA support broker, and a licensed school administrator. Carly has collaborated closely with schools to develop comprehensive transition plans for students, guided families through the transition process, and strengthened connections between school systems and DDA provider agencies.
As an educator across middle school, high school, and off-site college campus settings, she has extensive experience providing direct instruction in functional academics, employment readiness, daily living, and independent living skills. She has also contributed to multiple curriculum development initiatives within the school system. In addition, Carly has worked as direct support staff and a family consultant through the Autism Waiver.
As the sibling of two adult brothers with autism, Carly brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work. She is passionate about empowering individuals and families to make informed choices that best meet their unique needs.
Let’s chart the course to adulthood, together.