EP15: A Mother’s Mission to Make Education Available for All: Eliza’s Story

I met Tanya at an incredible public speaking conference for
women.  When I heard her story I was deeply moved and
inspired, and knew that I wanted to amplify her voice, her
mission, and her wisdom.


Tanya is a mom of three children.  Her oldest child was
born with Cerebral Palsy.  Like many parents who have
children with challenges, she experienced anger, denial,
frustration, and much joy in raising their daughter.


When her daughter started school, she realized how limited the
options were to support her child’s full potential.  She
was eager to find another way, and began to research and build
a new school (and really a new paradigm) for education.


But when her daughter died unexpectedly, their world came
crashing down.  Plans to create this new school were put
on hold while Tanya struggled to manage her grief and her other
two kids.


However, in time Tanya got back into action, and is now the
founder of UP Academy, an elementary school that is focused on
children with physical disabilities and creating a new approach
to how we include and interact with all abilities,
and for all kids everywhere.


Her story is badass… full of courage, compassion, resilience,
and hope.



We talk about:



Creating an inclusive educational model that serves all
kids

Raising a child with cerebral palsy and special needs

From denial to advocacy: a mom’s journey to start a
movement

The “handicapped parking” moment that changed it all

Dealing with death and grief




More information about Tanya and UP Academy:



Tanya Sheckley, MBA, is a Social Entrepreneur, Speaker, and the
Founder of UP Academy.


To find out more and support the work of UP academy (or buy at
t-shirt!!) check it out here:  


www.upacademysf.org

https://www.upacademysf.org/donate


https://www.customink.com/fundraising/upacademysf  (T-SHIRTS)

facebook.com/upacademysf



“I believe that all children deserve access to an education
that pushes them to live up to their potential. UP Academy was
born of my quest to find the best education for my three
children. My oldest, intuitive, curious and differently-abled
with cerebral palsy, my middle, ambitious, fearless and
creative and my youngest, observant, sweet, and athletic and
all three of them brilliant (but every parent says that right?)


UP Academy is an inclusive elementary school that is the first
in the world to offer a fully integrated neuro-development
program for differently-abled students. This provides
consistency and relevance to learning, as all students
participate fully in our individualized and project based
learning curriculum within our modern, one-room schoolhouse.


My mission is to spread awareness and joy for all people and
change our societal reality around perceptions of people who
are different from ourselves. My message is one of rising out
of grief to make the world a kinder, more accepting place that
sees the value all people can contribute when they participate
fully in the world.


My experience has taught me that kids just see kids, our fears
and judgement around differences is something that is learned.
My goal is a world where even as adults, people just see
people.”



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