
Hobbies and interests
Advocacy And Activism
Child Development
Community Service And Volunteering
Reading
Reading
Education
I read books multiple times per week
Elizabeth Cooke
1,015
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Elizabeth Cooke
1,015
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
As someone living with epilepsy and a parent of a child with a life-threatening rare gene condition, my experiences have profoundly shaped my passion for supporting individuals with disabilities. Living with epilepsy presents challenges, from managing seizures to overcoming societal misconceptions. These experiences give me a unique understanding of the barriers faced by those with disabilities, fueling my commitment to advocacy.
My daughter’s diagnosis has highlighted the importance of fighting for better resources and awareness. By sharing our story, I aim to educate the community about empathy and the need for compassion. Establishing support networks for families affected by disabilities is crucial, as these spaces allow individuals to share experiences and resources, reducing feelings of isolation.
Education plays a vital role in fostering inclusivity. Through workshops and training sessions on disability awareness, I strive to equip educators and community members with the knowledge to support individuals with disabilities. My journey as an advocate is rooted in my personal experiences, motivating me to work toward a more inclusive society where everyone is empowered to thrive. Together, we can build a future that values and uplifts every individual.
Education
Capella University
Master's degree programMajors:
- Special Education and Teaching
- Education, General
Lewis-Clark State College
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Education, General
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Behavior Intervention
Dream career goals:
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Inclusive Interventions2023 – Present2 years
Arts
Ballet Magnificat
Dance2015 – 2015
Public services
Volunteering
Stables of Courage INC. — Board Member2022 – 2023Volunteering
Green Apple Project — Board Member2021 – 2023
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Build and Bless Leadership Scholarship
My Christian faith has profoundly influenced my leadership style, guiding my decisions and interactions with others. Central to my approach is the principle of servanthood, which emphasizes leading by example and prioritizing the needs of others. This perspective fosters a sense of community, compassion, and integrity in my leadership, encouraging collaboration and trust among team members.
A memorable instance where I led through faith occurred during a community outreach project aimed at supporting underserved families in our area. As the leader of the initiative, I drew inspiration from the teachings of Jesus about compassion and service. I organized a team of volunteers, and we aimed not only to provide tangible resources but also to foster relationships within the community.
Throughout the planning process, I encouraged open dialogue and invited team members to share their ideas and concerns. By creating an inclusive atmosphere, I aimed to reflect the love and acceptance that Christianity promotes. This approach not only empowered my team but also instilled in them a shared sense of purpose. We prayed together before our events, seeking guidance and inspiration, which strengthened our bond and commitment to the mission.
On the day of the outreach, witnessing the impact of our efforts was incredibly moving. Families received food, clothing, and essential supplies, but more importantly, they felt valued and cared for. The joy and gratitude expressed by the community members reaffirmed the importance of serving others with humility and love. My team felt inspired and motivated, recognizing that our actions, driven by faith, had made a significant difference in the lives of others.
This experience shaped my vision for the future by reinforcing the idea that effective leadership is rooted in faith and service. I aspire to continue leading initiatives that promote community engagement, compassion, and support for those in need. My faith encourages me to view leadership as a way to uplift others, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
In my future endeavors, I aim to cultivate a culture of empathy, love, and collaboration, encouraging others to lead with their values and principles. By integrating my Christian faith into my leadership style, I hope to inspire others to recognize their potential to effect positive change in the world and to approach challenges with resilience, hope, and love. Ultimately, I believe that a faith-driven leadership style not only influences individual growth but also contributes to building stronger, more compassionate communities.
B.R.I.G.H.T (Be.Radiant.Ignite.Growth.Heroic.Teaching) Scholarship
**Title: The Transformative Power of Personalized Support in Child Development: A Case Study of Eli**
In the field of education, the ability to positively impact a child's development is both a privilege and a profound responsibility for educators and caregivers. One particularly memorable instance that illustrates this influence involved a young boy named Eli, who faced significant challenges in communication. This essay explores Eli's journey from a place of hesitation and frustration to one of confidence and participation, emphasizing the critical role of individualized support in fostering education.
Eli was a shy and reserved child, struggling to communicate effectively within the classroom environment. His challenges were compounded by feelings of discouragement, particularly when he found it difficult to keep pace with his peers. Such struggles are not uncommon among children with developmental delays, learning differences, or social anxiety. These barriers can lead to withdrawal from social interactions and reduced academic participation, further exacerbating their challenges. Eli’s hesitance to engage in class discussions and activities left him feeling isolated and frustrated, which hindered his overall learning experience.
Recognizing the importance of addressing these challenges, I sought to create a supportive environment that would allow Eli to express himself freely and build his communication skills. Understanding that effective communication is fundamental to a child's success in both academic and social settings, I was motivated to help Eli unlock his potential.
To address Eli’s unique needs, I committed to working with him one-on-one. This personalized approach involved focusing on his interests and incorporating engaging narratives that resonated with him. By integrating his preferred topics into our sessions, I aimed to create a more relatable and enjoyable learning experience. For instance, if Eli was passionate about animals, we would explore stories and writing prompts that revolved around his favorite creatures. This connection not only sparked his interest but also made learning more meaningful for him.
In addition to storytelling, we utilized a variety of communication tools, including writing exercises, a communication device, and sign language. These methods provided Eli with multiple avenues to express himself, allowing him to explore his thoughts and feelings in a supportive context. Encouragement was key; I consistently reinforced his efforts, helping him to see that his voice mattered. We celebrated even the smallest achievements, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivating him to take further steps in his communication journey.
As we progressed through our sessions, I observed a remarkable transformation in Eli. Gradually, his confidence began to blossom. He started to engage more actively with reading and writing, discovering the joy of storytelling and self-expression. This newfound enthusiasm not only improved his communication skills but also fostered a sense of belonging within the classroom community.
Eli's participation in class discussions increased significantly. He began sharing his ideas with his peers, and his contributions were met with encouragement and support. Remarkably, he even took on the role of a supportive friend, helping other students who faced similar challenges. This evolution from a nonverbal individual to an active participant highlighted the profound impact of patience, encouragement, and personalized support in a child’s educational journey.
Eli's story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within every child, waiting to be unlocked through understanding and tailored support. The experience reinforced the significance of fostering an inclusive environment where children feel valued and empowered to communicate. As educators and caregivers, it is our duty to nurture each child's unique abilities, ensuring that they not only reach their academic potential but also cultivate the confidence to express themselves.
Eli's journey exemplifies the transformative power of personalized support, illustrating that with the right guidance and encouragement, every child can thrive. By investing time and resources into individualized approaches, we can help children overcome their challenges, embrace their strengths, and ultimately flourish in both their academic and social lives. This commitment to understanding and supporting each child's unique journey is essential for creating a brighter future for all.
Cariloop’s Caregiver Scholarship
Caregiving can take many forms, and it is often a deeply personal experience that varies from one individual to another. In my case, caregiving has primarily involved supporting my oldest daughter, who has faced various health challenges over the past few years. As her primary caregiver, my role has encompassed a wide array of responsibilities aimed at enhancing her quality of life and ensuring her well-being.One of the most significant aspects of my caregiving has been assisting her with daily activities. This includes helping her with personal hygiene, meal preparation, and medication management.
I make sure she eats nutritious meals that cater to her dietary restrictions, and I often prepare her favorite dishes to bring a sense of comfort and joy. Additionally, I assist her with maintaining muscle mass, whether it's helping her get around the house or accompanying her on walks, which not only supports her physical health but also provides her with companionship. This companionship helps combat loneliness and keeps her spirits high. I manage her medical appointments and communicate with healthcare providers to stay informed about her health status and any changes in her treatment plan. This organization is vital to effectively advocate for her needs and to make informed decisions about her care.
Caregiving for my daughter has involved a blend of practical support, emotional connection, and advocacy in her healthcare. This role has not only strengthened our bond but has also taught me invaluable lessons about compassion, patience, and the importance of cherishing the moments we share together.
Receiving this scholarship would significantly impact my educational journey and future aspirations in several ways. First and foremost, it would alleviate the financial burden associated with tuition and other academic expenses. By covering a portion of my costs, the scholarship would allow me to focus more on my studies and less on financial concerns, enabling me to fully engage with my coursework and extracurricular activities.
With the financial support from the scholarship, I would have the opportunity to pursue a degree in Behavioral Intervention without the constant stress of accumulating student debt. This would provide me with the freedom to explore internships, volunteer opportunities, and other experiences that are crucial for my professional development as well as care for my daughter.
I believe that gaining practical experience is essential for applying theoretical knowledge, and the scholarship would give me the flexibility to seek out these enriching opportunities. Furthermore, this scholarship would enable me to invest in resources that can enhance my academic performance, such as textbooks, technology, and access to workshops or seminars.
With these tools at my disposal, I would be better equipped to excel in my studies and develop the skills necessary for my future career. In terms of my long-term goals, receiving this scholarship would play a pivotal role in helping me achieve my ambition of making a meaningful impact in my community. I aspire to work in a field that focuses on social change and advocacy, and the education I receive will be instrumental in equipping me with the knowledge and skills needed to effect positive change. The scholarship would not only support my immediate academic goals but also pave the way for a future where I can contribute to society in a meaningful way and help other individuals with developmental disabilities.
In summary, this scholarship matters greatly to me as it represents a pathway to educational success, reduced financial stress, and the ability to pursue my passions and career goals with confidence. It would be an invaluable investment in my future, empowering me to make the most of my academic journey and ultimately fulfill my aspirations of making a difference in the world.
Rebecca Lynn Seto Memorial Scholarship
I wish to receive my masters so that I can help with more children at an earlier age to hopefully improve their quality of life at a faster pace. Currently I work with children ages three to twenty one. I would love to accomplish my masters so that I can help children ages birth to three as well. This scholarship would open so many doors for me!
My two daughters are the light of my life. I am a very involved parent in my children's therapies. Most parents of children with rare disorders are cautious and very involved. This is how progress is made and how generalization can happen with their goals across all settings. Without the support of physical therapies, speech therapies, occupational therapies and behavioral interventions my family would not be the same.
I work with children with rare genetic conditions and also have a daughter with a rare genetic condition as well. The gene mutation my oldest has is called CoL4A1 gene mutation our Goulds Syndrome. It is a rare multi-degenerative disorder. It has been a large factor of why I do what I do as a behavioral intervention specialist. I have been in the field for nine years working with children with multiple rare and common disorders. I now work as an independent contractor for the state of Idaho. I am a self employed single mom of two kids with disabilities. I love what I do for work and would not think of doing anything else!
As a behavioral specialist I would start is building a relationship with the child, working toward getting to know things they like, dislike, and everything in between. A large majority of progress is made with finding out what interests the child. After a preference assessment I would then begin to offer play based therapy and child led services. I would use positive based reinforcement and modeling to reach beyond barriers. I would use data to show what improvement was made vs not made. I would research and involve the family as much as possible because the family is who knows the child the best. The family are usually the most involved as they spend the most time with the child over their lifetime.
Working as an integrated team with providers is imperative to the child's success. Without family support, therapists, and school team the child would have massive negative implications that would impede the success of improvement and growth. Without your help I cannot achieve that dream.
Francis E. Moore Prime Time Ministries Scholarship
I have been effected by incarceration due to my father being incarcerated three years ago. I was on the path to apply to school and continue my education when he was arrested. My mother had to sell her house and move in with my and my children to pay for his attorney fees. Our whole lives were turned upside down and caused major fallout.
My work did not give me the promotion I was promised due to the possibility of negative press. I was actively working at a nonprofit organization and it effected their image. I was not able to apply to graduate school because I was working to pay all the bills for myself and my mother.
Three years later and I now work for myself and own my own company. I was pushed to increase my work capabilities and now I am finally ready to pursue my graduate degree so that I can further my career and help others around me.
A Man Helping Women Helping Women Scholarship
I work independently with children with a wide range of disabilities ranging from autism, speech delay, epilepsy, etc. This field is my passion, I have worked with individuals from preschool through the ages of 21. I work with clients to improve their lives through behavior strategies and attempting to increase their abilities to function within the community, home, and school. I am focused on advancing my knowledge in teaching strategies, behavior management, and early childhood.
With a focus on early intervention I can use the tools I gain in this degree to help the children I work with to gain necessary life skills, communication skills, and coping skills. I provide a play-based therapy style and am focused on advancing skills to improve communication, social, advocacy and daily living. I believe that with more education I can improve the quality of my services.
I am a strong candidate because I am focused on achieving this goal. It is not a desire for myself it is a need for my community and the children I serve. I was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age and needed vital therapy and services to master skills necessary for living. This is my ability to advance my skills to become the best that I can be for the children I serve. I graduated high school at the age of 16, Bachelors at the age of 21, and became a mom at 21 of a beautiful little girl who also has epilepsy and a rare gene condition called COL4A1 gene mutation. At 23 I became a mom to a beautiful girl who had speech delays and ADHD.
I wish to advance my knowledge and ability to make a positive impact on my community and become further involved in social and community advocacy. I wish to work alongside other professionals and individuals with disabilities to create an inclusive environment for the population of individuals who deserve it the absolute most.
As a single mom to two beautiful girls with disabilities and having disabilities myself I strive to work hard and provide for all. I know that with your help to gather funding to receive my masters I can achieve greatness. In the next 5 years I want to open my own clinic to further help my community and children like my own. Thank you so much for your consideration, I promise to work hard and achieve greatness.
Harriett Russell Carr Memorial Scholarship
I work independently with children with a wide range of disabilities ranging from autism, speech delay, epilepsy, etc. This field is my passion, I have worked with individuals from preschool through the ages of 21.
I work with clients to improve their lives through behavior strategies and attempting to increase their abilities to function within the community, home, and school. I am focused on advancing my knowledge in teaching strategies, behavior management, and early childhood.
With a focus on early intervention I can use the tools I gain in this degree to help the children I work with to gain necessary life skills, communication skills, and coping skills. I provide a play-based therapy style and am focused on advancing skills to improve communication, social, advocacy and daily living. I believe that with more education I can improve the quality of my services.
I am a strong candidate because I am focused on achieving this goal. It is not a desire for myself it is a need for my community and the children I serve. I was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age and needed vital therapy and services to master skills necessary for living. This is my ability to advance my skills to become the best that I can be for the children I serve. I graduated high school at the age of 16, Bachelors at the age of 21, and became a mom at 21 of a beautiful little girl who also has epilepsy and a rare gene condition called COL4A1 gene mutation. At 23 I became a mom to a beautiful girl who had speech delays and ADHD.
I wish to advance my knowledge and ability to make a positive impact on my community and become further involved in social and community advocacy. I wish to work alongside other professionals and individuals with disabilities to create an inclusive environment for the population of individuals who deserve it the absolute most.
As a single mom to two beautiful girls with disabilities and having disabilities myself I strive to work hard and provide for all. I know that with your help to gather funding to receive my masters I can achieve greatness. In the next 5 years I want to open my own clinic to further help my community and children like my own. Thank you so much for your consideration, I promise to work hard and achieve greatness.
HeySunday Scholarship for Moms in College
I work independently with children with a wide range of disabilities ranging from autism, speech delay, epilepsy, etc. This field is my passion, I have worked with individuals from preschool through the ages of 21. I work with clients to improve their lives through behavior strategies and attempting to increase their abilities to function within the community, home, and school. I am focused on advancing my knowledge in teaching strategies, behavior management, and early childhood.
With a focus on early intervention I can use the tools I gain in this degree to help the children I work with to gain necessary life skills, communication skills, and coping skills. I provide a play-based therapy style and am focused on advancing skills to improve communication, social, advocacy and daily living. I believe that with more education I can improve the quality of my services.
I am a strong candidate because I am focused on achieving this goal. It is not a desire for myself it is a need for my community and the children I serve. I was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age and needed vital therapy and services to master skills necessary for living. This is my ability to advance my skills to become the best that I can be for the children I serve. I graduated high school at the age of 16, Bachelors at the age of 21, and became a mom at 21 of a beautiful little girl who also has epilepsy and a rare gene condition called COL4A1 gene mutation. At 23 I became a mom to a beautiful girl who had speech delays and ADHD.
Being a single mom with two children with disabilities it is a challenge to juggle it all. I provide for them financially. I will not allow being a mom to interfere with my ability to be a student and a mother. I will prioritize both as both are very important in my life. I have a lot of support in my life and will rely on my support team to help me further my career and help others around me.
I wish to advance my knowledge and ability to make a positive impact on my community and become further involved in social and community advocacy. I wish to work alongside other professionals and individuals with disabilities to create an inclusive environment for the population of individuals who deserve it the absolute most.
As a single mom to two beautiful girls with disabilities and having disabilities myself I strive to work hard and provide for all. I know that with your help to gather funding to receive my masters I can achieve greatness. Thank you so much for your consideration.
Online ADHD Diagnosis Mental Health Scholarship for Women
I work independently with children with a wide range of disabilities ranging from autism, speech delay, epilepsy, etc. This field is my passion, I have worked with individuals from preschool through the ages of 21.
I work with clients to improve their lives through behavior strategies and attempting to increase their abilities to function within the community, home, and school. I am focused on advancing my knowledge in teaching strategies, behavior management, and early childhood.
With a focus on early intervention I can use the tools I gain in this degree to help the children I work with to gain necessary life skills, communication skills, and coping skills. I provide a play-based therapy style and am focused on advancing skills to improve communication, social, advocacy and daily living. I believe that with more education I can improve the quality of my services.
I am a strong candidate because I am focused on achieving this goal. It is not a desire for myself it is a need for my community and the children I serve. I was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age and needed vital therapy and services to master skills necessary for living. This is my ability to advance my skills to become the best that I can be for the children I serve. I graduated high school at the age of 16, Bachelors at the age of 21, and became a mom at 21 of a beautiful little girl who also has epilepsy and a rare gene condition called COL4A1 gene mutation. At 23 I became a mom to a beautiful girl who had speech delays and ADHD.
I wish to advance my knowledge and ability to make a positive impact on my community and become further involved in social and community advocacy. I wish to work alongside other professionals and individuals with disabilities to create an inclusive environment for the population of individuals who deserve it the absolute most.
As a single mom to two beautiful girls with disabilities and having disabilities and anxiety myself I strive to work hard and provide for all. I know that with your help to gather funding to receive my masters I can achieve greatness.
I practice mental health coping skills, and exercise weekly to maintain my mental health. My ability to achieve academic performance will not be effected by my mental health struggles. I will check in with my doctor when necessary and practice coping skills when necessary.
Jill S. Tolley Scholarship
I work independently with children with a wide range of disabilities ranging from autism, speech delay, epilepsy, etc. This field is my passion, I have worked with individuals from preschool through the ages of 21.
I work with clients to improve their lives through behavior strategies and attempting to increase their abilities to function within the community, home, and school. I am focused on advancing my knowledge in teaching strategies, behavior management, and early childhood.
With a focus on early intervention I can use the tools I gain in this degree to help the children I work with to gain necessary life skills, communication skills, and coping skills. I provide a play-based therapy style and am focused on advancing skills to improve communication, social, advocacy and daily living. I believe that with more education I can improve the quality of my services.
I am a strong candidate because I am focused on achieving this goal. It is not a desire for myself it is a need for my community and the children I serve. I was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age and needed vital therapy and services to master skills necessary for living. This is my ability to advance my skills to become the best that I can be for the children I serve. I graduated high school at the age of 16, Bachelors at the age of 21, and became a mom at 21 of a beautiful little girl who also has epilepsy and a rare gene condition called COL4A1 gene mutation. At 23 I became a mom to a beautiful girl who had speech delays and ADHD.
I wish to advance my knowledge and ability to make a positive impact on my community and become further involved in social and community advocacy. I wish to work alongside other professionals and individuals with disabilities to create an inclusive environment for the population of individuals who deserve it the absolute most.
As a single mom to two beautiful girls with disabilities and having disabilities myself I strive to work hard and provide for all. I know that with your help to gather funding to receive my masters I can achieve greatness. In the next 5 years I want to open my own clinic to further help my community and children like my own. Thank you so much for your consideration, I promise to work hard and achieve greatness.
Special Needs Advocacy Bogdan Radich Memorial Scholarship
I work independently with children with a wide range of disabilities ranging from autism, speech delay, epilepsy, etc. This field is my passion, I have worked with individuals from preschool through the ages of 21. I work with clients to improve their lives through behavior strategies and attempting to increase their abilities to function within the community, home, and school. I am focused on advancing my knowledge in teaching strategies, behavior management, and early childhood.
With a focus on early intervention I can use the tools I gain in this degree to help the children I work with to gain necessary life skills, communication skills, and coping skills. I provide a play-based therapy style and am focused on advancing skills to improve communication, social, advocacy and daily living. I believe that with more education I can improve the quality of my services.
I am a strong candidate because I am focused on achieving this goal. It is not a desire for myself it is a need for my community and the children I serve. I was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age and needed vital therapy and services to master skills necessary for living. This is my ability to advance my skills to become the best that I can be for the children I serve. I graduated high school at the age of 16, Bachelors at the age of 21, and became a mom at 21 of a beautiful little girl who also has epilepsy and a rare gene condition called COL4A1 gene mutation. At 23 I became a mom to a beautiful girl who had speech delays and ADHD.
I wish to advance my knowledge and ability to make a positive impact on my community and become further involved in social and community advocacy. I wish to work alongside other professionals and individuals with disabilities to create an inclusive environment for the population of individuals who deserve it the absolute most.
As a single mom to two beautiful girls with disabilities and having disabilities myself I strive to work hard and provide for all. I know that with your help to gather funding to receive my masters I can achieve greatness. In the next 5 years I want to open my own clinic to further help my community and children like my own. Thank you so much for your consideration, I promise to work hard and achieve greatness.
ADHDAdvisor Scholarship for Health Students
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Elizabeth Cooke, I am interested in this scholarship to further advance my education for younger children and focus on advancing my skills as a Behavior Intervention Specialist. I work with children alongside teachers, therapists, and families as a collaborative team to help gain necessary behavior skills for the clients I serve. My caseload is largely older kids and would like to increase my knowledge base to work with a focus on Early Childhood. I would be a strong candidate because I am focused, driven, and determined to complete my master’s degree in education.
I work independently with children with a wide range of disabilities ranging from autism to ADHD, ADD, etc. This field is my passion, I have worked with individuals from preschool through Jr. High. I work with clients to improve their lives through behavior strategies and attempting to increase their abilities to function within the community, home, and school. I am focused on advancing my knowledge in teaching strategies, behavior management, and early childhood.
I am a strong candidate because I am focused on achieving this goal. It is not a desire for myself it is a need for my community and the children I serve. I was diagnosed with epilepsy and ADHD at a young age and needed vital therapy and services to master skills. This is my ability to advance my skills to become the best that I can be for the children I serve. I became a mom at 21 of a beautiful little girl who also has epilepsy and a rare gene condition called COL4A1 gene mutation. At 23 I became a mom to a beautiful girl who had speech delays and ADHD.
My daughters are another reason I want to advance my knowledge without the support of behavior intervention specialists, birth-3 program, head start, and early intervention my oldest daughter would most likely not be able to walk, talk, or function like she does today. My youngest attended head start, speech therapy, and behavioral intervention. Without the support of our team we would not be where we are today.
Women in Healthcare Scholarship
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Elizabeth Cooke, I am interested in the Women in Healthcare Scholarship to further advance my education for younger children and focus on advancing my skills as a Behavior Intervention Specialist. I work with children alongside teachers, therapists, and families as a collaborative team to help gain necessary behavior skills for the clients I serve. My caseload is largely older kids and would like to increase my knowledge base to work with a focus on Early Childhood. I would be a strong candidate because I am focused, driven, and determined to complete my master’s degree in education.
I work independently with children with a wide range of disabilities ranging from autism, speech delay, epilepsy, etc. This field is my passion, I have worked with individuals from preschool through Jr. High. I work with clients to improve their lives through behavior strategies and attempting to increase their abilities to function within the community, home, and school. I am focused on advancing my knowledge in teaching strategies, behavior management, and early childhood.
With a focus on healthcare in my community I can use the tools I gain in this degree to help the children I work with to gain necessary life skills, communication skills, and coping skills. I provide a play-based therapy style and am focused on advancing skills to improve communication, social, and daily living. I believe that with more education. I could work with children who are in the birth-3 program and this would provide a necessary service much sooner and improve the quality of life and the ability to learn new skills would be much higher.
I am a strong candidate because I am focused on achieving this goal. It is not a desire for myself it is a need for my community and the children I serve. I was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age and needed vital therapy and services to master skills necessary for living. This is my ability to advance my skills to become the best that I can be for the children I serve. I graduated high school at the age of 16, Bachelors at the age of 21, and became a mom at 21 of a beautiful little girl who also has epilepsy and a rare gene condition called COL4A1 gene mutation. At 23 I became a mom to a beautiful girl who had speech delays and ADHD.
My daughters are another reason I want to advance my knowledge without the support of behavior intervention specialists, birth-3 program, head start, and early intervention my oldest daughter would most likely not be able to walk, talk, or function like she does today. My youngest attended head start, speech therapy, and behavioral intervention. Without the support of our team we would not be where we are today.
As a single mom to two beautiful girls with disabilities and having disabilities myself I strive to work hard and provide for them. I know that with your help to gather funding to receive my masters I can achieve greatness. In the next 5 years I want to open my own clinic to further help my community and children like my own. I wish to also work a consistent schedule not based off of necessity of paying bills but also to provide well for my children. Thank you so much for your consideration, I promise to work hard and achieve greatness.
Social Anxiety Step Forward Scholarship
My name is Elizabeth Cooke, I work in a high stress field as a behavior intervention specialist. I work with high support needs children who are physically aggressive. Most children I work with are diagnosed with autism, epilepsy, and developmental delays with high support needs. I work with these children to improve their quality of life and improve play, social, daily living, and communication needs. This job is very rewarding but can be physically and mentally exhausting. I am constantly on edge wondering if I will be assaulted or attacked due to sensory meltdowns. I would not change my job for the world and am only trying to improve the quality of my knowledge within it.
I am a full time working mom, but above that I also coordinate all medication, medical care, and coordinate all therapies etc. for both my children. I currently work about 60 hours weekly to provide financially for my girls on top of taking my oldest back and forth to Seattle Children’s for life saving medical care which is about 7 hours away from us I financially cover these costs. Both of my girls are my inspiration and my will to achieve my master’s degree in Education.
As a single mom to two beautiful girls with disabilities and having disabilities such as anxiety and epilepsy. I have anxiety due to my oldest having a life threatening gene condition called COL4A1 gene mutation. I am scared every day for her life, quality of life, and balancing the load that comes with being a single mom with two children with disabilities. She is at risk of internal brain hemorrhage with any contact to her brain that is above a bump. She is at risk for muscle and organ failure and continues to thrive despite all the doctors unsure how she in continuing being the bright beautiful child she is. Constantly I am juggling her care, going to emergency rooms, and trying to fight for more knowledge on her condition as she is one of less than 100 people ever diagnosed with her condition.
Every time she runs, jumps, or plays I am constantly anxious. I wish to achieve my masters degree so that I can provide a higher level of care to other children with disabilities in my community. This financial assistance would help us together reach our goal. Thank you so much for your consideration, I promise to work hard and achieve greatness.