Susan Jewel
Manager of Family Supports
What I do at TAP:
I’m the Manager of Family Support and the first Family Support Specialist, hired many moons ago. I guide an amazing team of Family Support Specialists as we support parents, educators, and professionals who are raising or supporting an individual with ASD. I continue to teach parenting classes as a parent coach and work one-on-one with families as they navigate their journey. Lastly, I’m the Respite Coordinator for TAP, helping families access a much-needed break from caretaking. A workshop about self-care is in the works!
One fun fact about me is:
I'm compelled to buy house plants that have been marked down and are near death in the supermarket and bring them back to life. It is not uncommon to find a plant on my desk looking sad, with a post-it-note that reads, “please help me”. They just need some time, attention, and a new start…don’t we all?
My professional bio:
I began my career in the business world as a small business owner. I had a life-altering event when my both of my daughters were diagnosed with autism. The Autism Project was the place I turned to for guidance, education, and support. I sold my company and devoted my time to raising my daughters, seeking out therapy and learning as much as I could about autism (and this was before the internet)!
I have spent the last 15 years working with families to provide with the same education and support that TAP provided me. I am trained in PECs (Picture Exchange Communication) as well as TEACCH Level 1. I am a Certified Community Health Worker and received my B.A. from Roger Williams University. I continue to attend numerous seminars and workshops to expand my knowledge.
