ABOUT
Get to Know Me
and My Philosophy
ABOUT ME
Kim Cortes
As a coach, trainer, and advocate, I bring together my specialized training in IEP advocacy, my professional experience working within disability systems, and my experience as a mom to neurodivergent kids with trauma histories. I am passionate about getting kids like mine the support and resources they need to thrive.
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Credentials:
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Seven years working with disability systems across multiple states
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Candidate for Board Certification in Special Education Advocacy
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Lived experience as a parent and a neurodivergent person myself
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Attorney*
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*not actively practicing, nothing here or in our work together should be construed as legal advice
MY APPROACH
Understanding, Connection, Collaboration
I believe kids thrive when they feel safe, their needs are centered, and they are fully seen for who they are. This can feel completely overwhelming for caregivers and educators, especially when kids have experienced trauma or are neurodivergent. I work to guide you through that overwhelm with an approach that is child centered, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity affirming. Relationships are core to a child's ability to thrive, and my work is inherently relational. To me, the grown-ups in any child's life are a team, forming a therapeutic web of support. I seek to be a facilitator and/or member of that team, based on your unique needs.
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For my fellow nerds:
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My understanding of children and their needs is based in relational
neurobiology. My perspective is informed by Dr. Bruce Perry's work and the neurosequential model, Theraplay principles, Polyvagal Theory, and a deeply held belief that kids (and people) do well when they can.
ON NEURODIVERGENCE
In general, neurodivergence is the understanding that brain-based differences are part of the natural variation of being human. I work with people supporting children from all backgrounds, but I specialize in neurodivergence, including ADHD, autism, complex PTSD, PDA, and other brain-based differences. I include trauma in my definition of neurodivergence because of the way trauma changes and shapes the brain and central nervous system. My practice is neurodiversity-affirming, meaning that I see and celebrate neurodivergence as a positive part of the children whose grown-ups I help support.
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