Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Pickrell.
Hi Christy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey started very early in my life; I was one of my grandmother’s caregivers when I was in my early teens. She was bedridden and I would spend weekends and school holidays helping my grandfather care for her. This is actually one of the early trainings / inspirations for some of our tracking logs today. My journey took on another role right after I married, I started school to become a special education teacher in Maryland. While there I became a certified Respite Provider for the Arc of Maryland, as well as substitute teacher for the PPCD special education teacher at a local elementary school. While in Maryland I had the opportunity to work with many children, adults and their families that had disabilities or healthcare needs.
My husband got transferred to several different states in the next few years which made getting a teaching degree out of reach, so I took a break and got my accounting certificate. Soon after I had my first child, which basically ended what I thought would be my special education career. However, life had another idea, my son was diagnosed with learning and language delays at 18-20 months old, and soon after severe autism at 28 months. This is where my education really began. It was one thing helping families and looking in from the outside. However, living the reality is a completely different prospective. Once I had grieved a bit, I thought that I could handle this, after all I had been a special education major and certified respite provider, I was sure I could handle it, boy was I clueless.
I was very fortunate I had some great mentors and they helped point me in the right direction and guided my early years with my son. Once I realized I was in over my head, I kind of went back to school, but not college I call it the school of life and experience. I quit work, researched, went to trainings and parent groups, went to every conference I could and learned to be an advocate for my son. I learned very early that it was up to me to figure out what he needed, and that I was his voice.
When my son was a teenager, life gave me another lesson my other grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and being 1000 miles away made things difficult. I really wanted to be a part of her care group, but the distance made it difficult, plus balancing 3 children at the time, 2 of which were on the spectrum you can imagine how much time that took.
So, I worked with my mom to find ways that I could make a difference. While my aunt handled most of the health and day to day financial management, we found ways to keep my grandma as connected as possible. We created journals, picture albums with labels, labeled everything we could, and my dad visited at least 2 to 3 times a week. I sent lots of cards with pictures, letters with old stories and memories and flowers every week. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but it was the best we could do at the time.
So, between all my experience and journeys I have been through I have learned a great deal about caring. My first client was completely by accident and really, I need to credit them for taking a chance on letting me help. A good friend called and asked me to check on their mom who was in the hospital. They had moved to another state, and they had no clue what the situation was, so I went. After quickly assessing the issue, I realized that she had memory issues and it wasn’t going to be long before she was going to need more support that they could give being several states away. So, I started organizing thing for her setting up reminders, coordinating with doctors and nurses to pull all her information together so that the family knew what they were dealing with and could make decisions. That was the birth of the formal Medical Binder that we put together today. And the rest is sort of history now.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The obstacles and challenges with the current COVID situation have definitely changed the way we wanted to get in front of clients and groups. Our services are not a classic cookie cutter service, there are no 2 products alike and each one tailored to the individual. We offer a 30-minute consultation with every purchase so that we can make sure the client has what they need.
I am also a full-time student, writer, and very active on Houston Community College Student Government, where I am actually president of the Northwest Student Government board, not to mention mom of my now adult autistic son.
The road caring for a loved one with special needs or healthcare needs is never smooth, but you learn to roll with the tide and ride the waves.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Our Little Peace of Mind, Inc?
Our Little Peace of Mind, is dedicated to helping families organize, coordinate and ultimately become a better caregiver for themselves or family members. Through my 30 plus years of experience I have learned through trial and error what works, what makes things more complicated and what doesn’t. I am not saying that my solutions are for everyone, but I really enjoy mentoring and advocating for families. I feel like I have been blessed with so many people that have supported my journey that it is my turn to give back and mentor and teach a new generation of caregivers.
Facing the new hurdle of becoming a caregiver comes with a great deal of responsibility and can make people very overwhelmed. With our products and solutions, we hope that we are making those not so overwhelming.
We like to say we create “Peace of Mind with solutions for families at a time.”
Our company offers one-on-one support, group trainings, or advice to anyone with a need no matter income or how small the need. We will come up with a solution that works for you and your family.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t know that I would call it luck, but I guess I have a different prospective. I am trying to use my experience to help other families not go through some of the struggles I have gone through. If I can aid one family go through these types of journeys and make a difference, that ultimately is my end goal.
What I am trying to do is share lessons learned. I don’t think of things as mistakes or bad decisions, as long as you learn something it’s called life’s education.
Contact Info:
- Email: christy@ourlittlepeaceofmind.com
- Website: www.ourlittlepeaceofmind.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourlittlepeaceofmind/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/106683201183418
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/our-little-peace-of-mind-houston
Image Credits
Lindsey Wilkens Photography
