Today we’d like to introduce you to Kattie.
Hi Kattie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve done a lot of different things that seem to have gotten me to this point. I knew I always wanted to be a school teacher, but I also had an interest in fitness and mental health. After working many odd jobs in college – the typical retail, restaurant, and office administrator positions, I got my 200 hour yoga teacher certification, then Pilates, barre, aerial yoga, indoor cycling, and personal training. Working in the health and fitness field nurtured my call to teach, so I became a school teacher. Special education was never my intention, but it became my calling and my mission. As a mother who is neurodivergent with neurodivergent children, I quickly learned the importance of special programming and advocacy in education. I was accepted into graduate school for my Master’s in Special Education to become an educational diagnostician in the public-school setting, but God had other plans. Along the way I met my husband, Peter Maldonado, and he introduced me to the behavioral health world, we realized our professions had a lot of overlap and he included my expertise into Maldonado Consulting, making me the co-founder. I left my job in public education and became a therapeutic educational consultant and special education advocate. I am now a Certified Autism Specialist and coach neurodivergent children, teens and young adults who are resistant to traditional therapy or are too profound for some practices. My goal is to bridge the gaps between related services, schools, and families to make access to education and appropriate transition plans to vocations smoother and easier.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This is a family-owned operation, and like many families, we have our challenges. I’ve overcome a lot in my life myself, but I’d say the biggest challenge has been battling imposter syndrome and low self-esteem. I constantly wonder if I’m good enough to do this, and my husband says, “You’re the most qualified! If not you, then who?” I know there are other advocates and neurodivergence coaches out there, but I also know my lived experience plus education makes me valuable.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Maldonado Consulting, we empower behavioral-health and education organizations to thrive through strategic business solutions and expert advocacy. With more than 14 years of experience driving growth and operational excellence in the behavioral-health space, we partner with you to identify opportunities, implement practical solutions and sustain long-term success. 
As an educational consultant and advocate I work on developing lessons and interventions, writing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), creating transition plans, and facilitating Admission, Review & Dismissal (ARD) meetings—primarily within the U.S. special education system (under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA).
I am also now a 500 hour Yoga Faith Master Trainer and Sozo and Somatic Therapist. I use somatic practices with my clients to help them activate their mind body and spirit connection which can help work through trauma, over stimulation, and feelings of disconnection. I find that physical movement is wonderful for sensory seeking children as well.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Passion + Audacity = Tenacity
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Maldonado-consulting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kattieyogamama
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kattie-maldonado-m-ed-6623bb153
