About Us

I am the mother of three children, a girl and two boys.  Autism Spectrum disorder has been a large part of my life since the birth of my children.  For the last ten years I have dedicated myself to raising awareness and advocating for the Autism community, which is where my inspiration to create the “Ray of Hope” originated  from.   A portion of the proceeds from the Ray of Hope collection are donated to various organizations serving the Autism Community.   

My fourteen-year-old daughter Taylor has worked her way through a PDD NOS diagnosis with determination and hard work.  Taylor is in 8th grade this year.  She’s outgoing, funny, kind and at times wise beyond her years.   In her free time Taylor enjoys arts & crafts, going to the movies, shopping, cooking, taking care of her pets and spending time with friends.  I knew the day would come when she discovered boys and it has : O   And so another chapter begins.  In her plans for the future Taylor aspires to be a graphic designer and after college start a family.  I have no doubt that she can do whatever she sets her mind to, that has been proven many times over.

For more about Taylor, visit her page.

Taylor 's 8th grade Graduation

Currently wading his way into puberty,  Carter is 13 and 235 lbs although high functioning and totally sweet, he can be aggressive at times when his anxiety gets the best of him.   This is not the part they show on TV.  The past three years have been VERY tough.  Presently, after two hospital visits in 2007 (to adjust meds) and many many meetings with the school distrcit and school, life is manageable for now.

 As a single parent attempting to "do it all"  I realized that I can't.  How humbling a statement that is to make.  I don't know what the future will bring.  We just keep working with Carter to help him reach the great potential he has.  One day, sometimes one minute at a time.    Being his mother is the most challenging and yet most rewarding thing I have ever done.  There is nothing like life experience to teach you the most valuable lessons.

Carter making his favorite breakfast ~ Pancakes

Last but certainly not least, there is my 12 year old son Jesse.  I call Jesse the little big brother as he has always looked after Carter.   Not easy for a child to try and rationalize like a grown up.  He does a fantastic job  always there in a situation if someone isn't treating his brother right.  Don't get me wrong we still have sibling rivaliry at home, I didn't say he was a saint :).   Being the youngest in a family touched by autism isn’t easy.  It seems everyone else gets the extra attention, therapy, teacher conferences etc.  He is a sensitive boy who sometimes needs extra TLC.  Jesse is a big help, always available when I need an extra pair of  hands.  Auto mechanics has been an area Jesse really has shown an interest in.  He spends hours working alongside his father tearing down and rebuilding engines.   He's able to fix things around the house and has a knack for understanding how things work.  Not only is he handsome  but "handy" as well.  He's a natural athlete with a love for basketball.  Jesse will be working on his basketball skills this summer at camp.  Known for his amazing rebounds, always there to catch that ball no matter what it takes.  A real team player who puts his heart into every game.   This year he decided to give Lacrosse a try even though he'd never played.  In his free time Jess enjoys swimming, computer games and driving his go-cart.  After Jesse finishes school he wants to race with NASCAR or be a Monster truck driver!  

Jesse being silly

My optimism regarding Autism was not always present.  There are no words to describe the feeling you get when you are so isolated, helpless, and overburdened.  At the onset I was completely overwhelmed, scared, confused and angry (there are still days those feelings revist me).  After thinking it over I realized that in order to help my children, I had to put my feelings aside and become proactive.  My life took a different path than the one I‘d dreamed of.  Through it all I have gained patience, strength, faith and a new sense of purpose.  The pride I feel cannot be seen or measured, it is felt in my heart each day when I look at my children and all they have accomplished.  This is something that no one can tever take away because, we earned it together as a family.  

Early intervention, parent training, networking and educating yourself will help to build a strong foundation.  It has been my experience that an intense ABA program of 40 hours (more if you can find a way) a week by “TRAINED” therapists will provide the opportunity for progress. As parents we call the shots with regard to our children.  In order to succeed you must get educated; know your rights and ADVOCATE. I was told when my children were babies “ What you do or don’t do at the onset will affect their future”.  I urge you to face this head on.  I know it’s overwhelming however, your choice is to let fear take over and that will not help your child, your family or you.  There are no guarantees what level your child will reach or which therapies will bring progress.  Don’t look back just stay connected, involved, ADVOCATE and never give up! 

I have found that parents who have walked in my shoes are the BEST support  network (along with lots of chocolate).  I don't know where I would be if I didn't have my "MOAC's" (Moms of Autistic Children).  We share ups and downs along with some wine and chocolate, whatever the situation calls for (do yourself a favor keep both on-hand, you never know when you may need a fix).  Always there for each other to listen and understand.  You ladies mean the world to me, thank you for your unconditional friendship, loyalty and support.

The MOAC's Maribel, Karin, Jill & Tracey

My experience has taught me that while professionals (DAN doctors, neurologists, therapists, teachers, BCBA’s, developmental pediatricians and psychologists) can give recommendations, prescriptions, referrals, diagnosis, set up a program or a diet, a parent who has walked the same path can offer the kind of guidance the love of a child, not a medical or educational degree can offer.  A mother’s perspective is one derived from maternal instinct, fierce primal protective nature, the emotional growth that comes with the overwhelming responsibility of caring for, teaching, advocating for your child in a situation where there is so much uncertainty, no clear answers and no real guideline. A mother’s perspective is not to be underestimated.  It’s the type of advice molded by the implementation of protocol, trial and error, ingenious innovation, time, and an intense vested interest in the outcome for a child, that a parent who has been there can break down into an easy to follow ready made social story for the parent just starting out. 

So, while the doctor/therapist /teacher and BCBA can tell you what to do, a mom can tell you how it feels, sympathize with you and then share her back up plans. Nothing helps more than the sharing of ideas, inspirations, recipes, doctor information, knowledge, and above all, that basic support that only those who live what you live have to offer, they "get it".

Creating jewelry for special occasions or a well-deserved treat is always an option. If you don’t see what you are looking for contact me I will be happy to create an original piece to suit you.  Special orders are just an email/phone call away!

Jillary can be purchased online, by appointment, by hosting a Home Party, or at a local fundraiser.  Visit the calendar for our 2008 schedule. 

Take a leisurely browse through the site and know that whatever creation you purchase, we’ll have you looking and feeling beautiful.   The collection has been refferred to as wearable hope.

Wishing you strength and peace in your journey.

~ Jill Bullwinkle

Read More....

~~~ Taylor's Story 

~~~ "A Ray Of Hope" -- how Jillary  is making a difference!