Julia, husband Ryan and son Spencer enjoy time on the playground at A Child's Place Preschool at Easter Seals Arkansas.

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"I decided to try public relations," she wrote in a recent e-mail interview. "It was just happenstance that I landed at Easter Seals, but now I see how fortunate I am to be here."

As the Public Relations Director at Easter Seals Arkansas, Julia sees everyday how the organization impacts the lives of children and adults with disabilities. She also has first-hand experience as a mother.

Julia and husband Ryan, owner of Blue Coast Burrito, are parents to 17-month-old Spencer. When Julia noticed Spencer's crawling wasn't developing as it should, she consulted with his pediatrician. An evaluation at Easter Seals determined that physical therapy would get Spencer's muscles strong enough for him to catch up on the developmental chart. After four months of therapy, he is walking, climbing stairs and playing with friends. "It pays to be proactive with your child and not listen when people tell you to just be patient!" said Julia.

Here's more about Julia, her family and Easter Seals Arkansas in her own words:
What's the most rewarding thing about working at Easter Seals? Witnessing the successes of the clients. Many of the families come here searching for hope and not knowing what the future holds for their child. As a new mother, it brings tears to my eyes to hear a child say, "I love you," for the first time to their mommy or leave their wheelchair behind to take their first steps.

What are some things you wish everyone knew about Easter Seals? I wish everyone knew that we provide services for children and adults. We can begin services at birth with the High Risk Infant Monitoring Program and follow through preschool with education and therapy services. We have technology services and a Children's Rehabilitation Center for children up to age 21. For adults, we offer job training and placement and independent living services.

What is your parenting strategy? I try to be patient and involved. I love to watch Spencer discover new things and words. I try to let him "help" me as often as possible with things like unloading the silverware from the dishwasher, feeding the dog, getting the mail, paying for the groceries, etc. He loves to be the helper and follow directions. I also want to be involved with his activities and interests as he grows up. Right now, that means reading books (the same ones over and over!), playing outside with sidewalk chalk and bubbles and attending special events at St. James Learning Center where he attends preschool.

Who is your mom role model? I admire all working mothers. It's such a balancing act and never ending job. My mother went back to work as a nurse after my brother and I were old enough to stay home by ourselves after school. I always knew that no matter what, we came first. If we were sick or had an afterschool event she was always there. I hope I project that to Spencer, and he knows that my family will always come first.