Hidden Gems: Meet Michele Portlock of Navigating the Spectrum

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Portlock.

Hi Michele, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a mom to four incredible children. Two of my children are autistic and two of my children have ADHD. Because of the extra challenges that occur when raising neurodivergent children, I often felt misunderstood and even isolated as a parent. I realized that my children were receiving their various therapies, but I needed more guidance tailored to my own needs as a mom of neurodivergent children. I felt a strong desire to educate myself on how best to meet the very individual needs of each of my children. This led me to earn my Master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis on behavior from Arizona State University. From there, I launched my business called Navigating the Spectrum, LLC. I work with parents as a parent coach and neurodiversity specialist. I listen to the very real needs of each parent and then create an action plan that includes educating parents and also teaching meaningful skillsets that translate into their own lives. Part of Navigating the Spectrum, LLC also includes a podcast listed under the same name. The podcast includes conversations with autistic individuals, professionals working with neurodivergent individuals, and parents raising neurodivergent children. Episode 1 is with my oldest daughter, Brielle. She is autistic and together, we talk about her experiences and lessons learned thus far. Today, I work independently and also contract with a therapy service called Spectrum Connections Therapy. I work as their parent coach and I find great satisfaction and joy in learning from other experienced professionals.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
What I have learned about starting my own business is that connecting with other professionals is key. Building those relationships and being open to learning from one another aids in personal growth and also creates trust among professionals in similar fields. I had Dr. Nicole Gurash from Spectrum Connections Therapy on my podcast about a year ago and I appreciated the connection we made through our conversation. A year later, she reached out to me about needing a parent coach for her practice, and I told her that I knew just the right person. I had not initially set out to contract with existing businesses, but through the relationships I was building, I soon discovered that contracting was a good fit for me. It helped me to build my existing business and also learn from other professionals whose work I respect and admire. I mention this because building my business with consistent clients was time-consuming and sometimes a struggle. Thinking outside the parameters, I had set for myself was critical in allowing my business to grow.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What I am most proud of as a parent coach and neurodiversity specialist is that the way I practice is beneficial for the family as a whole. I have the needs of the parent in mind when teaching best practices, but I always have the needs of the child front and center as well. Families need to learn meaningful skills that allow them to thrive together, and this is what I aim to teach. I most often practice through telehealth which allows me to reach a broader clientele and also gives parents with young children the opportunity to receive guidance within the comfort of their own homes.

What does success mean to you?
Such a great question. For me, success is in the small moments when I hear a parent/child relationship-improving because the parent has gained skills that we discussed together. They have implemented practices that are beneficial within their homes and within their family units.

Pricing:

• Podcast – Free
• 1-hour Coaching Session – $125

Contact Info:

• Website: www.micheleportlock.com
• Instagram: @navigating.the.spectrum