Trading Places

I have been in education for over 20 years, and during that time God blessed me with a son with special needs-something I never imagined for my life. Becoming his parent also meant becoming his advocate, fighting battles I never thought I would face. The journey has been frustrating and overwhelming, especially when I had to walk much of it alone. 

There were days when the weight of being everything at once- Mo, Dad, teacher, and advocate-nearly broke me. I was not only raising my son, but also carrying the responsibility of demanding the services and support he was entitled to. Each ARD meeting felt like another uphill climb, each refusal from the district another reminder that we were on our own.  The fight took such a toll that we eventually lost our home. Homelessness became another battle layered on top of autism, behavior challenges, and the endless push for proper services. 

It was in that valley of exhaustion that God sent me Roni (Ahava Learning, LLC). Meeting her has been a breath of fresh air, a true lifesaver. She stepped into my life when I was so weary from carrying too much, and she stood beside me- not to replace my fight, but to share the weight of it. With her help, I could finally just be “Mom”, knowing I didn’t have to fill every role alone. She reminded me that advocacy doesn't have to be a lonely road.

Too often, people approach special education as just a job-something to clock in and out of -without the passion or commitment to pursue real results for children. But Roni is Different. Her dedication is more than professional; it’s personal. What began as her stepping in to help has grown into a lasting friendship and a partnership in advocacy that feels more like family.

About the Author

Sherry Shinn is a mother, educator, entrepreneur, and advocate with over 20 years of experience in education. Her journey took a deeply personal turn when God blessed her with a son with special needs—a calling that transformed both her faith and her purpose. Through the challenges of navigating special education, advocacy, and single parenthood, Sherry discovered her voice as a fierce protector and champion for children with disabilities.

As the founder of Virtual Vicarious Learning and the creator of Lemonade Girl and Lemonade Bro, she inspires others to turn life’s challenges into purpose. Her partnership with the founder of Ahava Learning, LLC, reflects her belief that advocacy is not meant to be walked alone—but together, in love, faith, and community. Follow her on Instagram @virtualvicariouslearning