I’m a communications strategist, writer, and disability inclusion advocate and I’ve been doing this work from both sides of the table.
For 25 years, I’ve built a career around strategic communications, starting as a national award-winning investigative journalist, then spending nearly a decade at a full-service marketing agency, and 11 years leading communications for independent schools. Along the way, I’ve worked with nonprofits, associations, and mission-driven organizations of all kinds.
I started inclusion AMPLIFIED because I saw a gap. Organizations doing critical work in disability inclusion often lack the communications infrastructure to make that work visible, fundable, and scalable. I built this consultancy to close that gap.
The personal side
I’m also the mother of two, including a son with Down syndrome. I’ve navigated IEPs, fought for inclusion, watched my son thrive in general education, play sports, join clubs, attend dances, and embark on the journey towards transition. I understand what individual and families need from organizations like yours not just as a professional, but as a parent who has lived it.
That dual perspective is what makes this work different. I bring communications expertise and lived experience to every engagement.
What I bring
My expertise spans the full communications landscape:
- content creation and strategy,
- website content development and management,
- project management,
- publication oversight,
- writing, public relations,
- and social media strategy and administration.
All photos on this page by Thomas Walker Photography
Advocacy Course Work
Completion of The Arc@School’s Advocacy Course: 10-hour non-attorney special education advocacy course covering: foundations of advocacy, IDEA, anatomy of an IEP, procedural safeguards, Section 504, and educational records.
Editorial Experience
Leader Magazine
ASHA’s Magazine
Contributing Writer
Spiritus/Columns Magazine
Former Editor, Writer
Rowan Magazine
A publication of Miller Davis Agency
Former Editorial Manager, Writer
The Salisbury Post
Former Reporter
Education, Crime, General Assignment, Columns and Features
Service Dog Facilitator
As a service dog team facilitator, I support my son and his companion, Frisco, in their daily journey together. Service dogs can play a crucial role in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities by providing both emotional and practical assistance, helping to increase independence, promote confidence, and create a sense of safety in everyday life. Learn more here.
Jill is a writer, multi-disciplinary digital strategist, and creator who works with disability-focused organizations, educators, and nonprofits.
Community Engagement
Carroll County Public Schools District Inclusion Team
Member
Carroll County Public Schools Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC)
Former Member and Committee Chair
Carroll County Family Support Network
Founding Volunteer Coordinator
Partners in Learning Child Development & Family Resource Center
Former Board Member, Board Secretary, PR and Development Committee
Footprints In The Community
Former Volunteer, Grant Writer
See additional details below.
Additional Details About Disability-Focused Roles
Carroll County Public Schools District Inclusion Team
Member
Oct 2021 – Present
Committee of staff and volunteers focused on creating systemic change around inclusion in Carroll County Public Schools. Formerly the TIES committee, the TIES Center is the national technical assistance center on inclusive practices and policies. The center works with states, districts, and schools to support the movement of students with disabilities from less inclusive to more inclusive environments.
Carroll County Public Schools Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC)
Member – August 2016 – 2024
(Former Committee Chair)
The Carroll County SECAC is a committee established by Carroll County Public Schools to seek meaningful input from parents, community partners, service providers, educators, and administrators on local issues about the achievement of students with disabilities. This collaboration enables the director of special education to make positive changes in the delivery of special education services.
Served on the executive board for four years including three as chair and one as an at-large member.
Carroll County Family Support Network
Founding Volunteer Coordinator
January 2017 – June 2019
A network for families with children with disabilities supported by the Carroll County Public Schools aimed at serving these families. This group is an online support network in Carroll County, Maryland, to share ideas, resources, and experiences and plan events for families with children with disabilities. After two years of collaborating with CCPS to get the program up and running, CCPS was able to staff a 10-month position that now runs the program to support families in Carroll County.
Partners in Learning Child Development & Family Resource Center
Board Secretary October 2011 – October 2014
Board of Directors Member October 2010 – October 2014
PR and Development Committee 2010 – 2014
Partners In Learning is a model inclusion center providing childcare for children ages birth – 5, aftercare, and camp programs. PIL is a leader in the early childhood education arena, especially in their efforts to build bridges between supportive resources and the families and communities they serve. The center is a 5-star, nationally accredited childcare center, that specializes in helping children reach their fullest potential, no matter their income or ability level.
Footprints In The Community
Board Member
2014-2015
Footprints in the community is a 501c3 tax deductible nonprofit organization based in Salisbury, NC that is committed to increasing participation of families of children with disabilities in community activities. Assisted with grant writing and marketing for the summer therapy camp and other programs.