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Monterey Bay Parent » Archives for Sabrina Hiltunen

Sabrina Hiltunen, Feature Writer

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About Sabrina Hiltunen

After a decade in Phoenix, Sabrina Hiltunen returned to her hometown of Pacific Grove where she resides with her husband, son, and their two dogs. Sabrina is a Direct Support Professional for young adults with disabilities, which includes one-on-one coaching, small group instruction on job skills and professionalism, and working with her students to secure internships and job placements. Her professional career and personal experience as a mother of a neurodivergent child drives her passion to specialize in articles on disability services and supports. She loves being able to contribute to our community through these experiences and knowledge in addition to writing about events, programs, and businesses in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

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After a decade in Phoenix, Sabrina Hiltunen returned to her hometown of Pacific Grove where she resides with her husband, son, and their two dogs. Sabrina is a Direct Support Professional for young adults with disabilities, which includes one-on-one coaching, small group instruction on job skills and professionalism, and working with her students to secure internships and job placements. Her professional career and personal experience as a mother of a neurodivergent child drives her passion to specialize in articles on disability services and supports. She loves being able to contribute to our community through these experiences and knowledge in addition to writing about events, programs, and businesses in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

Articles by Sabrina Hiltunen

Reimagining High School Through Art & Community in Monterey

Play Full Ground, a community-based art studio in Monterey’s Lighthouse District since 2017, is evolving into an innovative micro high school. This student-led initiative fosters creativity,...

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Autism is Not a Tragedy. Disinformation is.

As a Direct Support Professional who provides career development instruction and social skills training to young adults with autism, I can state with conviction that...

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Leading by Example: Showing Children the Power of Activism

My right hand grasped my son’s stroller, and my left hand was high up in the air, holding a sign that read, “Families Belong Together!”...

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The Perfect Road Trip Stop: Lost Hills Park

If you’re headed down south, you’ll find the perfect stop in the middle of the Central Valley. There aren’t a lot of great options on...

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Coping Strategies for Holiday Meltdowns

Any honest parent will share that among the magic of holiday moments and favorite traditions come dysregulated feelings, big emotions, and exhausted children. December and...

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Study Tips for Students with ADHD

These strategies will help and support the child who has difficulty sustaining attention in the classroom and while working on homework and new tasks. ADHD...

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Youth Arts Collective

Executive Director Jesse Juarez began his journey with the Youth Arts Collective (commonly known as YAC) over 20 years ago when he was a college...

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Children With Disabilities: Managing Things When You Have Multiple Children

Once a child receives a diagnosis of a disability, medical and therapy appointments and supportive services are often the next steps in managing their needs and support. This can be especially challenging with multiple children.

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Therapy and Support Resources for Children With Special Needs in Monterey County

Once a child receives a medical diagnosis of a disability, a new chapter of parenting and advocating begins: seeking out and starting therapy programs and supportive services. Here are Monterey County resources you’ll need.

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Your Child Receives a Disability Diagnosis: Now What?

There is no way to be prepared for the mix of emotions that are felt when your child is given a medical diagnosis, especially one you are not familiar with and especially when the diagnosis is defined as a disability.

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Creating Your Mom Village

My son is my number one wingman. He’s the reason I’ve made my closest friends and the mothers who have become my mom group, who bring so much joy, support, and laughter into my life.

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Special Kids . . . Connect

Luckily for the families in Monterey County, there is a local nonprofit whose mission is to develop resources, raise awareness, and provide support to children with disabilities and their families.

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Special Monterey-Area Camps for Awesome Kids

Two Monterey-area camps for children with disabilities offer kids
a summer of fun.

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Road Trip to Sunriver, Oregon

Five hundred seventy-five miles north of Monterey, Sunriver, Oregon,  is a haven for families. Filled with outdoor activities and adventures, each season brings unique experiences for its visitors. It’s the perfect destination for a road trip.

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Creativity & Kids: Why the arts are so important

At the same time, some school districts are investing more in STEM instruction while diverting funds from arts education; research is proving the value and benefits of the latter to its students.

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The 4-1-1 on Your Child’s 504 Plan

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that protects qualified students from discrimination based on disability.

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Challenges Parents of Children with Disabilities Face

Parenthood presents challenges for all families but the complexities of raising children with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent can include additional stressors.

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Take our Tour of Preschool Philosophies

Your toddler is getting older and ready to start school for the first time. How do you know which program is best for your child, especially with so many Monterey County options available?

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Navigating the IEP Process

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document that is customized and designed to meet the unique learning needs of a student with a disability.

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Family Gifts to Make, Bake, and Create Memories

Whether you want to save money, reduce clutter, or create more experiences
this holiday season, here are some creative gift ideas to give to your children and family.

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Parents of Children With Disabilities: How and Where to Find Support Systems

Connecting with other parents whose children have disabilities, even if it’s not the same diagnosis as their child, gives parents support, encouragement, empathy, and resources that lift their spirits and build communities and friendships.

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Magic Babies Create Magical Families

In honor of Down syndrome month, meet four Monterey County families who have thriving “magic babies.”

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The Weekend Roundup

Every Thursday: the best family-friendly events around Monterey Bay, hand-picked for the upcoming weekend.

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Jul 25
July 25 @ 12:00 pm - August 24 @ 12:30 pm

MPUSD Preschool Tours

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July 25 @ 12:00 pm - August 26 @ 12:30 pm

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Aug 9
Featured 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

San Juan Day

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Aug 9
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Downtown Antique Fair

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BMX Racing – Manzanita Park BMX

Aug 9
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Second Sunday Artisan Faire

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Ukulele Class in Marina

Aug 10
All day

Dial A Story: New story released

Aug 10
10:30 am - 11:00 am

Storytime at Earthbound Farm Stand

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