For years, I loved my career in special education. It was meaningful, rewarding work—but deep down, I felt a calling to do something different. Something that combined my love for planning and Disney with helping families in a whole new way. At the same time, I wanted to create more balance for my own family and focus on my health and well-being. That’s what led me to make a big change: leaving my full-time job to follow a passion.
My Life Before Travel Planning
I’ve worn a lot of hats over the years: before kids – a career in banking and financial aid, then a full time mom/homeschooling mom, and eventually a special education para-educator once my kids were school-aged. While I enjoyed working in education, I often found myself spending evenings and weekends doing something else—planning our next family vacation to Walt Disney World.
The job came with unexpected physical and emotional demands. I cherished helping students, but I also longed for more balance, flexibility, and time with my own family.
Why Disney Travel Planning Called to Me
Every trip to Walt Disney World reminded me of how magical those vacations were for our family. I loved the excitement of planning—researching resorts, mapping out park days, choosing dining, and creating itineraries that fit everyone’s needs. Planning didn’t feel like work—it felt like joy.
That’s when I realized: if I loved planning our trips this much, maybe I could help other families enjoy the same magic. Turning that passion into a career just made sense.
The Leap of Faith
Deciding to leave a stable job for something new wasn’t easy. I worried about income, starting from scratch, and whether I was making the right choice. But alongside those fears was a sense of excitement—a chance to build a business around something I truly loved.
My Business Background and Support System
After high school, I studied Business Administration—a foundation that prepared me for entrepreneurship and gave me the tools to manage the behind-the-scenes side of running my own business. Transitioning into travel advising wasn’t just about following a passion; it was about putting my education to work in a way that allowed me to be my own boss and build something meaningful.
I signed with a trusted host agency, Best Day Ever Vacations. Through this network, I have access to ongoing training, insider resources, and a supportive community of experienced agents and owners. That means my clients don’t just get me—they get the benefit of a team of professionals who are constantly sharing knowledge, strategies, and the latest Disney updates.
How My Special Education Background Helps My Clients
What I learned in special education carries into travel planning every single day. Patience, empathy, and attention to detail help me guide families through what can sometimes feel overwhelming.
I understand sensory needs, neurodivergence, and the dynamics that make every family unique. That background allows me to create customized, thoughtful plans that truly work for each client.
New to the Industry, Not New to Disney
While I’m still new to the travel advising industry, I am not new to Disney. For years, I’ve been planning trips for my own family, staying at different resorts, trying new dining, and keeping up with Disney’s ever-changing systems. I know what it’s like to travel with kids of different ages, handle long park days, and make the most of each vacation.
That real-world experience means I bring both the fresh perspective of someone who truly understands what families need and the insider knowledge of a longtime Disney guest. Pair that with my training and support from Best Day Ever Vacations, and my clients get the best of both worlds.
What I Love About Being a Travel Advisor
I’ve always been hands-on and people-first. Travel advising lets me blend my planning brain, teacher heart, and Disney know-how to serve families in a real, practical way. I love getting to know each family’s priorities, turning overwhelm into an easy, step-by-step plan, and sharing the little details that make a trip feel effortless.
I spend my time researching updates, scouting resorts and dining, testing strategies in the parks, and creating resources my clients can actually use. The best part? I get to deliver white-glove support while keeping the flexibility to show up well for my own family—so I can pour even more care into yours.
Final Thoughts
Following my heart was the best decision I could have made. Today, I get to combine my love of Disney with my skill set to help families make memories that last a lifetime.
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