CAREGIVER PTSD SERIES
Recently, I published the series This Changes Everything on Romper about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in mothers raising children with medical complexities and developmental delays. The existence of PTSD in mothers in this population is an open secret, yet there is all but a complete lack of research into this topic. Read the reported feature included in the series, in which I discuss what we do know about PTSD and caregivers, including what I learned in interviews with medical professionals and parents. And at the This Changes Everything hub explore the long form interviews of six mothers raising children with medical complexities--their stories will change the way you look at motherhood and trauma.
ABOUT ME
I am Hillary. I’m a lot of things: a PhD, a writer, rare disease community engagement consultant, a non-profit founder, a mixer of oddball cocktails...But most importantly? I am the mom of a ridiculously fun, goofy, determined, and super cute little girl named Esmé. Esmé is my best buddy, my muse, and my teacher. Esmé is also medically-fragile, developmentally-delayed, and a bit of a scientific mystery. Since becoming Esmé's mother I have devoted myself to trying to improve the lives of children like Esmé through storytelling, education, advocacy, and medical research.
Check out the writing and consulting services I offer or scroll down to see examples of my work.
MY WORK
ASK ESMÉ'S MOM
Check out my new vlog project, Ask Esmé's Mom, where I answer questions about raising a child with severe disabilities. Episode 13: Let Us Talk is available now, subscribe to the YouTube Channel so you don't miss any future episodes. Do you have a question you want to ask Esmé's Mom? Use this form to submit question.
ASK ESMÉ'S MOM
Check out my new vlog project, Ask Esmé's Mom, where I answer questions about raising a child with severe disabilities. Episode 13: Let Us Talk is available now, subscribe to the YouTube Channel so you don't miss any future episodes. Do you have a question you want to ask Esmé's Mom? Use this form to submit question.
PRAISE FOR MY WORK
“Written candidly, with unrelenting insight and brutal emotional honesty…While the genetic testing information she provides is surely helpful to others walking the same path, what is far more important is the context into which she places genetic diagnoses, mutations, and labels…Her framing of genetic mutations as the beauty of human diversity is invaluable for other families coping with a genetic diagnosis or undergoing genetic testing.”
Susan Agrawal, Editor Complex Child Magazine – Praise for Around and Into the Unknown“Featured on our most popular episode of the year so far, Hillary Savoie knows how to engage an audience, not just with wit and eloquence, but with passion and vulnerability and genuine heart. Her unforgettable story about her daughter, Esme, left our live audience rapt, but also made them feel as if she and Esme were people they really knew, and loved.”
Erin Barker, Artistic Director, Story Collider
CONTACT ME
If you want to talk about cocktails, my questionable boxing skills, or just tell me abut how adorable my daughter is, I'd be thrilled to hear from you.
Also, if you have questions about articles, speaking engagements, or my consulting services, that's great too! Drop me an email or find me on social media: