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
“Hillary has been a commanding force in writing about raising a child who is medically fragile ever since joining Romper.com. I appreciate and am constantly awed by the breadth of her perspective and the honesty she writes with, and it’s something our readership respects as well. Hillary has proven time and time again that what you see is what you get: real, authentic, powerful, devastating, bold, and thought-provoking. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read a piece of her work and been amazed by her ability to tackle her life with purpose and drive, something I image is not easy to do day in and day out in a culture always seeking to otherize her (and Esmé’s) experience.”
Kylie McConville, Deputy Editor, Romper.com
“Hillary’s writing is nothing short of goose bump inducing. It’s prose with the heart of poetry and personal stories made universal. For parents on a similar journey, her words strike a deep down place– one that often remains neglected or misunderstood.”
Mary Evelyn Smith, What Do You Do Dear?
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: