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

Healthcare and Medicaid Advocacy

Advocacy and Public Speaking
Healthcare and Medicaid Advocacy

This Changes Everything, Romper

Select Publications
This Changes Everything, Romper

National Dance Institute DREAM Project, Romper

Select Publications
National Dance Institute DREAM Project, Romper

Interview, Rare Cast Podcast

Advocacy and Public Speaking
Interview, Rare Cast Podcast

Feeding Tube Awareness Campaign

Advocacy and Public Speaking
Feeding Tube Awareness Campaign

SCN8A Mutation Awareness Campaigns

Advocacy and Public Speaking
SCN8A Mutation Awareness Campaigns

Interview, Bold Medicine Podcast

Advocacy and Public Speaking
Interview, Bold Medicine Podcast

Interview, Write Boom Podcast

Advocacy and Public Speaking
Interview, Write Boom Podcast

Ohio “Down Syndrome Abortion Ban”, Romper

Select Publications
Ohio “Down Syndrome Abortion Ban”, Romper

Hole in the Wall Gala

Advocacy and Public Speaking
Hole in the Wall Gala

Whoosh

Books
Whoosh

NYS Caregiver Wages

Advocacy and Public Speaking
NYS Caregiver Wages

Lilac Love

Cocktails
Lilac Love

The Industry Sour Cocktail

Cocktails
The Industry Sour Cocktail

Outliers, Story Collider

Advocacy and Public Speaking
Outliers, Story Collider

Around and Into The Unknown

Books
Around and Into The Unknown

The Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Cocktails
The Bee’s Knees Cocktail

To The Mom Blocking the Bathroom Stall, The Mighty

Select Publications
To The Mom Blocking the Bathroom Stall, The Mighty

Esmé Can Read, Motherlode

Select Publications
Esmé Can Read, Motherlode

The Cute Syndrome Foundation

Advocacy and Public Speaking
The Cute Syndrome Foundation

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: