It was during the pandemic in 2020. While the world was in panic and beginning to shut down, close, and adjust to the new transition of what life began to become, Maven began embarking on a new journey of her own. She became stirred with a keen interest in helping her non-native students achieve better results than they were experiencing at her current job. The lessons weren't enough to truly help certain students thrive. For these, she strategically designed lessons to help meet their needs. Unfortunately, there were limitations with using lessons she created on someone else's platform that created their own. So, more drastic measures were needed. 

 

Beginning in 2021, she leaped, quit her career, and indefatigably got to work despite a lack of financial and other resources. By the end of that same year, Maven began pursuing an Education degree with an emphasis on Special Education (Mild to Moderate). She developed an eager interest in studying children with ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorders. Through the extensive research she had done, Maven recognized some commonalities within her own behavior.

 

This idea furthered the research into her discovery of being a highly functioning, autistic woman on the spectrum. Learning this information was revelatory and relieving for her. It provided the fuel needed to start OUHA Academy, a vision that had been in the making for several years yet lacked a good structure. Becoming an advocate for individuals on the autism spectrum, Maven became ardent in helping children be the best versions of themselves, as she learned to be over the years despite her difficulties and challenges. Today, she merges her passions for story writing, education, and her devotion to children to engage little ones in an unforgettable storytime world to be treasured beyond measure!