Jennifer Shea Thomas, M.A. is the founder of Advancing Parents, LLC. She has developed her work as a consultant, educator, writer and advocate to promote the well-being and happiness of parents, particularly moms, who are raising children of all abilities and needs.

Jennifer knows firsthand that every parent has his or her own unique set of challenges and experiences along the journey of parenthood; she is a mom to four children, each with diverse strengths and needs. Jennifer has personally navigated many different and separate special care systems and services for her own children, particularly in the area of children’s mental health. As a former special educator and certified Family Support Navigator (FSN), Jennifer has a passion for improved dialogue and understanding between parents and the individuals who provide services designed to help their children and families. Schools, doctors and specialists, health insurance companies, public service providers, as well as advocacy and support groups each have important functions to fulfill in the lives of children and families. Recognizing that parents face increased stress in daily life when any one of these entities is difficult to navigate or access, Jennifer promotes the need for greater respect and initiative among service providers in how they engage and support parents who all too frequently face barriers to accessing needed help for a child or their family.