Nicole Ragan, BCASE**** Founder and Director of **Peaceful Palms LLC**,
With over **20 years of experience** working hands-on with **neurodivergent youth**, I’ve dedicated my career to creating safe, supportive, and affirming environments where children with unique challenges can truly thrive.
My background includes certifications in **Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)**, **Culturally Responsive Classroom Management**,**CPR**, and **Trauma prevention**, **mandated reporter** trained to uphold the safety and well-being of every child in my care. I hold a **BCASE (Board Certified Advocate for Special Education)** and have a passion for working with children who experience the world differently. I have worked in homes, schools, and a community setting. I enjoy sitting in as an advocate for those needing guidance regarding IEPs and making sure your voice is heard.
I have a special niche in supporting kids who display **challenging behaviors**, and I strongly believe:
*“Beneath every behavior is a feeling. Beneath that feeling is a need. When we meet that need, rather than focus on the behavior, we begin to deal with the cause—not just the symptom.”*
For years, I provided in-home respite services and consistently heard the same thing from parents and caregivers:
*"I wish there was a safe, trusted place my child could go—so I could actually take a real break."*
That insight, combined with my deep commitment to families, inspired the creation of **Peaceful Palms LLC – Embracing Neurodivergence**, a center-based and in-home respite care service for children on the autism spectrum and other neurodivergent profiles.
I’ve worked closely with **Sabrina Adams LPC, from Koi Counseling** who specializes in autism and ADHD, to develop an integrated model of care. Together, our goal is to provide **on-site counseling**, **skill-building**, **mentorship**, and **respite services** that support both the child and the entire family unit.
Fully Insured
Sabrina Adams, LPC.****
I’m a counselor with a passion for supporting children, teens, and their families as they navigate life’s challenges.
In my work, I help with a variety of concerns including Autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, parenting, and relationship or attachment issues. I also provide guidance and education for parents and caregivers, and I’ve led groups for children in schools as well as groups designed to support caregivers.
My approach is integrative, drawing from Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, and Cognitive Behavioral Theory. I often incorporate mindfulness, play, sand tray, and creative techniques into sessions. I’m also trained in EMDR, an evidence-based therapy that helps with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, addictions, and other difficult life experiences.
At the heart of my work is the goal to create a safe and supportive space where children, teens, and families can feel understood and encouraged while building hope, healing, and growing toward a meaningful life.
A little about me: I’m a BIG animal lover, I enjoy reading, creating, and I feel most at peace when I’m out in nature.
I look forward to connecting with you and supporting your journey.
Amy Holmes**** Support Specialist
Amy is a dedicated and compassionate human services professional who lives in Janesville. She brings over 15 years of experience leading community-based programs, managing multidisciplinary teams, and supporting at-risk youth and families.
Amy has extensive experience working with neurodivergent individuals and is deeply committed to providing inclusive, client-centered supports. She is recognized for building strong community partnerships, promoting collaborative service delivery, and driving positive outcomes through effective program coordination.
A longtime friend to the owner and director, Amy strongly supports and embodies the core values and mission of **Peaceful Palms LLC**, bringing both professional expertise and personal commitment to the organization.
Sarah Simonson**** Volunteer.
Sarah has lived in the Janesville area her entire life. She currently works full time as a social worker and brings extensive experience working with the neurodivergent population. Her background includes previous roles as a school paraprofessional and mentor, where she developed a strong passion for supporting individuals with special needs.
Sarah is deeply committed to helping people access all available care, resources, and opportunities that support independence and quality of life. She believes strongly in empowering individuals to be as independent as possible while honoring their unique strengths and needs.
A longtime friend of the owner and director of Peaceful Palms for over 40 years, Sarah is proud to support the organization’s mission. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, attending concerts, hiking, and spending time with her many nieces and nephews, a role she treasures as an involved and caring aunt.
Amanda Thompson****Support Specialist.
She was born and raised on her family’s farm, here in Janesville, where she continues the tradition of milking cows and living a life rooted in hard work, compassion, and community. As a mother to a 9-year-old daughter with cystic fibrosis, Amanda’s strength and dedication shine through in everything she does.
Children have always held a special place in Amanda’s heart. Even as a high school student, she spent her study halls in special education classrooms, forming meaningful connections and gaining experience working with kids with special needs. She has long felt called to care for children—so much so that if she hadn’t been able to have a child of her own, she always dreamed of adopting.
Amanda believes deeply in the value of every individual. To her, everyone is unique in their own way, and each person deserves to be treated with kindness, respect, and equality.
Amanda Aegerter****Support Specialist
Raised in Milton, she has dedicated her career to supporting people at every stage of life. For 25 years, she worked as an office manager in a dental practice, where she helped create a welcoming environment for children and families while ensuring compassionate, efficient care.
Today, she serves as an Employment and Training Specialist with the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, where she supports adults in need as they work toward meaningful employment and long-term stability.
She is a proud mother of two, a loving “bonus” mom to another child, and is actively helping raise a special niece. Her professional and personal life reflect a deep commitment to service, advocacy, and strengthening her community.
Heather Kraus**** Support Specialist
Heather is the founder of Mystic Hooves Healing, where she supports women and children through intuitive, trauma-informed healing experiences grounded in presence, compassion, and connection.
She also works full-time within the school system as a Special Education Para, bringing a deep understanding of emotional regulation, neurodiversity, and individualized support into every space she holds.
Heather’s work at Mystic Hooves blends mindfulness and the calming wisdom of horses to create safe, inclusive environments that support healing, self-trust, and growth. Her approach is heart-led, grounded, and rooted in meeting people exactly where they are.