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, while my child socializes with other kiddos"*
That insight, combined with my deep commitment to families, inspired the creation of **Peaceful Palms LLC – Embracing Neurodivergence**, a center-based respite care and skills building 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.
Sarah Simonson**** Support Specialist
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****Lead Program Manager and 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.
Kage Grover****Support Specialist
Hey everyone! I’m Kage. I’ve worked in maintenance, security, delivery services, and as a paraprofessional, which taught me a lot about patience, adaptability, and building positive connections with others. I’m easygoing, dependable, and excited to meet everyone and be part of the community!
Alvey Holland**** Transportation
Alvey, also known as Mr. Lee, is a retired Navy veteran who enjoys spending his time outdoors and sharing that passion with others. An avid gardener, hunter, and fisherman, he finds peace and purpose in nature and takes pride in passing those experiences on to the next generation by getting kids involved in outdoor activities.
Mr. Lee also enjoys woodworking and believes in lending a helping hand whenever he can. Known for his practical skills, strong work ethic, and willingness to serve his community, he values hard work, family, and the simple satisfaction that comes from building, growing, and providing.
Whether he’s in the garden, out on the water, in the woods, or working on a woodworking project, Mr. Lee believes life is best lived outdoors and in service to others.
Carrie Black****Scheduling and Administration
Carrie is an Executive Sales Admin by day, but has a deep passion for creating balance through yoga, service, and moments of calm in a fast-moving world.
She is currently completing her Yoga Teacher Training and pursuing certification as a Somatic Practitioner, with a focus on healing, alignment, and purpose.
Carrie and her boyfriend have two amazing children together and her family is the center of her world. They enjoy being outdoors, cooking meals from scratch and family movie nights.
As the mother to an autistic daughter and navigating ADHD herself, she is passionate about creating supportive, understanding spaces for those around her and looks forward to supporting families just like hers!
Nacora Stout****Support Specialist
Born and raised in the Janesville area, where Nacora developed a strong sense of community and a genuine love for both people and animals. Known for being a bit of a “crazy plant lady,” she enjoys surrounding herself with greenery and bringing life into any space.
Nacora is also an avid dog lover and has spent the past 2 years working as a dog groomer, where her patience and care for animals really shine. Along with her love for pets, she has experience caring for older adults, offering support, companionship, and kindness. As someone who navigates ADHD herself, Nacora brings understanding and empathy to others with similar experiences and enjoys being a source of support. She believes in treating everyone with respect and understanding in everything she does.
Mariea Garnett****Support Specialist
My name is Mariea Garnett, and my life is defined by the two things I love most: nurturing nature and nurturing people. At 58, I’ve found my piece of heaven on a little farmette here in Janesville, where I spend my days alongside my goats, dogs, and cats.
I have been surrounded by children my entire life, and my heart has always been drawn to helping them grow. I have some experience working with children with special needs, a role that requires a special kind of patience and empathy. Coming from a strong farming background, I find that my love for animals and my passion for working with children go hand-in-hand. I truly believe that a big heart is the most important tool you can have, whether you're tending to a farm or supporting a child.
Danielle Hallmark****Support Specialist
Hey everyone, I work as a Special Education Paraprofessional for Milton West Elementary school during the school year. I started working with children in 2009 at a military daycare in Kentucky when my husband was enlisted in the Army and have been working with children ever since. Four years ago I left daycare to follow my passion and became a Special Ed Para. I love what I do on a daily basis and I’m glad I get the chance to continue this over the summer. I have experience using cochlear implants, G-tubes, diabetic pumps and more.
In my free time I like to hang out with my son, daughter and husband and go fishing, camping, and do many other things outdoors. My favorite things to do are watching the Brewers and going to live concerts.
Jessica Burton****Support Specialist
Hi, my name is Jessica, but I go by Jess! I’m super excited to be working with the Peaceful Palms team! Im 25, and currently manage in fast food and am coming up on my third year in management, and I’m working my way toward something new!
I try to be a busybody, so if I’m not working, you can find me out on a miscellaneous adventure—hiking, enjoying the weather, hanging out with friends, or at home playing video games next to my cat.
I value and enjoy spending quality time with family and friends. I’m very excited for this journey!
Abigail Paskiewicz****Support Specialist
Hi my name is Abby! I have worked with children with special needs for almost 4 years; I started off in ABA and became a para just over a year ago. Outside of work, I spend a lot of time with my two cats (Roman and Claude) and my new puppy Oscar. In my free time I enjoy doing art: photography, painting, ceramics, etc. Photography takes up a lot of my weekends which usually has me at many different tracks taking pictures of motorcycles and cars. I got to be a photographer for an event called Flat Out Friday in Milwaukee!
Tori Carr****Support Specialist
Hello! My name is Tori Carr, I am from Beloit and I am 24! I work as a paraprofessional at Aldrich middle school and I am so excited to be joining the Peaceful Palms team! In my free time I like to build LEGO, do crafts and play video games. I also love to spend time hanging with my bestfriend and her babies!
Autumn Brilyn****Support Specialist
Hello, I’m Autumn and I’m so excited to work at peaceful palms. I’m currently a special education paraprofessional and proud mom (10 and 6) who finds joy in the little moments. If I’m not working, you can find me with my kids, relaxing or behind the camera capturing life’s special moments. I can’t wait to build strong relationships and get to know all the kids here!
Isabella Moreno****Support Specialist
Hi! My name is Bella and I’m excited to be joining the Peaceful Palms team. I have a passion for working with kids and have years of experience. I have always worked with kids who have autism, special needs, and behavioral or mental health challenges. I strive to help kids overcome their obstacles and aid them in being the best version of themselves. I honor their individuality and love to teach them that it’s okay to be different, that they are enough just as they are. I am currently a special education paraprofessional at Harmony Elementary. Outside of work I love spending time with my family and take every chance I get to be able to be with my 2 year old niece. I am looking forward to meeting all of the kids at Peaceful Palms
Ashley Hoff****Support Specialist
My name is Ashley and I'm excited to be joining the Peaceful Palms team! I have worked as a special education para for the last 6 years. I also do respite on the side. I have 3 boys (20,16, and 3) and spend any time that I'm not working, with them. I truly enjoy building relationships and helping kids grow. Can't wait to get to know and have some fun with a new group of kids!!