Carie Olmstead is dedicated to sharing her journey and the mission of Live Strong House. She pursued a degree in Special Education from Utah State University, driven by a deep passion for the field. This passion was inspired by her grandmother, an exceptional special education teacher, and her own experiences with dyslexia, which was diagnosed late in elementary school. Additionally, her brother's struggles with seizures following a car accident fueled her commitment to understanding disabilities and helping others overcome their challenges.
Throughout her journey, Carie has learned that individuals with disabilities often possess remarkable abilities in other areas that far surpass their limitations. Growing up, she was often seen as the black sheep of her family, which gave her a unique perspective on the struggles many students at Live Strong House face. Now, as part of the Live Strong House team, she finds great fulfillment in connecting with students and helping them navigate their challenges.
At Live Strong House, the team strives to create a supportive environment where students can discover their strengths and achieve their potential. Building trust and strong connections with students is essential. They need to feel that the team is on their side before they are open to change and growth. Carie's goal is to remove the guilt and shame often associated with academic and executive functioning struggles and to empower students to manage their time, space, and transitions effectively.
In the College and Career Readiness Program, Carie focuses on creating resumes, securing jobs, and identifying the students' passions and proudest achievements. Many students initially pursue college because of parental expectations, but Live Strong House helps them discover their true aspirations. Students engage in community service and vocational tours twice weekly, exploring various career paths—from welding to architecture.
On Tuesday afternoons, Carie conducts cooking classes, teaching students how to prepare meals. This hands-on experience is vital as many of them lack basic culinary skills. The young men she works with are incredible, and most go on to thrive in college or technical schools after completing the program.
For those considering a career similar to hers, Carie advises continuous learning. Gathering information and developing diverse strategies to cater to different types of thinkers is crucial. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to success in this field.
About Live Strong House (LSH)
Live Strong House is a leading institution dedicated to supporting and empowering neurodiverse individuals. Through a unique blend of compassion, experience, and clinical expertise, LSH creates an environment where neurodiverse students can cultivate compensatory abilities and build the confidence to lead fulfilling lives. The organization employs a range of clinical treatment modalities to cater to its students’ diverse needs, fostering resilience, identity, and a sense of purpose. Visit http://www.livestronghouse.com/ for more information.