Reagan's Family Care

08/14/2026

LaJuan Garrett was already learning how to be a new dad when life asked him to take on another important role: caring for his nephew Malakai, who has special needs.

Suddenly, he had a lot more to navigate. Caring for his own child. Learning what Malakai needed. Finding the right resources. And figuring out how to navigate the healthcare system for support.

Then his family found Kristi Jo Krueger.

“Finding Kristi was a breath of fresh air. She knows so much about this space and has made our family feel supported and understood.”

Kristi helped his family make sense of what felt overwhelming. She connected them with resources, helped them understand how to better care for Malakai and became someone they knew they could turn to with questions.

“We’ve gotten so much help and resources from Kristi on how to care for Malakai. She delivers quality care. She’s also like family.”

That relationship has given their family something even bigger than answers.

“We can’t imagine life without Kristi. She’s been so wonderful to our nephew and gives us hope where we didn’t have it before.”

Today, they’ve become advocates for Kristi and Reagan’s Family Care because they want other families to experience that same kind of support.

Their advice to anyone considering Reagan’s Family Care?

“It’s not a question. Just go.”

08/13/2026

Some mornings, you do everything you can to get everyone out the door looking somewhat put together.

And then you remember…it’s school picture day. 😂

This throwback of Reagan felt too good not to share. That hair. That smile. And the fact that, yes, this was picture day!

Parenting keeps you humble.

And when you’re raising a child with autism or complex needs, even the everyday things can come with a few extra twists. Haircuts. Getting dressed. School mornings. Doctor appointments. New routines. Things that might seem “simple” to everyone else aren't always so simple.

At Reagan’s Family Care, we understand that caring for your child doesn’t begin and end in the exam room. We’re here for the big healthcare questions and the everyday challenges that come with them.

Because sometimes you need medical care.

And sometimes you just need someone who gets it. ❤️

P.S. We still think Reagan nailed picture day. 😂

08/11/2026

We’d love to see some familiar faces from our Reagan’s Family Care community in Huntsville on October 8 for Autism: The Way I See It with Dr. Temple Grandin. 💙

It’s a special opportunity for families, caregivers, educators and providers to come together, learn from her lived experience and take home practical ideas for supporting autistic individuals at school, at work and in everyday life.

📣 Huntsville — don’t miss this incredible opportunity to hear from Temple Grandin live!

Join us for “Autism: The Way I See It” — an evening of insight, practical advice, and perspective from one of the most influential voices in autism.

📍 Charger Union Theater at The University of Alabama in Huntsville
📅 Thursday, October 8
⏰ Doors open at 5:30 PM | Talk begins at 6:30 PM
💬 Q&A + book signing to follow

🎟️ Order your tickets now — this is a powerful event for families, educators, professionals, and anyone wanting a deeper understanding of autism.

HuntsvilleEvents

08/10/2026

“We were lost on where to begin.”

When Melanie and her family moved back to Alabama from Colorado, finding the right care for their young adult daughter, LuLu, was one of their biggest concerns.

LuLu was born with Phelan-McDermid syndrome, a rare genetic condition, and Melanie knew they needed a provider who could understand the complexity of her care.

That’s what she says they found with Kristi.

“I didn’t have to ask. She threw ideas and recommendations at me that I’d never thought of. Very helpful and resourceful.”

For Melanie, having a provider who listened, understood LuLu’s needs, and could help identify next steps made all the difference.

Her advice to other families?

“You will not regret it. Kristi is the best. She listens and cares.”

Thank you, Melanie Ellinger, for trusting Reagan’s Family Care with LuLu’s care and for allowing us to share your family’s story. 💛

Every family deserves to feel like they don’t have to figure out complex care alone.

08/07/2026

A while back, one of the families we have the privilege of caring for gave Kristi a nickname...

"The Bulldog."

They surprised her with this shirt, and it absolutely made our day.

Their child is nonverbal, and for a long time they struggled to feel heard. Being listened to, understood, and supported has meant so much to their family.

That simple nickname has become a reminder of something we believe deeply at Reagan's Family Care: every child deserves someone who won't stop looking for answers, and every family deserves to feel heard.

To this wonderful family, thank you for such a thoughtful gift. We are honored to be part of your journey.

And to our entire Reagan's Family Care community, thank you for trusting us, encouraging us, and allowing us to care for your families every day. It is a privilege we never take for granted. 💙

08/06/2026

And she’s off!! First day of Year 12….+2. 💙🚌

Most people don’t know what Year 12+2 means.

For students with significant disabilities like Reagan, education doesn’t always end after 12th grade. These transition years focus on preparing for adulthood through individualized goals in communication, daily living, community participation, and independence.

The first day of school brings excitement for many families.

For ours, it’s also filled with planning, uncertainty, anxiety, and hope.

Hope that she’s understood. Hope she’s safe. Hope she continues to grow in a world that wasn’t built with her in mind.

Progress isn’t always measured by grades. Sometimes it’s getting on the bus (her favorite part), navigating a new routine, communicating a need, or simply having a good day.

Here’s to another year of celebrating every step forward. 💙

08/05/2026

"Kristi just gets it."

Those four words mean more than most people realize.

Before finding Reagan's Family Care, Anna's family was driving hours to see a developmental pediatrician because they couldn't find a provider who truly understood autism closer to home.

Like many parents, she spent precious appointment time explaining her child's diagnosis before she could even talk about the reason for the visit.

No family should have to feel like they have to educate their healthcare provider just to receive quality care.

At Reagan's Family Care, we believe every child deserves to be understood, and every parent deserves a provider who listens, understands, and partners with them every step of the way.

Thank you, Anna, for trusting us with your family's story. ❤

08/03/2026

When people think about repetitive play in autism, they picture toys lined up in perfect rows. While that is certainly common, it's not the only way repetitive play presents.

For Reagan, it's staging.

She doesn't spend a lot of time "playing" with many of her toys in the traditional sense. Instead, she carefully creates little scenes throughout the house. Each object has a place, and once it's there, that's where it belongs. Barbie on a toilet, tucked into bed, a framed pic of herself tucked into bed.

To someone else, it might look random.

To her, it has order and meaning.

Staging isn't necessarily about being neat or organized. It's often about creating predictability, expressing ideas without words, exploring relationships between objects, or simply interacting with the world in a way that feels natural to an autistic brain.

Many autistic girls develop interests and play patterns that are more subtle than the stereotypical behaviors people expect. Because of this, they are often misunderstood or identified later than boys.

Staging is one way Reagan experiences and organizes her world.

Understanding autism begins by recognizing that behaviors don't always need to make sense to us to have meaning for the person doing them.

And not every behavior needs to be "fixed."

Some behaviors simply need to be understood, listened to, or accepted as part of who that person is.

08/01/2026

The August issue of Vaughn’s Dandelion is here! 🌼

This month’s newsletter is all about new routines, new adventures, and new beginnings as families prepare for the back-to-school season.

Inside, you’ll find helpful IEP tips, community resources, information about Project Lifesaver, encouragement for parents balancing school, therapy, work, and family, and highlights from Vaughn’s summer adventures.

My hope is that this issue reminds families that they are not alone and that even small steps forward are still progress.

Read the full August newsletter here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q0kGulVsfjmfkrfIGO3y3Ro_H91Yt_N2/view?usp=drivesdk

Please feel free to share it with another family who may find it helpful. Together, we can continue helping North Alabama families bloom where they’re planted.