Our Founder
Christine Brookins is passionate about enhancing the lives of individuals with special needs. In 2022, she launched Outspoken to give a voice to those who may not be heard. Through individual and group engagements, she provides education around, and advocacy for, members of the disability community. Christine works to empower families and help them to leverage available resources.
One way she pays it forward is through her virtual educational series “Connecting Our Community”. Each month she features a different resource, encompassing a wide range of topics.
Christine and her husband met while studying at La Roche College, in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. They have four (4) adult children. When she is not spending time with family, friends and clients, Christine is very involved in her community, including volunteering with Special Olympics and peer-mentoring with Parent to Parent Pennsylvania, as well as being a committee member for Cities of Inclusion.
Our Process
1.
ENGAGEMENT
Establish & Build community relationships
2.
EXPLORATION
Collect data and discuss needs
3.
EVALUATION
Review current documents
4.
PARTICIPATION
Attend IEP & ISP meetings
5.
COORDINATION
Connect appropriate resources
Appearances
Outspoken has been privileged to speak at many community agencies, partners, and news organizations, such as:
- The University of Pittsburgh
- Special Olympics of Pennsylvania
- National Disability Institute
- Autism Caring Center
- Pennsylvania Family Network
- Autism Urban Connections
- WQED “Autism Aging Out”
- CNX Resources