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Empowering Unique Learners
Student during our next steps fair
Miriam alumna spreads inspirational message on social media platforms
Katie Stalter


Today, 25-year-old Elizabeth Culligan is a disability advocate, an inspirational Instagrammer, and a podcast host. She attributes much of her drive and determination to her elementary and middle school years at Miriam.

At 5 years old, Elizabeth’s mom knew she needed more support than she and the public school could provide. Her mom, Christine, saw that the school was not giving Elizabeth enough time or attention in kindergarten. A friend told her about Miriam.

“I took a tour and viewed a class in session, and immediately I felt this was perfect for Elizabeth’s needs,” Christine said.

Elizabeth not only benefited from the small classes and special education teachers, but she gained a great deal from the built-in occupational and speech/language therapies. Activities in the occupational therapy room helped Elizabeth stay focused in class, and she worked every day with a speech therapist.

Elizabeth said she felt like she fit in at Miriam, and she made friends in her first year. “I never felt like I was the only one that needed help. I felt safe.”

At that time, Miriam did not have a high school. After graduating from eighth grade, Elizabeth went on to a small private school. She said it was difficult, but she felt prepared. “After a while, I found some friends and felt more comfortable,” Elizabeth said. 

She made the varsity soccer team, which helped her feel welcomed. This also gave her the opportunity to see teamwork in action, and gave her teammates the opportunity to interact with a student with a disability in a positive environment. During Elizabeth’s senior year, she was named Prom Queen, and she also won the “Cougar Award,” which was a peer-nominated award for an outstanding student on the team who displayed team spirit.

Elizabeth has been working full-time as a day camp counselor at Kennelwood Pet Resorts in Des Peres for the past six years. She walks the dogs, plays with them, and cleans the crates and turf.

Her passion, though, is the inspiration and advocacy she shares in “Elizabeth Speaks,” her Instagram account, YouTube channel and podcast. For YouTube and her podcast, Elizabeth reaches out to other adults with disabilities to share their stories. Check out The Elizabeth Speaks Podcast on both Apple and Spotify.
 

“Miriam School staff and students equipped me with what I needed to be a caring, kind and inclusive person, and a confident adult.”

Elizabeth Culligan

If this story sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Many Miriam families come to us looking for a school that truly understands and supports their child. Often, their children are navigating ADHD, level 1 autism, anxiety, language processing disorders, or other learning differences, and they’ve found that traditional school environments simply aren’t built with those needs in mind. 

At Miriam, support isn’t something families have to advocate for to get. It’s built into everything we do through expert staff, a personalized curriculum, and integrated therapies. Every aspect is designed to help your child thrive. If you or your child is feeling overwhelmed or unsupported in a traditional school setting, Miriam could be the right fit for your family. Learn more about our admissions process here.

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Student during our next steps fair
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