Meet Chantel the Broker
Dedicated OPWDD Self Direction Broker
How My OPWDD Journey Began
As an autism mom from the (not always so) boogie-down Bronx, I know what it means to "make things happen." Sadly, I also know what it means to have to fight for help and services, both from the education system and the healthcare system.
Parents helping parents is a big thing in the special needs community. I received almost all the great info I now have from other parents who are willing to share their knowledge.
That includes self-direction.
I met another autism mom at a workshop in Westchester, and when she told me all the services, I could get with a Medicaid Waiver –I listened.
The next day I contacted an agency, signed the forms and had services within three months. I can't begin to tell you the incredible progress Prince has made in many areas because of the support he received then and now has.
The Birth of " Chantel the Broker"
I never thought to be a self-direction broker until my son Prince's then broker mentioned it to me, "you have all the right qualities to make a great broker," she said. You have passion, you're organized, and you think outside of the box." That was over a decade ago.
But even after becoming a certified broker and hearing what my son's old broker said, I still had no intentions of brokering for other families, the idea never even crossed my mind.
At first, I brokered my own son's case for about six months until my friends and acquaintances that I told about SD started asking me to be their child's broker, and as they say, the rest is history.
So here I am, doing something I love!
My Mission As a Broker
Not only am I a broker, but unlike many others (most brokers do not have kids with special needs). I get it!
I can relate to the life you live on a deeper level. Because just like you, I’m in the trenches daily juggling the demands of special needs parenting all while trying to keep my head above water while being a mom to my special son, his siblings and a wife to my husband.
My mission as a broker is a straightforward one, nothing rocket science about it at all. My purpose is simply to add value to you and your child's life and contribute to your child's success now and in the future.
![20160524_124959 [130023]_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/df81fb_f23b1bbf102d4c45a0962e47e55d5f5f~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_241,w_1688,h_2517/fill/w_342,h_510,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/20160524_124959%20%5B130023%5D_edited.jpg)
Last Words...
I’m always attending workshops, trainings, talks (I even give some myself) doing whatever and going wherever I can to educate myself, so I have the knowledge and learn the tools to give my son the best future possible—and I’m happy to share what I know with you!
Everywhere I go, I tell parents about self-direction and the perks of using it; how they can take control and direct their child’s future, further than they ever dreamed possible.
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If you’re looking for understanding—I get your situation.
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If you’re looking for direction—I can point you in a good one.
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If you’re looking for knowledge—I can share what I have with you.
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If you’re looking for hope—I can show you how to find and create it.
If you need a broker, feel free to reach out, I’m here to help.
Wishing you all the best on your journey 👣.
Chantel the broker
FI Agencies I Currently Work With
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" Very Resourceful"
“Chantel has been an invaluable resource for me and my family. Her expertise and support have helped us navigate the complex world of self direction with ease.”
- Sarah, Riverdale
" She's Really Good"
“I highly recommend Chantel to anyone looking for self direction broker. She is professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate.”
- John, Manhattan
" Very Professional
"You won't go wrong using Chantel as your child's broker. She is very knowledgeable and very professional plus she keeps you up-to-date which I love."
-Daria, Bronx
"Supportive"
“ Chantel has made a real difference in my life. Her support has helped me to live more independently and do things I love”
- Sean, New Rochelle
" Great Service"
“...Easy to book a time to speak, very understanding, goes above and beyond just all-around great service... if you're looking for a broker you won't go wrong choosing Chantel!”
- Tom, Brooklyn