I'm a mother, strategist, and advocate on a mission to help children thrive by empowering & coaching the adults who support them.
My journey began at home, guiding our son, Cooper, who is on the autism spectrum, through the ups and downs of building his response - ability: the ability to intentionally respond to life’s challenges rather than simply react.
What began as an act of love and advocacy has grown into a broader calling to equip others with the tools, language, and mindset needed to support children with clarity, care, and confidence.
I bring a unique blend of lived experience and business acumen to this work. With an MBA and a career spent solving complex business and technology challenges for some of the world’s largest companies, including Target, Slalom, and Salesforce, I’ve learned what it takes to design solutions that are both effective and sustainable.
I apply that same mindset to parenting developing practical strategies that sit at the intersection of empathy, structure, and responsiveness.
Raised in Minnesota and grounded in a strong Midwest work ethic, I’ve always been driven by curiosity, quiet strength, and a deep belief that obstacles can become opportunities for growth.
My personal experience raising an autistic child has given me insight that is both strategic and deeply human. Out of that experience came the Response - ABILITY Toolbox, a set of tools, frameworks, and principles I created to help parents, caregivers, mentors, and educators support children in building resilience, self-regulation, and a strong sense of agency.
My work is a call to action: to show up with intention, to lead with heart, and to never underestimate the power of steady, responsive support.
It’s not about doing more. It’s about shifting how we show up, so the children in our lives/care are better equipped to meet life with courage and capacity.
Insights to help you intentionally Advocate, Motivate, and Participate, because how we show up matters.
Rachel Estes Leyk + Response - ABILITY
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