Emily Dolton

As a reader, runner, gardener, chorister and artist, I am happiest when I am outside and creating. We find ourselves being increasingly pulled toward technology because of the learning needs our school-aged children (16 and 17), and the fact that online, peers do not see my youngest child as disabled. Keeping us centered in our community is increasingly hard, so I continually curate our little free libraries and create themed chalk art obstacle courses on our corner lot sidewalk.

When I am not painting murals or faux finishing projects, I write and create art projects for the Flourishing Families Guide and San Diego Family Magazine. I have collected and maintained the 1200 resources for people with disabilities in San Diego for 11 years as a Resource Specialist for the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego. In addition, I serve on the Involved Exceptional Parents Day Committee and have served on the California State Council for Developmental Disabilities, the board for the Center for Accord and the board of the Infant Development Association of Southern California.

Our greatest family joys are centered around the love of outdoors, through recreation or performance, and I hope to entice other families to get outside and thrive!