Our Story.
Why Rise Forward Group Exists.
Rise Forward Group was created to offer thoughtful, accessible support for neurodivergent individuals and families navigating learning, regulation, and everyday life. Our work is shaped by both lived experience and professional involvement with neurodivergent individuals across home, school, and real-world settings.
We saw a need for support that felt grounded and realistic — not overwhelming, clinical, or disconnected from daily life. Rise Forward exists to bridge understanding with practical tools that families and individuals can actually use.
Who We Are.
Co-founders, Nancy and Michelle bring complementary perspectives—blending professional expertise with lived and relational experience to create support that feels grounded, respectful, and practical. They share a belief that when people understand their nervous systems and feel supported in their bodies and everyday environments, growth becomes possible. Their work is guided by the understanding that regulation, connection, and compassion are the foundation for lasting, meaningful change.
Michelle Silva
Co-Founder | Master’s Level Occupational Therapist
Michelle’s work is grounded in understanding how the body, brain, and environment shape the way people experience the world. As a licensed, master’s-level Occupational Therapist, she has spent years supporting neurodivergent children and families with regulation, sensory processing, emotional awareness, and developmental growth in practical, meaningful ways.
She specializes in body-based regulation and helping families understand what their nervous systems need—building awareness, confidence, and supportive environments that foster learning and connection. Michelle is also deeply passionate about education, empowering families to understand available tools, services, and supports and how to access them effectively.
After years of owning and operating a pediatric home health company, Michelle recognized the limits of one-on-one work and felt called to expand her impact. This led her to co-found Rise Forward Group, allowing her to reach and support families on a broader scale.
Michelle believes that when people feel supported in their bodies and environments, growth becomes possible. Her work is guided by regulation, connection, and understanding as the foundation for lasting change.
Nancy S. Gray
Co-Founder | Master’s Level Social Worker
Nancy’s work has always been centered on people—especially those navigating busy minds, big emotions, and the weight of caring for others. She is a master’s-level Social Worker with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals and families through real-life challenges in homes and communities. Her approach is grounded in deep listening, empowering education, and thoughtful advocacy.
Throughout her career, Nancy has helped families connect to meaningful support during moments of stress, transition, and uncertainty. Her experience also includes administrative leadership within a pediatric home health company, giving her insight into how systems shape real-world care. This blend of hands-on and operational experience drives her commitment to creating support that feels accessible and responsive.
As a neurodivergent individual raising and supporting neurodivergent family members, Nancy brings both personal and professional understanding to her work. She now combines her background with creative storytelling to help individuals and families navigate life with confidence and hope—believing support should highlight strengths and be built with care, dignity, and respect.
Our Mission.
Our mission is to support neurodivergent individuals and families through thoughtful, accessible, and practical tools that strengthen regulation, learning, and everyday life. We exist to bridge understanding with real-world support that feels grounded, respectful, and sustainable.
Our Vision.
We envision a world where neurodivergent individuals are understood, supported, and empowered — not pressured to conform. We believe families deserve support that honors how neurodivergent minds work and provides tools that foster confidence, connection, and long-term growth.
Our Values.
Neurodiversity-Affirming.
We honor neurodivergent minds as differences, not deficits, and focus on understanding rather than fixing.
Regulation First.
We believe emotional and nervous system regulation is the foundation for learning, growth, and connection.
Real-Life Support.
Support should fit real routines and relationships, offering practical tools that are usable in everyday life.
Strengths-Based Growth.
We build confidence through consistency, collaboration, and a focus on strengths — not pressure or quick fixes.
Ready to take the next step?
We’re here to support you and your family with personalized guidance, practical tools, and compassionate care. Reach out to learn more about our offerings.