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Esther Davido’s journey as a leader and advocate took shape as a parent

As a young mom, Esther Davido started school to pursue nursing. She had worked as a postpartum doula and, as a deeply empathetic person, was drawn to a career that helps others. But her life outside of school was full of new challenges.

When her son, Everett, was around a year old, she started noticing that he wasn’t hitting milestones. He wasn’t talking or walking, and eventually received an autism diagnosis. Esther’s days were full of advocating for him and coordinating support – physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and regional services.

While navigating all of the appointments and services was demanding, she saw the impact. With therapy, Everett began walking and babbling. “Watching the therapists get involved and be able to make real change and provide real support was truly inspiring,” she says.

She had postponed her education while she took time to focus on her family, but that didn’t stop her from continuing to grow in her understanding of herself and her path forward.

“My son’s journey is what gave me the puzzle pieces to really come to find out who I was. Everett really brought me out of my shell and made me have to show up in ways that I never had to before. That's where some of my leadership skills come from. They’re a gift from my son.”

Through advocating for him, Esther discovered her own neurodivergence and her calling to serve others in the mental health field.

“Piecing together my own story really shaped where I am now and what I want to do in the future as a therapist,” she shares. “I have these gifts. I have deep empathy. I know what the neurodivergent community is going through. I'm living it. I've walked it as a parent and personally.”

But even as she grew as a leader and understanding of herself, school remained a challenge. The school where she had started her nursing degree closed. She enrolled in an online program at another university, but found herself continually burnt out, struggling and lacking any kind of connection or support.

“After I had left that university, I was feeling really lost and at my wit's end, wondering, 'Is college something that I am capable of? Is this even going to happen?’”

A friend told Esther about ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ Fox’s online bachelor’s degree program. She applied and immediately felt a difference – she was welcomed and supported. Professors and staff worked with her at every turn, making sure she had what she needed to succeed.

“The Be Known promise has been just one of the key factors in making me feel like there's space for me,” she says. “I’m able to be open about my neurodivergence, and I share it as a strength.”

Esther was nominated to serve as a lead for her cohort. She helped facilitate the strong relationships that have formed between the students – and has benefited as well.

“The gifts I bring to the table are welcomed at ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ Fox. Our differences are celebrated, so that’s special to me,” she says.

Being able to be open about her faith has allowed her to show up fully and grow as a student – both alongside her cohort and with the valuable mentorship from her professors. She has sought their advice and experience when considering her path to graduate school and felt encouraged every step of the way.

“I’ve learned that in therapy there is a space for my faith,” she says.

“As a future therapist, I intend to incorporate a holistic approach where faith is a part. I want to provide affirming care and continue the Be Known promise to the neurodivergent community.”

Esther will graduate as a first-generation college student, a mom of two, and a leader uniquely equipped to provide real support and care, like she saw make such a difference for her son years ago.

“I believe that God's plan is better than anything that I could have ever imagined for myself. Through all of the ups and downs, I gained insight and resilience, and I think that’s how God works in our lives.”