TEAM MAVER: A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE, GROWTH, AND HOPE

Adam often emphasizes the value of asking questions, believing that curiosity fuels wisdom and growth. His openness to learning has inspired other students at CIP, who see him as a role model. He has also pursued opportunities beyond CIP, volunteering at farmer’s markets, working in grocery stores, and exploring positions in health and fitness.

Adam often emphasizes the value of asking questions, believing that curiosity fuels wisdom and growth. His openness to learning has inspired other students at CIP, who see him as a role model. He has also pursued opportunities beyond CIP, volunteering at farmer’s markets, working in grocery stores, and exploring positions in health and fitness.

or the Maver family, life has always been defined by resilience, adaptability, and an unshakable commitment to moving forward together. Tammy, originally from Lake Orion, Michigan and Pete Maver, originally from Highland, Indiana and relocated to Michigan in 1993. Here in Oakland County, Michigan (currently Clarkston, Michigan) they’ve been raising their children —Adam, Marissa, and Andrew. Each child has faced unique challenges related to autism, PANDAS/ PANS, and other medical conditions. Yet despite the obstacles, the Maver’s have worked tirelessly to ensure that every member of their family has the opportunity to thrive.

F“You know your child better than anyone. Trust your instincts—you are their parent, and you are their advocate.”

From the beginning, Tammy and Pete emphasized that labels such as “autism” or “PANDAS” do not define their children. Early diagnoses were part of their reality, but the family focused instead on discovering treatments, therapies, and resources that could bring out the best in each child. They believed that research, persistence, and faith in their children’s potential were essential tools in navigating the unpredictable road ahead.

Tammy also had a strong drive to see them on a path to good developmental success. “When you see them work through developmental milestones as a baby and toddler and then at between 2 ½ and 3 years old see them begin to regress and lose their language and play skills. You know that something caused this regression as a mom. This is why we have been so heavily focused on biomedical/functional medicine interventions and treatments as PANDAS AND PANS diagnosis were a common thread for all 3 of our children from early on...

Adam’s Journey: From Childhood Struggles to Independence

Adam, now 26, is a student at the College Internship Program (CIP) in Bloomington, Indiana. His path to independence has been shaped by both triumphs and hardships. As a child, he endured bullying—shoved into lockers in fifth grade and faced ridicule in middle school. Later, a devastating car accident in 2015 left him with a traumatic brain injury, further complicating his journey. For Adam, the car accident ‘blew up’ his underlying conditions that, until the car accident, were fairly dormant. These underlying conditions included Lymes disease and PANDAS/PANS.

But Adam refused to let these setbacks define him. Over time, he grew into a determined young man who embraced self-improvement and resilience as guiding principles. At CIP, Adam has obtained certifications in life coaching and motivational speaking and is currently working toward a personal training certification. He has also studied holistic health and fitness, completing programs as a Holistic Fitness Specialist and Natural Health Professional.

Living independently in an apartment on campus has been a significant milestone for him. Although solitude can sometimes bring feelings of loneliness, his weekly Zoom calls with family provide reassurance and connection. At CIP, he has learned to manage daily life skills such as meal planning, cooking, medication routines, budgeting, and apartment care. These seemingly small tasks represent monumental achievements for Adam, who has struggled with executive functioning but through his journey with CIP, he is really working through his obstacles.

Adam has also discovered new communities through church, youth groups, and fitness centers like Orangetheory. His work at Kroger allows him to practice patience, adaptability, and customer service skills, preparing him for broader career opportunities. He sees himself not just as an employee, but as a leader and motivator for those around him.

“I’ve learned not to take things personally and to focus on progress over perfection,” Adam reflects. “Every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger.”

Marissa and Andrew: Unique Paths, Shared Determination

Marissa, 24, participates in a variety of programs tailored to her strengths and interests. Through Friendship Circle of West Bloomfield, she has found a meaningful role in the vocational program at Dakota Bakery, where she works a couple of days each week. She also takes art classes through the Friendship Circle, enjoys tennis, yoga, bowling and exercise in general. Speech therapy twice a week at home supports her ongoing communication development.

She really has more of a hybridbased schedule. Since Marissa has always been more neurologically fragile, she was homeschooled every other year since 1st grade. This wasn’t really intentional. I just always tried to meet her where she was at and for Marissa it meant a lot of home learning and tutoring over the years as she always did better learning 1 on 1, since her auditory-processing challenges created more of a Charlie Brown in the classroom feeling – wa-wa-wa-wa.

Andrew, 22, is enrolled in a posthigh program through the Clarkston school system. His weekly activities include physical training at Inclusively Fit in Sterling Heights, speech therapy 2xs weekly in home, art therapy at the Friendship Circle, lots of neighborhood family walks and exercise, basketball and swimming fun at the YMCA anytime time allows. Andrew also has been enjoying basketball in the winter months through Clarkston Parks & Recreation Adaptive Programs as well as basketball programs through Oakland University.

Andrew has unique strengths and challenges, and the family remains committed to supporting his progress through individualized approaches.

Tammy admits that one of the biggest challenges of raising multiple children with special needs has been balancing their individual journeys. “I wish I could treat each child as an only child,” she reflects, “but the reality is, I can’t. That part is frustrating because you want to give them each your all.”

Her advice to other parents is clear: treat every child as an individual.. “Each one has different needs and deserves their own path. Always reevaluate

where they are, make adjustments, and never let yourself get stuck.

Community Connections and Support

Over the years, the Maver family has built a strong network of community resources. Friendship Circle, with its art and vocational programs, has been a lifeline for Marissa as of late. Inclusively Fit provides essential physical therapy and fitness coaching for Andrew. Autastic Athletics offers adaptive sports opportunities like tennis and bowling, while Clarkston Schools and Parks & Recreation programs have allowed for inclusive after-hours sports.

The family has also benefited from CLS (Community Living Services) hours provided through MORC (Macomb Oakland Resource Center), which allows them to hire support workers to assist with daily living skills and community integration. Although they once hoped for access to a behavioral specialist through county services, they were told their family’s needs were not severe enough to qualify. Nevertheless, the Mavers continue to advocate for the right support, believing that addressing behavioral challenges could significantly improve daily life.

The church has also been central to their journey. The Mavers attend Bridgewood church where they have found spiritual support and a welcoming community. It is easy to be prideful and not let others in your world, but Tammy believes we are all meant to be in community and it is when we allow ourselves to be more vulnerable/let our guard down and let others see our family for who we really are. It is only then, that we experience greater joy/happiness when we open ourselves up to having friendships/ connections for our kids and family.

“We are all meant to be in community with others and only then can we thrive the most with our ‘special’ families,” said Tammy. “I do not believe God wants us to do life alone and it especially ‘takes a village’ to thrive with special needs children. We’ve also found fulfillment in volunteering at the Lighthouse of Oakland County. Here we have been able to give back, reinforcing the importance of service and connection.”

Memories, Milestones, and Moving Forward

Despite the challenges, the Mavers make it a priority to live life fully. Family vacations, weekend outings, and everyday routines create joyful memories that sustain them through hard times. A particularly proud milestone was watching Adam recover from his traumatic brain injury and eventually move away to CIP—a moment Tammy describes as a turning point that showed just how far he had come.

For the Mavers, these moments of progress affirm their belief that persistence pays off. Their motto, “Team Maver,” is more than a phrase— it’s a mindset that keeps them united through trials and triumphs alike. Mom has always tried to remember the familiar phrase “its a marathon, not a race.” “I feel like growing up for our kids may look more like 30 instead of 21 years of age and if I keep this mentality, I won’t get anxious about where they are at in their development. It helps me feel more patient about the different journey we are on with our family. Everybody’s ‘normal’ looks different for a family and it is important to be ok with your ‘normal.’

A Holistic Approach to Health

One of the defining features of the Maver family’s journey has been their commitment to holistic health. Tammy strongly believes that physical health and biomedical factors play a major role in autism and related challenges. She has pursued treatment for issues like PANDAS/PANS, Lyme disease, heavy metals, parasites, yeast, and mold exposure—conditions she believes contribute to brain inflammation and developmental struggles.

The family has adopted dietary changes, supplements, medications, and holistic therapies such as juicing, brain rewiring, brain balance, neurofeedback, craniosacral therapy, and the use of the Biomat (a grounding mat made from amethyst, far-infrared and tourmaline) to name a few. Over the years, these approaches have contributed to improvements in behavior, sensory regulation, and overall well being.

“You can’t treat the mind without treating the body,” Tammy explains. “Their development is tied to what’s happening inside their brains and bodies.” Adam’s Voice: Living With Purpose

Adam has become an outspoken advocate for self-improvement and resilience. His certifications as a motivational speaker, life coach, holistic fitness specialist, and natural health professional reflect his commitment to growth—not only for himself but for others.

“I see myself as a leader,” Adam says. “I want to inspire others, make an impact, and remind people that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.”

He dreams of writing a book about his life, expanding his motivational speaking platform, and continuing to support others through coaching and health advocacy. Writing is deeply therapeutic for him, and he uses it to process his experiences while encouraging others to embrace resilience.

Adam often emphasizes the value of asking questions, believing that curiosity fuels wisdom and growth. His openness to learning has inspired other students at CIP, who see him as a role model. He has also pursued opportunities beyond CIP, volunteering at farmer’s markets, working in grocery stores, and exploring positions in health and fitness.

“Being at CIP has allowed me to be my true self,” Adam says. “It’s helped me focus on my growth, not worry about what others think, and handle adversity head-on.”

Words of Wisdom

The Mavers often share advice with families who are just beginning their journey. Their message is one of empowerment: trust your gut, never feel trapped, and explore all the options available. From schools of choice, private professional services,

as well as community programs, there are always alternatives.

“Meet your child where they are at,” Tammy encourages. “You know your child better than anyone. Trust your instincts—you are their parent, and you are their advocate.”

Conclusion

The Maver family’s story is one of perseverance, hope, and relentless dedication. Through triumphs and setbacks, they continue to adapt, grow, and advocate—not only for their own children but for all families navigating the world of special needs.

Adam, Marissa, and Andrew each embody the truth that every person’s journey is unique. And with the unwavering love and determination of their parents, Team Maver continues to move forward— one milestone, one memory, and one act of resilience at a time.