Skip to main content
Virginia Youth - we're adding to our State Youth Leader team. Applications due June 30, 2026.
Apply Today!
Home
  • Youth
  • Educators
  • Families
  • Tools
  • Events
  • About Us
Posed photo of Kristyn and her daughter Emma.

Their Element

Self-Advocacy

More about the I'm Determined Elements

Their Region

Valley

Valley

Their Favorite Tool(s)

  • One-Pager: Identity and Self-Awareness

View All IMD Tools

Empowering Families: Kristyn Mazingo

Mother of Youth Leader, Emma Mazingo

“Finding your voice to support students with (and without) disabilities while presenting to adults to give a student perspective.” -Kristyn Mazingo

Question / Answers from Kristyn:

1. What IMD tool do you see your YL using the most?

The tool I see my YL using this most is self-advocacy skills. Her teachers and case manager have shared many times she has used these skills. As a parent in the car on rides home in the afternoon she has shared moments she used self-advocacy skills. I have even seen her use these skills in public at stores and restaurants.

2. What is your favorite IMD memory?

My favorite IMD memory was watching my YL present to all the special education
teachers in my division to kick off the One-Pager initiative we were taking on. She stood up with confidence and shared why the tool is important and how it can help students with disabilities. After that presentation she has been asked to present other times to other groups of educators. It has been amazing seeing her passion and how it is helping so many students in our division.

We Want to Hear From You Next!

SHARE YOUR STORY

Share This Post

Home
The I'm Determined Center, funded by the Virginia Department of Education, focuses on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior.
  • About Us
  • Families
  • Educators
  • Youth
  • Events
  • Request for Services
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
imdeterminedcenter@jmu.edu
© 2026 I'm Determined all rights reserved