Header image showing BUTTERFLYWHEEL® Motivation, Advocacy & Consulting - Monica J. Foster, CC - The Life Beyond Limits Coach®

About Monica

Let My Own Story of Success, Motivation and Resilency
Be the Spark You Need to Take the Next Bold Step
In Your Own Life


Monica’s Story
Educational Background
Professional & Advocacy Affiliations
Family Life
Monica’s Impact
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Monica’s Story

People say I’m an expert on the beauty each day holds. As the Chief Motivational Officer (CMO) of BUTTERFLYWHEEL® Motivation, Advocacy & Consulting, I’ve dedicated my life to showing those with
disabilities that they can meet their challenges head on and live happy, fulfilling lives.
Because I realize what a gift life is, each day presents a new opportunity to do something I’ve never done and influence the life of someone I’ve never met. I use my story of strength, courage and triumph to engage, educate, entertain and encourage others to face their obstacles with success in mind. For me, there is truly life beyond your limitations.
I’m a North Carolina native born with spina bifida and use a wheelchair. As a result of compromised circulation in my legs, I’ve also endured battles with life-threatening infections, which eventually led me to the hard decision of amputating my left leg just above the knee in January of 2010.
Still, I’ll be the first to tell you I have no regrets and my life is more vibrant as an amputee on wheels. Life continues to spin in beautiful ways.

 

People tell me I exude a woman on wheels vibrancy. I so appreciate the compliments.  For more about what my clients have to say about their experiences with me, go to my Testimonials page.
I combine my natural abilities with an extraordinary passion to motivate others through the various transitions of life, work, love and wellness. Many veterans who become disabled, women with all types of disabilities and youth with special needs have found in me a mentor, an empathizer and a cheerleader. I’m so grateful for every connection I make.
As a cross-disability advocate, I’ve wheeled on Capitol Hill and across Raleigh, North Carolina for better awareness, civil rights and better enforced accessibility laws. I was also honored to serve under two governor’s recommendations as a two-term appointee to the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities.
I continue to seek positions on boards and commissions that allow me to champion my causes, particularly in the realm of disability and elderly care rights, as well as human relations and diversity. I possess exceptional oral and written communication skills that have opened doors for me to speak to individuals, corporations and diverse audiences about how to assist, accept, appreciate and associate more effectively with people with disabilities.
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Educational Background

I love learning. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in English-Writing Studies from Pfeiffer University. Later, I received my life purpose, life and career coaching certification through The Life Purpose Institute and earned the designation of Certified Vision Board Coach from The Vision Board Institute. I also  earned the designation of N.C. Certified Peer Support Specialist, and have a professional certification in meeting and event planning through the University of North Carolina system.
I also possess a technical designation as a Human Resources Administrator-ADA Title I (Employment Measures) from N.C. State University. I’m well versed in the rest of the Americans with Disabilities Act (Titles II & III) thanks to life experience in a wheelchair and via continuing education coursework through the Southeast Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (SEDBTAC), based in Atlanta, Ga. BUTTERFLYWHEEL® is listed as a community technical assistance SEDBTAC affiliate.
Need an accessibility consultant?
How about someone to help you plan a meeting or event that is barrier-free to attendees and guests with disabilities?
I can do that for you. Just take a look at my Other Services to see how I can help. I adhere to a strict code of ethics in my coaching practice as well. My past professional experience includes 14 years in journalism, where my articles graced the front pages of the Salisbury Post in Salisbury, NC and The Independent Tribune in Concord, NC.  I’ve also contributed my talent and insight to several cross-disability online publications such as Parenting Special Needs Magazine, Disabled Dealer Magazine, and The Riot! Rocks self-advocacy newsletter published by Human Services Research Institute. Currently, I’m the Disabilities Editor and message board moderator for BellaOnline.com’s Disabilities focus area.
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Professional & Advocacy Affiliations

My professional and community advocacy involvement includes:
  • International Coaching Federation
  • Amputee Coalition of America
  • World Association of People with Disabilities
  • Alliance for Full Participation
  • American Association of People with Disabilities
  • American Association on Disability & Health
  • American Association on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
  • Arc of United States
  • Arc of Rowan County, N.C. (Board Member as of 1/2012)
  • Association for Persons in Supported Employment (APSE)
  • North Carolina Association for Persons in Supported Employment (NC APSE)
  • North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault
  • National Association of Peer Specialists
  • North Carolina Association of Peer Specialists
  • National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
  • Spina Bifida Association of America
  • TASH
  • North Carolina TASH
  • Salisbury-Rowan Human Relations Council Appointee
  • Summit Civitan Club
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Family Life

Two other great accomplishments are my roles as a daughter and loving wife. I credit my dad, Royce, retired Senior Chief Petty Officer who put in four years in the Air Force and 18 years of service in the Coast Guard, with the lessons I’ve learned in patience and integrity.  My mother, Gail, a retired teacher, encourages me to never accept injustice and stokes the fire to fight for what’s right.
My wonderful husband, Bryan, has shown me the benefits of accepting what is, in order to discover what can be. He really is my better half. Bryan and I met in 2000, but in 2002 he sustained a stroke that paralyzed his right side. I learned a great deal about my own abilities to be a caregiver in spite of my own challenges during that time, and lessons about independence were replace by lessons on interdependence   After rigorous rehabilitation, he is now a strong survivor of traumatic brain injury with few lingering effects from the stroke.
We encouraged each other through the months of rigorous rehabilitation so he could regain the use of his right side. I think it gave him a tiny bit of insight into my disability experience and allowed him space to be the one needing help in our relationship. In 2005, after growing together and facing many challenges as an interability couple, we married.
We purchased our first accessible home in December 2009 and have settled back into my hometown of Landis, North Carolina. I’m also very close to my in-laws who have supported me like I’m one of their own. I joke that they really are my extended foster family. It helps they have the last name to go with it.
As an only child, the more family the better! Each member of my family has provided me with undying support and unconditional love, which I draw from daily to keep me moving onward and upward in all I do.
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Monica’s Impact

CONSULTING
  • Project Coordinator, Seminar Trainer & Regional Self-Advocate Focus Groups Leader for “N.C. Relationships Initiative,” a project funded by the N.C. Council on Developmental Disabilities and implemented by Human Services Research Institute  - statewide (August 2010- December 2011) & Co-Creator of “A Credo for Meaningful Relationships” along with N.C.’s people with disabilities
  • Community Advisor & Accessibility Committee Chairperson under the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Advocacy Council for People with Disabilities, leading month meetings to bring people with disabilities to review physical site access concerns together with Charlotte & Mecklenburg Co. representatives of cities, counties, towns, and their departments. Our group provided feedback on projects such as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools new and renovation project blueprints, Time-Warner Arena, Public Library System of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Charlotte-Mecklenburg bus stops, light rail car and stop design, etc. – Charlotte, N.C. (2001-2005)
SPEAKING
  • “People with Disabilities Are People Like You” talks in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, K-12 class speaker-Charlotte, N.C. (2002-2005)
  • “Real Relationships, Risks and Responsibilities” sponsored by N.C. Council on Developmental Disabilities, panelist w/ husband, Bryan -Raleigh, N.C. (February 2008)
  • “Unity in the Community” Celebration of Abilities at I.R. Holmes Senior Recreation Center, positive self-image, makeup and skincare tips for young girls with disabilities-Durham, N.C. (October 2007)
  • “There’s No Place Like Home: Choosing HOW and WHERE You Live” Community Partnerships, Inc., self advocate panel facilitator-Raleigh, N.C. (October 2007)
  • N.C. Divisions on Career Development & Transition Conference workshop session presenting examples of successful micro-enterprise opportunities as a member of The Power of the Dream, Inc. (May 2009)
  • Girls Inspired Girls Empowered – “Growing, Blossoming and Smelling Like A Rose” presentation for daughters with disabilities (10-16 years of age) and their moms -Durham, N.C. (June 2009)
  • Human Services Research Institute’s “A National Conversation on Healthy Relationships” panelist for three-part series on how to support self-advocates in having healthy, safe intimate relationships (October 2009)

 

TRAINING
  • Rowan Rotary Club Breakfast Meeting Presenter, ”The Benefits of Hiring People with Disabilities” – Salisbury, NC (November 2011)
  • Southeastern Paralyzed Veterans of American, Inc and W.G. (Bill) Hefner VAMC Recreational Therapy’s Accessibility Vendor Fair vendor (October 2011)
  • N.C. Relationships Initiative’s Statewide Regional “Widening the Circle: Social and Sexuality Self-Advocacy Trainings” for Self-Advocates, Family and Service Providers – Wilmington, Greensboro & Sylva, NC (May 2011)
  • N.C. Relationships Initiative’s Regional Monthly Self-Advocate Groups’ Peer Facilitator on “Healthy Social Skills & Sexuality Education” – Raleigh, Greensboro, Monroe & Asheville, NC (February - December 2011)
  • Jay Nolan Community Services, San Luis Obispo, CA – Webinar Trainer “Developing Healthy Sexual & Social Lives” (January 2011)
  • TASH’s 2010 National Conference in Denver, CO – Trainer “Supportive Tools: Developing the Nuts and Bolts of Self-Advocates’ Healthy Sexual & Social Lives” (December 2010)
  • Dream Catchers Salisbury-Rowan Civitan Club Speaker “10 Steps to Being a Better Self-Advocate” – Salisbury, NC (November 2010)
  • Arc of Wake County, Raleigh, NC – Trainer “10 Steps to Being a Better Self-Advocate” (October 2010)
  • TASH National Webinar Series Presenter, “Sexuality Education for People with Intellectual Disabilities” (March 2010)
  • The Riot 2011 National Conversation Series, “Healthy Relationships & Safe Sex” (January 2010)

I have several prepared presentations  geared toward motivation, self-advocacy, support services and technical assistance that I can tailor a bit to your audience. Take a look and decide what would work for your audience! Go to Other Services for more…
MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
So that’s my story.  What about you?

I’d love to hear about your current situation and discuss with you all the different ways we can work together.  Click here to move forward.
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