We had the good fortune of connecting with Olivia McGuire and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Olivia, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Transitioning from teaching to becoming a new mom and starting a business has made me redefine what work-life balance looks like in this current chapter of my life. My background includes 8+ years of experience in the Special Education field serving as a high school/transition teacher, career advocate and nonprofit executive director.

Flashback to January 2022, and my life changed for the better. I knew that staying home with my daughter and leaving the classroom was the right route for me. I also knew that being a working mom was important to my sense of self – allowing me to continuously share my passion of supporting neurodivergent learners through cooking and Community Based Instruction. Throughout my career, I sometimes felt like I was living in an endless to-do list. I have always recognized the importance of balance – yet sometimes it’s easier said than done. Even when I was taking time for myself, my mind had tendencies to be somewhere else. This past year, I have been more conscious about being present in each moment and fully devoting myself to that time.

I can wholeheartedly say that I love what I do. I love my work and I love raising my daughter (alongside the most incredible husband). Some helpful tools that I’ve practiced or that have been shared with me to achieve work-life balance are: making lists with realistic goals, forgiving myself when times don’t feel very balanced and learning to take a break (and not feeling guilty about it). I am also learning that everything doesn’t have to be perfect – piles of laundry exist in this household from time to time. It is okay to let some things go and it is also okay to ask for help.

Each day, I want to say yes to one thing that fills my cup.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
To me, I first see Community Based Classroom, LLC as a front line support system for teachers, students and families – and then a business. Community Based Classroom, LLC genuinely evolved from my heart and personal experiences working with neurodivergent learners. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to directly impact neurodivergent individuals ages 14-64 to support the growth of independence, employment skills and community access.

When teaching, I recognized two learning areas that could have used a bit more attention. There was a push for Community Based Instruction in our district – yet there was no manual on how to do so. What is Community Based Instruction (CBI) you may ask? CBI promotes the teaching and use of academic and functional skills in the learners natural environment. Think of lessons that are community focused such as going to the grocery store, learning how to access the library or riding public transportation. Aside from CBI, a large focus in the high school/transition setting was to prepare our learners for life after high school/transition. What I noticed is that many students were not as confident in their ability to prepare meals on their own. I’m not talking about a five star steak dinner here. I am talking about making healthy choices for themselves. Learning how to shop for ingredients. Creating grocery lists. Budgeting. And THEN preparing the meal.

Cue Community Based Classroom, LLC. Where the focus is to foster the growth and exploration of independence through CBI and cooking. CBI lessons and resources are housed on TPT which is a shared platform for educators to access content. Cooking Foundations is a 12-week comprehensive program designed with robust lessons that target neurodivergent learners at all ability levels and was created for schools and enrichment programs.

Where the mission of Community Based Classroom, LLC supports neurodivergent learners – it also allows the broader community to recognize the incredible value of a diverse set of individuals. Community Based Classroom, LLC encourages learners to live their lives with choice in health and independence.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a proud Colorado native who loves adventure. White water rafting, skydiving and summiting our highest mountains (over 14,000 ft) are a few adventures that keep me geared up and passionate for the next. More regularly, you can catch me hanging out with my two dogs, husband and baby girl.

However, if my bestie is coming into town and we have an ENTIRE week of Colorado adventure together (with the husbands on baby duty) then I’d say we would have to start our week off in Golden. Nothing like a Brewery Tour at Coors followed by a concert at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. Next, we’d head up the mountain for a few days of skiing in Summit County. We would bum the streets of Breckenridge and enjoy a nice dinner at Sauce on the Blue in Silverthorn. Snowshoeing at Mayflower Gulch is a MUST! Our next stop would be even further up the mountain to Glenwood Springs. We would spend countless hours enjoying each others company at Iron Mountain Hot Springs (which is conveniently located on the side of a river) while chatting and sipping red wine. Now – I might just have to make this trip a reality in the near future!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To all of the women and mom’s out there trying to balance it all and doing it so very gracefully.

To all of the teachers out there working day in and day out. Your hard work does not go unnoticed.

To my husband, Steve who continues to be one of the most encouraging people in my life. No matter the direction I’ve taken these past years, he always pushes me to step out of my comfort zone and allows me to pursue my dreams. He has been there every step of the way, supporting me as a career woman, wife and mom.

To my daughter, Hadley who is the joy of my life. She inspires me to be a better person and to live life to the absolute fullest.

To my parents who are my biggest cheerleaders. I would not be where I am today without them. They saw a passion in me from the very beginning and have shown nothing but support and kindness in order for me to reach my potential.

Website: www.communitybasedclassroom.com

Instagram: @communitybasedclassroom

Other: Image Credits: Jessica Luann @jessicaluann

Image Credits
Jessica Luann @jessicaluann

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