Meet Tristina Pontiakos | Caregiver and Disability Advocate

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

Hi Tristina, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
Teaching and advocating for inclusion in the way they think, play, and learn has been most impactful on my children. When they play with children from all backgrounds and are included by all, their perception of life and friendship changes to one of empathy, understanding, and genuine compassion for all people.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After spending over ten successful years in medical device sales, a surprise diagnosis during our third pregnancy forced me into full time caregiving. I have been able to take that a step further into advocacy for inclusive parks, equitable education, and offering personal insight during a diagnosis. I share our journey on Instagram and through blogging to come alongside others on the same journey and to educate on accessibility as we take on the world with our daughter.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We love accessible spots and we love being outdoors. One place we would certainly take a friend is LuBird’s Light Playground at Stanley Marketplace. This is one of the coolest accessible playgrounds ever and Stanley Marketplace is full of incredible shopping, restaurants, and treats. If we want to stay outdoors, I would take a friend to hike around Lookout Mountain and then for lunch at the Golden Mill in downtown Golden. It’s a great accessible restaurant with seating right along the creek. On the weekend, we love taking friends to the Westminster Farmer’s Market and then for a swim in our neighborhood pool!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to dedicate this shoutout to the many Spina Bifida caregivers across the country I have been lucky enough to come to know. Without their advice, total understanding, and friendship we would be lost in this journey.

Website: https://Www.adventureswiththepons.com

Instagram: @mrstristinapon

Facebook: Adventures With the Pons

Other: TikTok- @mrstristinapon

Image Credits
Stephanie Fassler Photography