Jessica Grono 

My name is Jessica Grono. I am a special education teacher / substitute teacher at the Phoenixville Area School District.  I am a speaker with cerebral palsy. My children and students light up my life. I have a physical disability called cerebral palsy, but I find it more of an asset on most days!

I’ve been married since 2010  My daughter is in high school, and my son is in elementary school. They inspired me to write this blog because when I had them, I could barely find any information about parents who had cerebral palsy. Luckily, there are more parents who have cerebral palsy, but I enjoy writing.

I am a certified teacher in special education. Being a speaker with cerebral palsy has helped my employment experience. I have worked as a supervisor for the after care program and as a camp counselor at the Phoenixville YMCA. This work has made me love teaching even stronger.

 As a disability educator, I teach at schools,  nurses and the general public that having a disability isn’t the issue- accessibility is the issue.  People fear disabilities, but really thy fear equality and accepting differences. I’m former Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania- twice..  I try to knock down stereotypes with one swift kick (or spasm!) I’ll talk about any subject so if you need a speaker, let me know.

Let’s get personal

Cerebral palsy doesn’t hold me back from much of anything. I married in 2002 to my daughter’s father.  I fell in love, but the situation wasn’t right because mental abuse set in quickly. Laura saved me because I knew I had to escape to save her from learning the wrong way to live.  Unfortunately, he took his own life after I left.  It was a sad, confusing time but we survived!

I met my now husband, Jeffry Grono, a couple of years later.  Our life has been an interesting adventure, but we have each other’s back.  We have now a son, Jason.  We also have two dogs, three cats and Laura has a turtle. Jeff works as an LPN. He graduated nursing school right before I had a double mastectomy due to cancer.  We know how to make things interesting!    We both love to dance, travel, be with the children and hang out together.

Hobbies and fun

I am a workaholic.  You can find me working hard on my house organization, writing, mothering and teaching.  Jeff says I don’t know how to relax.  But when I do, I play games, watch specific shows, and play hockey.  I play the goalie and defense position for the team Philadelphia Flyers PowerPlay..  

July 2019 my hockey team traveled to Canada to compete in the Canada Cup. They brought home the cup!!!

Cerebral palsy and motherhood

Jessica has strived to be the best mother that she can possibly be.  Physical challenges might get in the way, but it doesn’t impact her parenting. Her children are happy, healthy, smart and kind.  Everyday is new and so are the adventures and challenges.