She was teaching autistic kids how to regulate – while quietly unraveling herself.

Kassandra Alvarez looked like she had it all together. Board-certified behavior analyst, climbing the ranks, thriving in her field. But behind the scenes? Toxic relationships. Burnout. Addiction. And a brutal realization: she was teaching skills to kids that she wasn’t living herself.

That truth cracked her open – and ultimately saved her.

In this episode, Kassandra shares how she broke free from burnout by turning her clinical insight inward, quit job-hopping for external validation, and started modeling the regulation she once only coached. She now helps parents of autistic kids calm their own nervous systems first – because when the adult energy shifts, everything else follows.

You’ll hear about:
– Leaving a toxic environment (and the messy grief that came with it)
– Going slow in a world that wants you to rush
– Walking away from relationships, roles, and a life that looked good on paper
– Rewriting the story – with God, peace, and purpose at the center

Whether you're a parent, practitioner, or just someone who knows the mask all too well – this one’s a breath of fresh, healing air.

Quote:

“Misery and peace can absolutely coexist.”

Guest Links:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thatsteadyparent/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassandraalvarez/