Snapshots

Vicky Ducworth

Vicky Ducworth isn’t the type of person to sit back and let a problem fix itself, she’s the type to take the reins and fix the problem herself. When her son was diagnosed with autism eight years ago, Ducworth noticed that it was difficult to find quality care, especially if you didn’t know what to look for in your search. As a result, she started Constasis, a company that is working to make finding quality care for kids with ASD a more transparent process.

“Finding transparent, responsible and reliable therapists is a huge burden on consumers and their caretakers,” she says. “Our state has no licensure requirements, so these providers go largely self-regulated, leaving consumers, who are very vulnerable, at substantial risk.”

At the same time, Ducworth is also a regular mom dealing with the trials and tribulations of parenting and balancing a career. Mom to Luka and Remi, she also spends much of her time driving her kids to school, soccer practices and the grocery store and cleaning up messes at the end of the day. She’s a super hard worker and a mom on mission.

What is something that makes you unique, or that people would be surprised to know about you?

I’ve embraced the more difficult moments in my life and started a personal project - founding a company, Constasis, to help people by reducing some of the difficulty in finding quality professionals and improving a consumer’s experience during hardship. My child was diagnosed with autism eight years ago, and even though a lot has changed in this industry, the difficulties that I experienced back then are still being experienced today, by families across our nation.

What is something that has been on your mind lately?

The responsibility that I have in influencing millions of lives through my work in health care, I’m always asking myself these two questions, “Is my work giving a mom, dad, grandparent or child a better quality of life,” and “What I am missing?” That is how Constasis was born. There were just too many gaps that needed solutions.

What are you really good at?

Fixing things and improvising … parents have to get good at that fast. From figuring out how to take your vacuum cleaner apart to repair it, then put the 60-plus parts back together again, praying you don’t have any leftover parts, to making band aids out of duct tape and toilet paper. I’ve also become a pretty good self-taught plumber - there is not one pipe in my house that my children have not clogged.

What’s your favorite quote, or piece of advice?

Advice - life is sometimes so hard to manage and can throw you some pretty strong curve balls along the way - like a medical diagnosis or divorce or other hardship or adversity that many face. But faith is stronger than any of those. Be open to change, and keep your faith.

What is your favorite Lowcountry hangout spot, and why?

Anywhere on Lake Moultrie - I love the fishing, the sun, the water, the peace. It’s my own Lowcountry heaven.

What are you most proud of?

My children - my greatest teachers in life. My son - who’s taught me to view our world through another lens, recognizing the powerful subtleties of the world around us and my 6-year-old daughter - who reminds me that sometimes there has to be a mess before you can create something amazing.

Know an amazing mom who deserves recognition? Nominate her as a Lowcountry Parent Mom of the Month! Send your nominee’s name and contact info to Editor@LowcountryParent.com, and include a line or two about what makes her special to you or the community. LCP

About the Cover

Izabella Johnson, 3, and her mom Eralyn of Hollywood took centerstage at the historic Sottile Theatre at The College of Charleston in downtown Charleston. Izabella had a great time playing with the oversized balloon which was nearly as tall as she was, while mom brought grace and glamour in an evening gown.

When Izabella isn’t in her glammed up best, she loves gymnastics and going to school at Lowcountry Leadership Preschool. Photographer Grace Beam Alford snapped shots of Izabella and Eralyn taking the stage in style. Thank you to Sottile Director of Operations Anja Kelley and Technical Director Kasey Beard for facilitating the shoot.

Lowcountry Parent

Swag Bag

Our May Swag Bag is one week of free summer camp at the Art-Vark Palette. The winner gets to choose from one of 11 themed camps offered throughout the summer. The contest runs through May 14. Enter to win at lowcountryparent.com/contests.

Congratulate April Swag winner Virginia Brown on her two-month unlimited membership, T-shirt and hat combo from F45 Training Studio.

LCP Social

We asked our Facebook followers to send us their photos of the kids at the beach and we were thrilled with all the great shots we received. But this image of Arden and Tylir Lane of Ladson digging their own personal beach ditch was particularly awesome.

Photo Opp: Father’s Day

Father’s Day is coming right up and we’re excited! Send your Father’s Day photos to Editor@LowcountryParent.com. Please include the first and last names of everyone pictured, ages, plus your city of residence. The submission deadline is May 6. Some photos will appear in our June issue and at LowcountryParent.com.

Note: We can’t publish professional images without the photographer’s written permission.

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