Our Story

From Mentorship to a Movement

For over 20 years, Sara worked as a special education teacher. She saw too many students being left behind by a system that didn’t focus on their individual needs.

When one student shared, “There are so many people like me in the world. More people need your help,” it became clear that change was needed.

What began as a simple act of mentorship grew into something much bigger. It became Looking Forward Life Coaching — a nonprofit offering neurodiversity-affirming coaching. Today, LFLC remains dedicated to helping neurodivergent individuals look to the future with hope and confidence.

Meet Our Coaches

Small stones stacked by a river, to represent stepping stones in neurodiversity coaching with LFLC.

Sara has brown hair and eyes. Her gentle smile conveys sincerity and care.

Sara Swan

Founder & Executive Director

"Adulting is a soup, and I am a fork."

Before founding LFLC, Sara spent more than 22 years as a special education teacher. She has continued to mentor others as they navigate life after high school and the complexities of adulthood.

Sara’s dedication to advocacy was also shaped by personal experience. As guardian for her uncle, who had a profound intellectual disability, Sara saw how dignity, autonomy, and choice impact a person’s quality of life. These values continue to guide her work today..

Amy has wavy brown hair and a kind smile conveying a warm welcome to all neurodivergent clients.

Amy Speare

Director, Coaching Management

Amy has been part of Looking Forward Life Coaching for over 3 years. She brings extensive experience supporting, encouraging, and collaborating with the neurodivergent community. Amy’s excellent leadership and practical insights support our coaches, as well as our clients and their families as they navigate everyday life.

Amy grew up in Thailand, and now resides in the twin cities with her husband and three beautiful children.

Sheila M: Wavy hair, glasses, big blue eyes. Her gentle expression appears kind, curious, and warm.

Sheila Moore

Director, Operations & Strategy

Sheila is an autistic ADHDer with auditory processing challenges, who brings an abundance of lived experience and empathy to her work. She cares deeply about creating more accessible systems for non-profits and the people they serve.

In addition to her operations and strategy role, Sheila continues to support clients as a coach at LFLC, staying closely connected to the real experiences that shape our work. She also serves as Vice President of the Board at the Autism Society of Minnesota, where she contributes to broader efforts to empower the autistic community to thrive.