Megan

I grew up with a strong sense of community and the belief that we can create change when we see a need. My journey began when I became close to a little boy named Brooks, who is autistic. He struggled daily with being “too loud,” which led to constant corrections and social exclusion. Watching his challenges inspired me to take action and find a solution that would bring him—and kids like him—more peace and inclusion.

In 2025, I founded Sensory Bridges to create empathy-driven assistive technology for children with autism and other disabilities. Our first product, the Brooks Band, is a discreet wristband that detects voice volume and provides instant vibration feedback, helping children learn self-regulation and independence. We’ve already built a prototype, filed a provisional patent, and secured partnerships with schools and therapy centers to pilot the device. My dream is to make this tool widely accessible and continue developing innovations that support neurodivergent individuals and their families.

This Kiva loan will fund the production of additional Brooks Bands for single case studies with children and families. These studies will provide the evidence needed to expand into larger pilots and bring the Brooks Band closer to market—helping autistic children feel more confident, included, and empowered in their daily lives.