Our respite caregiver provides much-needed help
I'm deeply grateful for the young woman who has become part of our village
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Three years ago, a random dog roamed into our backyard, and a minute later, a woman arrived chasing after him. My husband helped corral the dog, the owner thanked him, and we went on with our day.
A few days later, the woman reached out online after seeing the “Saving Liv” sign in our yard. She had visited our website and learned more about our daughter Liv’s diagnosis of Sanfilippo syndrome and felt compelled to introduce herself. She has been our respite caregiver ever since.
Her name is Klarissa Schreiner, and I truly believe she is an angel sent from heaven to help us. She is in her early 20s and lived only a few blocks away from us when we met. As a special needs paraprofessional with a brother with severe autism, she offered to help care for Liv.
A beautiful relationship
Klarissa Schreiner and Liv Stoop enjoy some time together in the summer of 2025. (Courtesy of Klarissa Schreiner)
At first, I had Klarissa come over when I was home so I could focus on chores or on one-on-one time with my younger son, Liam. I was still working full time, and we were approaching our first summer when Liv would no longer be eligible for day care. Admittedly, I had no idea what I was going to do with Liv until Klarissa offered to watch her full time that summer. That was the beginning of their beautiful relationship.
Everyone says that raising children, especially those with complex needs, takes a village. We didn’t know we were putting together a “village” puzzle at the time, but her piece couldn’t have fit any more perfectly.
Klarissa then watched Liv the following two summers, part time, as I’d reduced my hours at work by then. After that first summer in 2023, she recommended we formally hire her as a respite provider.
We feel fortunate that our home state of Wisconsin offers the Children’s Long-Term Support Program to help families like ours whose kids have complex medical or behavioral needs. We were approved for child care hours during the summer and for up to 25 hours of respite care per month during the school year. Klarissa enrolled and was approved, meaning the program paid her to care for Liv.
Klarissa Schreiner helps Liv Stoop at an indoor playground this winter. (Courtesy of Erin Stoop)
Liv’s care is unique and not something I’d trust to the typical babysitter. Liv must be watched constantly, needs help eating, and requires constant redirection guidance. There have been many times when I really needed some help, but wouldn’t have felt comfortable getting a babysitter, so I skipped an event, didn’t take the kids on an outing, or ignored the chores piling up. The burnout builds up quickly.
Klarissa has been there to provide some relief. Though she has a full-time job, she’ll reach out in advance to see if she can come by for a few hours just to give me a break. She is also able to apply the skills she’s learned from her job and from assisting her brother to help Liv succeed.
I am deeply grateful that Klarissa’s dog found his way into our yard that day three years ago. I’m not sure I would have sought out the help myself if Klarissa hadn’t offered. Respite care gives me time to be me again. It has allowed me time to exercise, meal prep, clean the house, and take our dog on walks. That way, when I’m with Liv, I can give her 100% of my attention, which she needs and deserves. I am able to show up for my family with more energy, patience, and love because of Klarissa.
Note: Sanfilippo News is strictly a news and information website about the syndrome. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Sanfilippo News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Sanfilippo syndrome.
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