Rexburg woman named Idaho Mother of the Year

American Mothers, Inc. named Jill McDonald of Rexburg the 2018 Idaho Mother of the Year.

McDonald was honored earlier this month for her devotion to motherhood, leadership and community service.

American Mothers, Inc. said her inspirational role as a mother of more than one child qualified her for this honor.

At age three, her child Connor was diagnosed with autism. Determined to help him, she learned and implemented the Son-Rise method, to address his needs. McDonalds’ family bounced to four different states, trying to find the right social/academic/support situation for Connor before making Rexburg their home. In each location, McDonald participated with autism support groups and became a mentor and volunteer presenter for the Son-Rise Program helping others dealing with autism.

As a mother of five, McDonald serves as the “art mom” at school, the “costume mom” for a children’s theater and volunteers at church.

McDonald is studying communication and speech disorders with a goal to become a speech pathologist because she believes all children should be seen and heard. McDonald has helped nine families, which affected 11 children with autism, get scholarships and attend the Autism Treatment Center of America. She has seen parents go from a place of fear and confusion to becoming unstoppable in doing what their child needs. Helping parents become advocates for their child gives Jill a sense of accomplishment.

She will now serve as an ambassador for mothers across the country and will be recognized at the American Mothers, Inc. National Convention in Washington, D.C. on April 22-24 where the 83rd National Mother of the Year will be named.

View McDonald’s full biography HERE.