Lauren Ochalek and her husband, Aaron, are raising three children in Severna Park — Ellie (14), Cameron (13) and Amelia (9). Lauren’s an MSN-prepared registered nurse (she has a master of science in nursing) and nurse educator, and Aaron’s an airline pilot. Their family life is what Lauren describes as “a blend of school, sports, travel, family, friends and the everyday chaos that comes with raising three kids in different stages of life.” We recently had the chance to ask her about her volunteer work as a parent, advocate and nonprofit founder.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How does being a nurse and educator influence your role as a parent?
While my early career was rooted in both pediatric nursing and teaching in higher education, my work has evolved into business ownership and consulting roles informed by my experience as a disability rights advocate and my lived experience as the mother of a child with Down syndrome. As a parent, especially as the mother of our oldest daughter, Ellie, who has Down syndrome, that lens has been both incredibly helpful and deeply humbling. Parenting a child with Down syndrome has made me more empathetic and committed to helping others feel supported, informed and less alone as they navigate complex systems.
What disability advocacy work do you do?
My advocacy journey began long before ever becoming a parent. I grew up with a close friend, Julie, who, like Ellie, has Down syndrome. This shaped from a very young age how I understood disability, inclusion and possibility, so I wasn’t afraid when we learned of Ellie’s diagnosis. I already knew how full and absolutely beautiful her life would be.
Today, I serve as co-chair of the Maryland Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition, where much of my work focuses on educational equity and inclusion for students with intellectual disabilities. I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn alongside their peers with high expectations and the support needed to succeed.
We are so grateful to live in a community where Ellie is truly included and belongs.
For somebody who doesn’t know, what’s something that might surprise them about having a loved one with a disability?
A big misconception is disability defines a child’s life — or a family’s life. In reality, it is just one part of a much more complex and dynamic lived experience. Life is full — sometimes a bit more layered but very much just a typical life.
What people don’t always see is the ongoing decision-making and mental load behind the scenes, such as navigating broken systems and advocating within spaces that don’t always move with clarity or consistency. It is a lot of extra and often exhausting work, but work that is rooted in love and absolutely worth it.
Tell me about Military Aviators Cancer Action Network (MACAN) and your advocacy efforts there.
I co-founded Military Aviators Cancer Action Network (MACAN) with my husband, a [U.S. Naval Academy] grad and former U.S. Navy F/A-18 and C-130 pilot, following his second cancer diagnosis. MACAN began as a grassroots effort to support military aviation families navigating cancer while raising awareness of potential health risks. Since then, it’s become part of a broader coalition effort alongside Military Aviators Coalition for Health Coalition and Veteran Families for Education & Awareness. We’ve built legislative momentum for studies and research that led to the 2025 ACES Act, expanding research into aviation-related cancer risks.
How can people be better advocates for or more supportive of those with disabilities?
I think that the most powerful shift that people can make is moving from assumption to curiosity and always presuming competence. Being a better advocate is rooted in everyday moments: including children with disabilities in activities without hesitation, making space for accommodations without stigma and speaking up when you notice exclusion instead of overlooking it.
It also means recognizing that inclusion isn’t a place or a program, but rather a cultural paradigm shift — one that shows up in how we think, speak and design experiences that foster belonging for every individual within our community.
Family Favorites
Meal To Share: Taco Tuesday or Friday Pizza Night
Game To Play: Monopoly (The competition is strong.)
Place To Vacation: Cape Cod
Movie or TV Show To Watch: The movie “Wicked”
