Girl Power Garage

10/01/2026

I met Davis a few times this month while completing my Advanced EMT clinicals. I was coming from completing my EMT rolling straight into AEMT, and even with 26 years of experience working in the OR, being on an ambulance is completely new territory for me. It’s an understatement to say I was nervous.

My first clinical with them started with morning training at one of Henrico’s spots. It was hot, and I was definitely out of place. Davis, along with the rest of the crew there, made sure I stayed hydrated and humored my million questions while I learned about an entire world I knew almost nothing about: fire suppression, the trucks, water access, and all the little things that go into doing their job that I had never had reason to know before. He took the time to show me how the pumps work, how water is stored, and explained the different hose sizes and how they affect the flow. Davis knew what he was talking about.

He was wonderful. He answered my questions, spoke with me rather than down to me, and took a genuine interest when I told him about Girl Power Garage and the work I was doing. He was interested in the audio competition we were prepping for, and talked about his truck and bike. I learned we had the same taste in Mustangs. He was competent, kind, and easy to laugh with.

I didn’t know him well, and I don’t want to pretend that I did. But I remember how he made me feel during those first few ambulance experiences. For those shifts, Davis, along with the rest of Station 7, made a very unfamiliar environment feel safe. They gave me room to learn without making me feel foolish for what I didn’t know, and helped me become more confident bringing the skills I already have into EMS.

It may have been only a few encounters, but he left a lasting impression on me. I’m deeply sorry for his wife, his daughters, and everyone who loved him.

If you’re able to help his family, or simply share this on their behalf:

With heavy hearts, we’re asking for your support for the wife and daugh… Lavonda Sumpter needs your support for Support for Ashtain Davis’s Wife and Daughters

09/10/2026

We’ve been quiet over here, working on a few things. We’re about to dial it up and get loud.

Girl Power Garage is making its official introduction to the car-audio scene this weekend at Team Mayhem’s 5th Annual Mayhem N Madison.

Come see us Saturday, September 12, at 1015 Fairground Rd. in Madison, Virginia. Registration begins at 10 AM and competition starts at 10:30 AM.

01/18/2026

This is my nephew, Blake. And he really is the best.

Blake experiences the world through a nervous system that feels everything a little louder. Noise. Movement. Transitions. Crowded spaces. When sensory input stacks up, his body has to work overtime just to stay regulated. That isn’t a flaw. It’s simply how his brain and body are wired.

For Blake, moments of sensory overload don’t just pass. They interrupt his ability to stay present, safe, and engaged with the world around him. When his nervous system tips past its threshold, he needs support that can respond immediately, without asking him to explain what’s happening or push through it.

Because of that, the right kind of support matters. He needs something that works with his body in real time, especially when the world starts asking too much of him.

After a thorough evaluation process, Blake has been approved and selected to receive a trained service dog. It’s a determination that a service dog is an appropriate and necessary support for his needs, based on how his nervous system functions day to day.

A service dog isn’t a pet or a comfort item. It’s a highly trained partner that works directly with a child’s nervous system. These dogs are trained to recognize early signs of sensory overload, interrupt escalating stress responses, provide deep pressure and physical grounding, and help a child return to baseline before overwhelm turns into panic or shutdown (Carlisle, 2015).

The science behind this kind of support is strong. Research shows that children with sensory and neurological differences who work with service dogs often experience improved emotional regulation and reduced daily anxiety (Rodriguez & O’Haire, 2019). Studies following families after placement also show meaningful reductions in caregiver stress and improvements in overall family functioning (Dollion et al., 2024).

Beyond the measurable outcomes, there’s also the relationship itself. That bond matters. Service dogs provide nonjudgmental, consistent support that responds to the child’s body rather than requiring words, which has been shown to improve feelings of safety and emotional connection (Leighton et al., 2023). This steady presence can also help children navigate public spaces with more confidence, often acting as a social bridge (Lindsay et al., 2021).

This is a service he needs. It’s about Blake’s day-to-day life. It’s about giving him a steady, calming presence when the world becomes too loud. It’s about helping his nervous system settle enough to learn, connect, and move through the world with the ease he deserves.

Service dogs take years of specialized training, and the cost reflects the depth of that work. Supporting Blake in this way is an investment in his independence and long-term wellbeing. The science supports it. The outcomes support it. And anyone who knows Blake knows he is worth it.

If you’re able to share his story or contribute toward his service dog, it truly matters. Every bit helps bring him closer to his partner.

Thank you for seeing him.

References

Rodriguez, K. E., & O’Haire, M. E. (2019). Service dogs and psychosocial health and well-being. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6, 191.

Dollion, N., et al. (2024). Impact of service dog integration on autistic children and parental anxiety. PLOS ONE, 19(1), e0295702.

Leighton, S. C., et al. (2023). Autism assistance dogs: Effects on child safety, emotional regulation, and family wellbeing. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, 1210095.

Lindsay, S., et al. (2021). Exploring the impact of service dogs on children with disabilities and their families. Disability and Rehabilitation, 43(14), 1991–2002.

Carlisle, G. K. (2015). The social and emotional effects of assistance dogs for children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 30(1), 26–37.

Hope in Action:Donations support Blake’s service dog partnership, providing long-term support tailored to his needs. Blake has been navigating a big world with

01/18/2026

It’s that time of year again!

The 2026 season is open for registration. 🔥

More track time. More progress. More reasons to keep showing up. Lock in your schedule and guarantee your spot now! 🏁

01/08/2026

01/08/2026

Just a reminder that I don’t use this profile often during the fall and winter when we’re not actively doing community outreach. I’m usually only on here once every couple of weeks.

The best way to reach us is by email. Text is fine as well, just please introduce yourself. You can also reach me through my main profile.

Thank you
Chrissy