Courtney Stephenson, an alumna of the Florida State University (FSU) School of Information (iSchool), has published two new applications: “My Toddler Talk and Little Wins.” These apps represent Stephenson’s goal of using her technical skills to help people, whether it’s to find their voices or to see the good in the work they do.
Stephenson began her journey at FSU when she was only 17 years old. She joined the STARS Alliance, where she had the opportunity to teach elementary and middle school students the basics of web development. This experience reinforced her understanding of how technology can be a tool for learning.
This mindset proved essential when she felt overwhelmed by her studies; she relied on her professors’ guidance. She noted that this advice helped her learn to break large problems into smaller, more manageable pieces. She traces this moment back to a crucial moment in her academic career.
“One of my very first classes at FSU was with Professor Randeree, and I’ll never forget something he said to me when I was struggling: ‘You’re thinking too hard. Take a deep breath and focus on what’s right in front of you,” Stephenson said.
Stephenson’s first app, My Toddler Talk, is an interactive platform designed for toddler learning and family collaboration. Originally, she created the tool for her son, who is autistic and had difficulty speaking. After seeing how much it helped him, she partnered with a speech therapist to further develop the software.
“What began as a tool for my own child became something that could help others. My goal is to help children like my son find their voice through technology,” Stephenson said. “Every child deserves tools that help them communicate, express themselves, and feel understood.”
Her second app, Little Wins, focuses on personal progress and mental wellness. Inspired by her husband’s struggle to recognize his own achievements, Stephenson built the app to help users focus on small steps forward.
“Little Wins helps users stay grounded in the present by focusing on three small moments of progress each day,” Stephenson said. “I wanted to shift the focus from only celebrating big milestones to recognizing the small, consistent steps that move us forward. Those everyday moments matter.”
Ultimately, Stephenson views her work as a way to turn her technical education into a meaningful service for others. By focusing on communication and personal growth, she hopes her applications provide real-world support for those who need it most, empowering the youngest learners to find their voice and encouraging others to find purpose in the small, daily moments that define a life.
“With both apps, my dream has always been to use what I’ve learned to genuinely help people and make their daily lives a little bit easier” Stephenson said.