Afleveringen
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On this episode, I talk with Julia Dapkus, a dedicated mother and advocate, about her family's journey with her daughter, Isabelle, who has autism. Julia shares the challenges of navigating early developmental delays, the impact of early intervention, and the power of communication. She also discusses her inspiration for founding Communication is Key AAC, a Michigan-based nonprofit that ensures individuals with complex communication needs have access to the tools and support they deserve. Through scholarships, training, and essential resources - including communication devices, software, literacy materials, and playground communication boards - the organization is breaking barriers and empowering families and schools.
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In this episode, I sit down with Todd Turner, the inspiring founder of Team GUTS—a nonprofit transforming lives through fitness and sports programs for individuals with special needs. Todd opens up about his family’s journey raising his incredible daughter, who has both Down syndrome and autism. He shares heartfelt stories of challenges, triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way. From the impact of early intervention and advocacy to the life-changing power of fitness and community, this conversation is packed with insights, hope, and inspiration.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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What would you do if you faced profound loss while raising a child with special needs—could you find grit and grace to move forward?
In this episode, I sit down with Jess Ronne—an author, podcaster, nonprofit executive, and passionate advocate for families of children with special needs—to explore this question and more as she shares about her family’s incredible journey. Jess opens up about raising her son, Lucas, who has profound autism, and navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of early childhood, including the heartbreaking loss of her first husband, Lucas’s father. She reflects on finding love again, expanding her family, and now transitioning Lucas to supported housing as an adult, all while balancing caregiving with self-care. Jess also discusses her new book, Caregiving with Grit and Grace, and the creation of The Lucas Project, a nonprofit providing vital resources and respite for caregivers. This heartfelt conversation highlights the power of resilience, community, and love.
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On this episode, I chat with Sarah Raphael, a mom of two young children, who shares her family’s journey navigating parenting 'neurospicy' kids, her advocacy in schools, her focus on self-care and mental health, and the value of connecting with others through special groups like Extra Lucky Moms.
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In this episode, Lee Ackerman shares his honest experience as the sibling of his sister Gretchen, who has developmental disabilities. He reflects on growing up together and his role now as her lifelong guardian. Lee also offers valuable insights into planning for the future and supporting families when caregivers are no longer there as the executive of an advocacy, planning, and guardianship nonprofit. Join us for a candid conversation about family, responsibility, and navigating the complexities of guardianship.
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In this episode, Lauren Christilaw shares her experience as a mother to her young son, Henry, who has autism. She reflects on the unique challenges of welcoming a new baby during the pandemic while uncovering developmental delays and then advocating for evaluation, diagnosis, and the necessary services. She also shares some of her experience navigating the schools and the importance of blended classrooms, data-driven results, and documented goals in IEPs to secure the right educational environment for her son. Join us for an empowering conversation about the complexities of parenting a child with special needs and the strength that comes from standing up for our loved ones.
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In this heartwarming episode of Let's Plant Houses, Theresa Gutierrez shares the beautiful story of growing up with her brother, Peter, who has Down syndrome. With a perfect mix of humor and love, Theresa reflects on the brave choice her parents made to embrace Peter's life, defying the expert advice of the time. But that's just the beginning—Theresa takes us on a tour of their incredible relationship and the joy Peter brings everyone around him. From his moments in the Special Olympics to the incredible community that has rallied around him and his family, this episode is a celebration of family. Listen now!
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Disney vacations have become a childhood rite of passage, but for families with children who have special needs, it can feel out of reach. Enter Christa Andrews from Practically Perfect Vacations, a Certified Autism Travel Professional and a specialist with Disney and Universal resorts. In this episode, she shares how she helps families plan the vacations they’ve dreamed of. Her certification equips her to support individuals on the autism spectrum, ensuring they have a magical and stress-free experience. Tune in to learn how to make your next family getaway possible!
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On this episode of Let's Plant Houses, I sit down with Mireya Martinez, a single mother who has navigated life’s challenges with grace, all while raising her two children—one of whom, Bianca, has autism. Mireya shares her story about how she turned her love and dedication into a powerful force, creating a community of support through her nonprofit, Just 4 Me. With the motto, "No young adult with special needs or disability is left behind," Mireya’s mission is to ensure that every individual finds a place to belong. She opens up about building a space where friendships are forged, social skills are developed, and lives are transformed. Tune in for a conversation about creating community, love, and purpose.
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In this episode of Let's Plant Houses, Kim Cascardo opens up about her son Enzo's journey through significant medical challenges since infancy. Although Enzo remains without a formal diagnosis, his symptoms closely resemble Leigh Syndrome. Kim shares her own wisdom and how her family has come together to support Enzo through his ongoing health battles. Tune in for a powerful conversation about love, strength, and hope in the face of uncertainty.
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David Buckley joined us to talk about his son Jack's diagnosis of Down syndrome and the whole new world it opened up for their entire family. Not only are they creating a better life for Jack, but also for others through their involvement with some amazing organizations like the Miracle League, Gigi's Playhouse, and Angel's Place to name a few. Come listen to our last episode of the season.
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Joel and Debbie are the visionary creators of the Dani Plan, an innovative tool inspired by their eldest daughter, Dani, who has autism. The Dani Plan serves as a secure, centralized hub that organizes and consolidates all essential information needed to care for an individual with special needs. This makes caregiving more manageable and helps families plan for the future. Tune into this episode to hear about their family's journey and their mission to simplify caregiving and future planning for families with loved ones who have special needs.
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This week on Let's Plant Houses, I had the privilege of interviewing Rachelle Vartanian, the founder of the Living and Learning Center in Northville, Michigan. Rachelle's journey began with an autism diagnosis for her son. Once she understood the lack of autism resources, she leveraged her expertise as a special education professional and her dedication as a parent to create new opportunities for him and others. What started with social skills sessions at a public library has grown into the Living and Learning Center, a special and unique place that provides therapeutic, social, work-based, and community engagement for people with disabilities. Tune in to hear Rachelle's inspiring story and her vision for the future.
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On this episode of Let's Plant Houses, I am joined by Janice Fialka, a nationally-recognized lecturer, author, and advocate for families and people with disabilities, who tells her family's origin story. Micah, her son, was born with a cognitive impairment, but that didn't stop him from sharing and seizing his dreams. Janice recounts Micah's pioneering path towards complete inclusion, spanning from his early education to college, work, and beyond. His journey and their collective advocacy has had a lasting impact on the entire disabilities community. You can learn more about Janice, Micah, and their work at: https://danceofpartnership.com/.
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Join me on Let's Plant Houses for a heartfelt conversation with Benji and Sarah as they reflect on their family's extraordinary journey with their daughter, Ellah. Born with Coffin-Siris Syndrome (CSS) as well as a rare defect, Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC), Ellah faces unique health and developmental hurdles. Yet her resilience and push to be understood has created remarkable communication breakthroughs. Benji and Sarah delve into this story and more as well as their own incredible advocacy that has brought awareness of this rare condition to our local communities and beyond.
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We covered a lot of ground with the first nine episodes of Let's Plant Houses. On this 10th episode, I am a sharing a Top 10 List of resources mentioned in our stories in just 15 minutes. This episode is perfect for parents, caregivers, and professionals who are looking to learn about what's available in our local area and why they might want to reach out to learn more.
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Join us on Let's Plant Houses when I sit down with Tracie, a savvy and resourceful mother and entrepreneur. Tracie discusses pivotal moments including her son's diagnosis of autism to the creation of his thriving business Expedition Soaps, the completion of his college degree, his well traveled passport, and his future just beginning. In turn, Tracie has used her own lived experience to launch the IEP Advantage, a groundbreaking resource that equips parents with the knowledge and confidence to advocate effectively for their children.
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Join us on this episode of Let’s Plant Houses when we sit down with Rhonda, who shares her family's story of resilience and entrepreneurship. When her son with autism finished high school and a trade program, Tyler could not find a job even with his advanced degree. Rather than remaining unemployed, Rhonda helped Tyler transform his household chore of returning bottles into a thriving business, Tyler's Bottle Service. Stay tuned as we learn about the challenges they faced, their successes, and the lessons learned along the way.
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Join us on this episode of Let’s Plant Houses when we sit down with Lisa. Lisa talks about Shay, her daughter with complex special needs who passed away and the amazing legacy she has left. Come learn about Shay's extraordinary life, the remarkable imprint she left on others, and the inspiring work Lisa is now doing in our communities.
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Join us on this episode of Let’s Plant Houses as we sit down with Julie, a remarkable parent who shares her family’s journey of navigating a special needs diagnosis during her son's pursuit of higher education at a university. Through heartfelt storytelling, she shares the challenges faced, the pivotal moments of growth, and the unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and successful college experience.
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