Fuel Your Purpose

Amanda talks with two other siblings who also have brothers with a disability. Despite each having a different diagnosis, these siblings share a lot of the same hopes and fears for their loved ones. For siblings -- or even parents -- of those with a disability, let this bring you hope that there is a community of  support out there for you. Follow Open Arms on Instagram and Facebook to connec...

When I had a dream to open a nonprofit serving those with intellectual disabilities eight years ago, my local hospital gave me the grant funding to open the doors. Since then, they have been consistent financial supporters of Puzzle Pieces and believe in my mission. In this episode, I talk with Debbie Zuerner Johnson, Director of Community Engagement for Owensboro Health, who helped me secure that...

Meet Kelly and Quincy, two directors at Puzzle Pieces, a nonprofit for those with intellectual disabilities. These ladies have been with Amanda since the beginning, sharing her vision and passion for the Puzzle Pieces mission. Discover how they came to a career serving those with disabilities and tips on how to best combat the behaviors they may display. Check out Puzzle Pieces and follow the stor...

Amanda talks about how striving to achieve your goals should be centered around targeted habits that shape you into the person that can pursue more for the future you desire.  If you are the all-in, go hard, and load up on goals all at once-this episode is for you. Don’t miss any upcoming podcast episodes and check out Amanda’s blog @ www.puzzle-pieces.org Follow Amanda on Instagram and Faceb...

Blaire and Amanda both grew up with brothers with disabilities. They both became special education teachers to help others like their brothers. They both now serve hundreds through Puzzle Pieces, a nonprofit serving those with intellectual disabilities. These two women, who have devoted their lives to educating, training and promoting inclusion of those with disabilities, offer five fundamental ti...

It’s no secret that women try to do it all, balancing a career and passion with being a mom, wife, daughter, sister. It seems like we switch hats between each of these roles constantly throughout the day, but the one accessory we never take off is our superhero cape, allowing us to be everything for everybody every day. Amanda talks with business leader Amy Jackson, president of a bank, board memb...

In this episode Amanda gets emotional and vulnerable with how she is dealing and getting through the bad in the world.  Are we distracted by the bad that we can’t see the good?  She puts it all out there in order to remind her listeners to Be still and find your Faith during the difficult times. We must honor our own journey by respecting others’ choice within their journey.  This e...

Amanda talks with Realtor Kelly Anne Harris about the differences between starting a business versus a nonprofit and the surprising similarities. These two powerhouse women have made a difference in their hometown with their unique missions and have found that despite serving in two different sectors, collaborating together has made a huge impact on their small community. Check out Amanda’s nonpro...

We are all on the search for more as we try to determine how we design a life built on purpose. Everyone needs and deserves to have their life filled with love, joy, and purpose. Amanda shares 4  ways on how to start aligning your decisions, relationships, and yourself around your intended purpose. If you are not living a life where it features you as your most authentic self - then stop what...

Being a working mom has its challenges, especially when you haven’t found that perfect balance. Amanda shares how she had to become intentional with her family and she started with family dinners. From Taco Tuesday, to the rhyming game, and naming the highs & lows of the day- how family dinners started off not like she planned but then through persistence became a magical time for her family....

Having grown up alongside her brother with a disability, Amanda, has learned to embrace the things she cannot change.  Being his sister has taught me many life lessons, and one of those lessons I’m sharing with you.  There is one thing that all families who have a child/sibling with a disability have experienced more often than not…. people who stare .   Take a listen at how Amanda...

From a young age, Amanda has wanted nothing more than to impact others along her journey. Growing up with a brother with a disability gave her purpose and fueled her passion. She built a successful nonprofit around serving others like her brother and has worked every day to make her community more inclusive. Join her as she continues her journey of empowerment, self discovery, leading with purpose...