Surpassing Labels

In this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Hilary Coughlin, an experienced physical therapist with over 20 years of expertise in pediatric and special needs physical therapy. Hilary shares her valuable insights on the unique physical challenges faced by children with special needs and how physical therapy that can significantly improve their quality of life. We'll dive deep into the importance of in...

In this episode of "Mind Matters: Part 2," we dive into practical strategies for cultivating and maintaining a positive mindset. Building on the insights from our previous discussion, we explore actionable techniques that can be seamlessly integrated into your daily routine. Whether you're dealing with stress, facing challenges, or simply striving for a more optimistic outlook, this episode is pac...

Today, we'll uncover how our conscious mind—the rational, aware part of our brain—guides our daily decisions and actions, while the unconscious mind works behind the scenes, influencing our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in ways we often don't realize. We'll also discuss the groundbreaking work of psychologist Carol Dweck, who introduced the idea of fixed and growth mindsets. A fixed mindset be...

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Mindy Allen. She is an Assistant Program Director at the Family Resource Center for Disabilities and Special Needs in Charleston, South Carolina .  In addition, Mindy is the creator and curator of the Nesting Guide and ID Guide.  These 2 guides are data initiatives to disseminate cradle to career health and human service data.  She shares the...

In this episode, we sit down with Sangita Thakur. An extraordinary individual whose passion for inclusion knows no bounds.  Sangita has SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) and is also deaf, but she leverages her experiences with disabilities to drive positive change. She is the Founder of Ashtavakra Accessibility Solutions, a social enterprise focused on DEIB&A for individuals with disabilities. Aft...

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Abbey Benjamin, an inspiring mom to Tommy and Avery Joy.   She is a wife to Chris, a nurse, dance teacher, and self-published children's book author.    Her daughter, Avery Joy, has been diagnosed with adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency (ADSLD), a rare genetic disorder that impacts metabolic function and development.   Abbey shares the emotional journey...

In this episode, we talk about the question what you truly want from life and how harnessing the power of possibility can help you to achieve it. Life often presents us with a myriad of choices and paths, yet amidst the noise and chaos, discovering what we really want can feel like walking through a foggy landscape. By daring to dream, and embracing the power of possibility we open ourselves up to...

In today's episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Destiny Huff, MS, LPC, CPCS. She is a  mental health therapist, certified trauma therapist for children, and an exceptional neuroaffirming IEP Coach and Advocate. Destiny is dedicated to empowering parents navigating the complexities of special education. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the Individualized Education Prog...

In today's episode, I ask a fundamental question that has the power to reshape your entire perspective. Are you defined by your life, or living a life that you've defined? It's a thought-provoking question that forces us to examine the narrative we've constructed around our own existence. For many, expectations, pressures, and norms can dictate the trajectory of our lives, leaving us feeling boxed...

In this episode, I'll dive deep into the realms of emotional intelligence and regulation, exploring the pivotal role they play in our daily lives. We'll uncover the essence of emotional intelligence, shedding light on how it empowers us to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions effectively. Moreover, we'll unravel the intricacies of emotional regulation, a skill vital for maintaining inner...

In this episode, we sit down with Melanie Cebular, a remarkable mother of six whose journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. With a daughter who has a variance of the DHX16 gene, alongside two sons on the autism spectrum and two with ADHD, Melanie shares her experiences navigating the complexities of neurodiversity within her family. From the initial challenges of understanding and accepting each...

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Libby Perna, a remarkable woman whose journey as a mother to her daughter Quincy with Leigh Syndrome is nothing short of inspiring. Leigh Syndrome, is a rare and progressive neurological disorder, it presents daunting challenges for both the child and their family. Yet, amidst the struggles, Libby and her husband have found unwavering strength and re...

In this episode we explore the world of chronic illness and neurological conditions with our special guest Elise Renee, who bravely shares their journey living with both Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES). Through her candid insights and personal experiences, Elise sheds light on the challenges of navigating life with these not well known...

Join me for a heartwarming and insightful episode as we delve into the journey of Sharon Charmley, a mom raising two exceptional boys, gifted yet navigating the challenges of dyslexia and ADHD.  Through candid conversations, we explore the highs and lows of parenting, and the moments of growth that come with raising children who defy societal norms.  From celebrating their victories to overcoming...

In this podcast interview, I had the privilege of sitting down with a dedicated special education teacher Deanne Lutz. She shared invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of working with students with diverse needs. I found our conversation particularly enlightening and relevant to the experiences of the parents I serve. Her passion for creating inclusive and supportive learning enviro...

In this episode, we'll talk about what it truly means to be a special needs coach. I've often been asked, "What is a Special Needs Coach?" "What exactly do you do?" Today, I aim to clarify this crucial role and share with you the profound impact a coach can have on the lives of families navigating the complex landscape of special needs parenting. From providing tailored guidance and support to emp...

Today, in part 2 of The Shaping Perspectives Episode, I had the privilege of welcoming Ciana Rollings, an inspiring individual who brings a unique perspective to our discussion.  Growing up as the child of a special needs parent, Ciana navigated a journey filled with compassion, resilience, and profound insights. Now, as an adult, she graciously shares her story, offering invaluable wisdom to othe...

In this 2 part interview, I had the privilege of talking to one of my oldest and dearest friends Vevay Rollings! She is remarkable woman who shares her insights into her unique experiences, challenges, and offers a glimpse of a new perspective of living with special needs as an adult and mother. Her interview highlights not only the importance of understanding and addressing the specific needs of...

  In this episode I had the privilege of conversing with a highly knowledgeable Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) Jacqueline Kearns. Jackie Kearns is a Senior Speech Language Pathologist at Cleveland Clinic Children's Therapy Services.   She has been practicing for over 15 years in both the outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation settings. She specializes in early intervention and use of augmentat...

In this episode I explore the crucial topic of self-care, tailored specifically for special needs parents. Join me as we explore practical strategies and personalized self-care ideas that resonate with you.  I'll discuss the importance of carving out time for yourself amidst the demands of caregiving, emphasizing that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Throughout the episode, I'll share in...

In today's episode, we're delving into a topic that's often overlooked but profoundly transformative: self-compassion. In our fast-paced world, filled with pressures and expectations, we often forget to extend the same kindness to ourselves that we readily offer to others. But self-compassion isn't just about self-care; it's a radical act of acceptance and understanding towards our true selves, fl...

In this compelling podcast episode, we sit down for an insightful and heartwarming interview with a remarkable mom who is navigating the journey of raising a daughter with Jordan's Syndrome.  Join us as Michelle Fruhschien shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs in parenting a child with unique needs. All while navigating her family life, teaching, and advocating for her daughter at MamaB...

In this episode, we embark on an enlightening conversation with Alaine Jacobs, is a mom of 3 kids, a wife, and an entrepreneur. Two of her three kids were born Deaf and wear cochlear implants. Alaine has been working for over a year with her local Deaf community to support parents of deaf/ hard of hearing children in central North Carolina, and coaches parents of deaf/ hard of hearing children in...

In this compelling podcast episode, we confront the often-unspoken emotion of guilt. We explore some common ideas that provoke feelings of guilt and the profound impact it can have on parents. From questioning decisions to balancing responsibilities, guilt can manifest in various ways. Through this candid conversation I aim to unravel the layers of guilt, providing a safe space for parents to ackn...

In this podcast episode, we delve into the profound and complex emotions surrounding grief,  within the context of being a special needs parent. Grief is a universal experience, yet it takes on unique forms for each individual. We explore the intricacies of navigating grief within the framework of parenting children with special needs. My discussion will touch upon the challenges, the stages, and...