The Better Together Podcast

Welcome to this week's episode of Better Together Supports ! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Erin about: Erin shares her experiences navigating parenting challenges and raising a son with autism and co-occurring mental health disorders. They dive deep into the intersection of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with mental health, highlighting systemic gaps in support. Er...

Welcome to this week's episode of Better Together Supports! In this episode, hosts Jacob Espinoza and Erin speak with David, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with Better Together Supports, about: David’s lived experience with autism and ADHD, and how it shapes his empathetic approach to supporting clients. The unique dynamics of building trust-based relationships with neurodiverse children and...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Supports Podcast ! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Erin speak with Ashley Olsen of Every Body Wellness about: Ashley’s journey integrating personal training with support services for individuals with developmental disabilities. How Every Body Wellness is redefining inclusive fitness through adaptive, accessible group classes and holistic he...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Erin about: The importance of unified sports programs that bring together people with and without disabilities How inclusive community events create opportunities for connection and friendship Better Together Supports' involvement with the Awesome 3000 event And much more! Timestamps: 00:01:3...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Erin about: The unique family dynamics in households with children who have disabilities Navigating the challenges of blending families when a child has autism How sibling relationships develop and evolve in mixed-ability households And much more! Timestamps: 00:05:06 - Challenges of blending...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Erin about: Early childhood development and how the first five years shape 90% of brain development The importance of emotional intelligence and how early experiences impact future capabilities Creating a supportive "village" when raising children with disabilities And much more! Timestamps:...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Erin about: The critical importance of early intervention for children with developmental disabilities. How the first five years of life impact 90% of brain development and emotional intelligence. Navigating the challenges of finding support services and creating a community. Personal experie...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Erin about: The various types of ADHD. How ADHD presents differently in women versus men. The challenges of living with "invisible disabilities" and why early diagnosis matters for proper support. And much more! 00:01:57 - ADHD differences between men and women 00:07:47 - Different types of A...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Erin about: Her experience as both a parent of a child with autism and ADHD and a learning specialist. The Oregon youth work program helping teens with disabilities gain employment skills. Understanding the various aspects of special education and learning disabilities. And much more! Timesta...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Pauline Lee from Autism Minds about: Her journey creating PIE (Program for Intellectual Empowerment) and supporting creative expression. How her cousin's artistic talent inspired her work with the neurodivergent community. The importance of art as a universal language for self-expression. Cre...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Belinda Hanson about: Her experience with Oregon Adaptive Sports and the impact on her son. The journey of raising a son with autism and finding community support. How her perspective has evolved from the challenging early years. And much more! Timestamps: 00:02:05 - Oregon Adaptive Sports pr...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with David Neely about: His journey starting as an instructional assistant in a life skills classroom. Building a special bond with his first student in the IDD community. How that relationship changed his perspective and career path. And much more! Timestamps: 00:05:05 - David's first experience...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Claudia Lynne about: Her journey raising four children, including two sons on the autism spectrum. Getting early diagnoses and finding support systems. Navigating challenges with screen time and sensory input. And much more! Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Claudia Lynne 00:02:32 - Earl...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Mallea Rofelty about: Updates on Salem's Capernaum program and community building. Details about the upcoming Capernaum Prom in May. Success stories from recent events and activities. And much more! You can email Mallea directly at: [malleaa.yl@gmail.com](mailto:malleaa.yl@gmail.com) Timestam...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Lisa "LT" Thomas about: Living with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and maintaining independence. Advocating for changes to disability assistance programs. Balancing full-time work with needed daily support. And much more! Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Lisa "LT" Thomas 00:05:41 - Under...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Josh and Mary Hildebrandt about: Their journey raising three boys, including their youngest son Jordan who has Down syndrome. Breaking down myths and misconceptions about Down syndrome. The special bond within the Down syndrome community. And much more! Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Kaylee Jolly about: Understanding unbalanced translocation and Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. Her journey as a mother of two children with rare genetic conditions. Finding accessible places and activities for the family. And much more! Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Kaylee Jolly 02:17 - Early...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and David Neely speak with Jackson Campbell about: His successful YouTube channel and content creation journey. Growing up with disabilities and overcoming challenges. The importance of treating everyone as people first. And much more! Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:46 - YouTube channel origin...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Katy Adams about: The Chris and Jill How You Doing Foundation, named in memory of her brother and mother. Her new role as developmental disabilities coordinator at the Salem YMCA. Creating purpose from tragedy through community service. And much more! Timestamps: 00:01:17 - Foundation name or...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Karla and George about: How businesses and communities can better support families with autism. Navigating family dynamics and cultural perspectives on autism. Their journey as parents of a 4-year-old son with level 3 autism. And much more! Timestamps: 00:01:14 - Introduction to Christian and...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Supports Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Mallea Anderson about: Her new role as Capernaum coordinator for Oregon and Southwest Washington. What Capernaum is and how it serves the IDD community. Creating spaces where young adults with disabilities can truly belong. The growth plans for Salem's Capernaum program. And much mor...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Shannon Campbell about: The creation and growth of Capernaum, a Young Life branch for people with disabilities. Her personal journey as a mother to Jackson, a charismatic 21-year-old with disabilities. The transition challenges from structured school life to adulthood. And much more! You can...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Supports Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and David Neely discuss: What it means to be a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and the impact they have on families. Understanding the IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) community and support services. How county programs help connect families with essential resources. The quali...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with returning guest Randi Cravens about: Understanding and managing ISP (Individual Service Plan) meetings. The emotional journey of parent-teacher conferences over the years. How focusing on successes rather than deficits has changed meeting dynamics. And much more! Timestamps 00:00:26 - Jacob's...

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, David Neely and Jacob Espinoza talk with special guest Monique Ford about: Life as a single parent caring for two children with special needs. The challenges and planning required for public outings with special needs children. Building a support system and the importance of reliable care partners. And much more! Times...