Embrace the Blessing

ETB 33:  In this episode I announce a brief break as we quarantine, then head out on a family vacation. I will see you on July 6th with another amazing parent to inspire and encourage you.  Until then, here are some things to keep you entertained: Play Wordle https://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.html Become a Lego Sculptor (and leave your Law Degree behind) https://youtu.be/8CP9hzSm60Y Learn...

ETB 32:  In this episode I share a story about a time when Josiah at 9 years old, left our home unescorted and none of us were aware that he was even gone.   Sadly, this was not the first time it happened and it most definitely was not the last.  We had some pretty frightening experiences with Josiah eloping.   Despite our best efforts to keep him safely INSIDE our home, he was clever and oh so fa...

ETB 31:  In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with former guests Jean and Brianna TenBrink, a dynamic mother/daughter duo about Project LEAH (Leaders Ending Abuse & Harm) a community coalition against educator abuse and mistreatment of children with disabilities in Texas public schools. Jean,  an advocacy coordinator and mother of 3 daughters, 2 of whom are on different ends...

ETB 30:  In this episode, I talk with former guests Jean and Brianna TenBrink, a dynamic mother/daughter duo about Project LEAH (Leaders Ending Abuse & Harm) a community coalition against educator abuse and mistreatment of children with disabilities in Texas public schools. Jean,  mother of 3 daughters, 2 of whom are on different ends of the autistic spectrum is an advocacy coordinator who hel...

ETB 29:  In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I talk with Ricky Broussard, Self-Advocate, Peer Support Leader and all around great guy, who at the age of 10 had to move out of his family's home and into a large facility for people with disabilities.  Ricky lived in 4 different facilities over the next 29 years.  He went from  having most of his decisions made for him, to surrounding himself w...

ETB 28:  In this episode I talk with Ricky Broussard, Self-Advocate, Peer Support Leader and all around great guy, who at the age of 10 had to move out of his family's home and into a large facility for people with disabilities.  Ricky lived in 4 different facilities over the next 29 years.  He went from  having most of his decisions made for him, to surrounding himself with people he knew an...

ETB 27:  In this episode I talk with Vivecca Hartman, mother of 2 and new grandmother, about life with her 24 year old son Christopher, born with a rare genetic mutation, Leber Congenital Amaurosis. Physically healthy in every other way, his vision and hearing was all that was affected at birth.  Very curious, physically fit and funny, Christopher likes to stay active and keep busy.  He communicat...

ETB 26:  In this episode I talk with Rick Deppisch. the first dad to be featured on the podcast who also just happens to be my husband and the father of our 5 children.  Rick shares his perspective on the challenges our family has endured and overcome over the years as we've navigated life with Josiah, our 20 year old son who has Down syndrome and non-verbal Autism. Rick believes faith is wha...

ETB 25:  In this episode I talk with Teresa Trent,  author of  3 different mystery series, whose 29 year old son Andrew has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism.   He's  also non verbal, has a seizure disorder and from that he's developed a need for a  Peg tube.   Andrew is a sweetheart, greatly loved and never in a bad mood.  It's no mystery that accepting your child's...

ETB 24: In this episode I talk with Heather Burdeaux, a former guest from episode ETB 4 Paying Attention to Behavior Changes, Expectation Management & Maintaining Friendships. As a  case manager Heather shares about Community First Choice (CFC), a program in Texas that provides certain services and supports to individuals living in the community who are enrolled in the Medicaid program and mee...

EBT 23:  In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Cynthia Rodriguez, amazing mom, grandma, and special needs advocate who loves to reach out and help others.  If you have a child with a disability and happen to  cross Cynthia's path somewhere out in the world,  more than likely she will strike up a conversation to check in with you to see how things are going.  She'll...

EBT 22:  In this episode I talk with Cynthia Rodriguez, amazing mom, grandma, and special needs advocate who loves to reach out and help others.  If you have a child with a disability and happen to  cross Cynthia's path somewhere out in the world,  more than likely she will strike up a conversation to check in with you to see how things are going.  She'll offer suggestions and resources...

In this episode I talk with Jennifer Fetter-Matthys about Ecologist School - Houston, an  engaging outdoor learning community that encourages children and families to get out in nature. Students learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math, Outdoor Skills, Volunteerism and Leadership through hands-on, immersive lessons focused on nature. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, multiple...

In this episode I talk with Shae Spears, a Special Education teacher who has personally walked the journey of life with a disability.  With Dyslexia, an auditory processing disorder and ADHD,  Shae struggled all through school, never really learning to read or even comprehend what she was supposed to be reading. Shae was part of the first group of students to receive services under IDEA (The Indiv...

In this episode I talk with Angela Bishop, owner of Brewed Blessings, a community coffee shop where special needs adults can gain meaningful employment and education in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.  Angela sees everybody as an individual.  Since God loves us all she believes we should love each other for who we are no matter what our differences are. Five years ago, Angela had a dream of opening...

In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Ashley Bennett, boy mom of 3 and amazing Special Education teacher.  Her oldest son, Ashton was born when Ashley was  just 19 years old.  He  was diagnosed with Autism at age 1.  As a teen mom,  taking college classes in addition to working, Ashley had to come to terms with the unexpected discovery that her baby boy had developmental del...

In this episode I talk with Ashley Bennett, boy mom of 3 and amazing Special Education teacher.  Her oldest son, Ashton was born when Ashley was  just 19 years old.  He  was diagnosed with Autism at age 1.  As a teen mom,  taking college classes in addition to working, Ashley had to come to terms with the unexpected discovery that her baby boy had developmental delays.  When Autism was mentioned,...

In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Sandra Weber, special needs preschool teacher and mother of 8.  Though life has come at her full force, Sandra's outlook in the midst of numerous difficult circumstances is truly remarkable.  She faces challenges with a positive perspective and staunch determination; enduring overwhelming hardship.  She is most definitely a pillar o...

In this episode I talk with Sandra Weber, special needs preschool teacher and mother with 8 children of her own.  Though life has come at her full force, Sandra's outlook in the midst of numerous difficult circumstances is truly remarkable.  She faces challenges with a positive perspective and staunch determination; enduring overwhelming hardship.  She is most definitely a pillar of strength...

In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Brianna TenBrink, an eloquent, wise and compassionate 23 year old big sister to 16 year old Myah and 15 year old Leah, her younger siblings who are on opposite ends of the Autism spectrum.  Brianna shares her perspective on how her experiences as the only neurotypical  child in the family shaped the person she is today.   From a young ag...

In this episode I talk with Brianna TenBrink, an eloquent, wise and compassionate 23 year old big sister to 16 year old Myah and 15 year old Leah, her younger siblings who are on opposite ends of the Autism spectrum.  Brianna shares her perspective on how her experiences as the only neurotypical  child in the family shaped the person she is today.   From a young age Brianna took it upon herself to...

In this episode I talk with Laura Tayerle, the very first special needs mom I met many years ago when her daughter Morgan was just 5 years old.   Laura inspired me in so many ways long before my own special needs child was ever born.  She was the mom who modeled how to be a voice for your child,  how to treat them just like anyone else and how to juggle it all with strength and determination. Laur...

In this episode I talk with Mary Ann Hughes, mother of 2 young adults with Autism  as she shares her special needs divorce story.   Mary Ann went from being completely blindsided and overwhelmed, unsure of what next steps were needed, to assembling a support team  of professionals who helped her successfully navigate a lengthly 2 year divorce process which culminated in a trial. Some have estimate...

In this episode I talk with Kileen McDonald as she shares her struggles with infertility, her subsequent adoption of a beautiful baby boy with Down syndrome and her greatest joy in being a mom to her now 13 year old son, Ches.   Kileen also discusses the death of her spouse, Pam and talks about lovingly helping Ches process everything during those difficult days.   Kileen believes in educating you...

In this episode I talk with Mary Jane Williams, Executive Director of Family to Family Network.   Family to Family Network helps individuals with disabilities and their family members define and achieve success for themselves and their loved ones. As a mother of 2 young adults with disabilities, Mary Jane discusses first hand the positive impact connecting with other families had made for family. ...