Valerie Arbeau

Forever Home for our kids with disabilities.

Education EN ↓ 98 episodes

Formerly Special Needs Moms - Circle of Strength. This podcast has begun a shift in focus... Hey, I’m Valerie, mom to two with disabilities (one visible, one invisible). We came up with housing solutions for our children. This space has been created to help you navigate the journey of creating a secure, sustainable forever home for your child. We’ll chat with parents on this path, realtors, financial planners, and other experts who can make the process easier. We'll be dropping an episode twice a month. Seeing my eldest thrive living independent of us was a gift I didn’t always know I could...

Author

Valerie Arbeau

Episodes

Combatting fatigue with your host Valerie 05.03.2024 22:38

Send us Fan Mail Understanding Fatigue: Definition of fatigue: subjective sensation characterized by reduced capacity for physical and/or mental exertion. Different types of fatigue: Physical factors: physical exertion, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, dehydration, illness, chronic health conditions. Mental factors: cognitive demands, stress, anxiety, depression. Emotional factors: intense emotions...

Kara Laws - mom of three, shares how she is balancing life since she decided to become a homeschooling mom as the school system was failing her son! 28.02.2024 28:10

Send us Fan Mail Kara Laws, a small business educator, mother of three boys, two with challenges is welcomed. Kara shares her experience with ADHD, sensory issues, dyslexia, and her accomplishment of writing and publishing a book despite her challenges. Kara discusses the challenges and rewards of publishing her book, highlighting the unexpected difficulties and the sense of achievement upon compl...

Valerie's year long goal is about to be realised! 21.02.2024 18:29

Send us Fan Mail SHOW NOTES Special Announcement: ● Book Launch on February 26th, coinciding with host's husband's birthday ● Book Title: "The Shine Principle: The Special Needs Mom's Path to Strength, Hope, and Happiness" ● Available for Kindle version launch Book Description: ● Filled with inspiration, empowerment, and heartfelt stories ● Desig...

Rebekah Lara, mom to 3 special needs girls, a former architect and math teacher shares how she helps other moms succeed in business. 14.02.2024 24:45

Send us Fan Mail SHOW NOTES About Rebekah: Certified Life Coach Creator of Time Freedom Simplified program Rebekah's Background: Former architect and middle school math teacher Now runs two businesses Rebekah's Journey as a Special Needs Mom: Three daughters with multiple health challenges Experienced severe food allergies, sensory issues, anxiety, and ADHD Oldest daughter faced acute li...

Exploring the importance of R.E.S.T. with your host Valerie 07.02.2024 21:16

Send us Fan Mail SHOW NOTES Introduction: Special Needs Moms Circle of Strength podcast Topic: Rest Definition of Rest: Physical, mental, and emotional relaxation Reduced activity, tranquility, and recuperation Importance of Rest: Benefits for physical health Improved immune function Better heart health and weight management Hormone regulation for appetite and weight Muscle repair and growth Benef...

Interview with Linda Vickers a certified wellness and grief recovery coach who shares how she helps women "just pause". 31.01.2024 27:37

Send us Fan Mail SHOW NOTES About Linda: Linda's Unique Trait: Story collector Previous Experience: Worked with seniors and the homeless, gathered and shared their stories Linda's YouTube Channel: "Inspired by Her Stories" Linda's Current Work: Grief Recovery Coach Definition of Grief: Not limited to loss of life, includes various forms of loss Physical and Emotional React...

Interview with Shirley Harding, peacemaker mom of three. Shirley's oldest son has Asperger's which was not diagnosed till his teens. 24.01.2024 31:41

Send us Fan Mail SHOW NOTES Introduction: Special guest on "Special Needs Mom's Circle of Strength" podcast. Guest introduced as Shirley Harding, the host's sister. Shirley shares her role as a peacemaker in her family. Background and Early Years: Shirley talks about her first child, Louie. Long labor and birth, two weeks overdue. Louie diagnosed with Asperger's at age 15....

Interview with Terry Travers founder of Astrolabe Academy and mom to two children on the spectrum 17.01.2024 35:41

Send us Fan Mail Terry shares a bit about herself and her unique experience, wearing an eye patch due to a congenital issue. T alks about her experience as a special needs mom, initially unaware that her first child was autistic. Challenges with the first child's inquisitiveness and constant pushing of boundaries, who is later diagnosed as autistic and is also trans, leading to unique challen...

Interview with Moon Sade an Autism Success Mentor, who guides young adult autistics on their journey into adulthood. She is a mom to two boys, both on the spectrum. 10.01.2024 32:36

Send us Fan Mail SHOW NOTES Moon shares her love for playing Xbox as a way to connect with her children. Moon's journey started almost 24 years ago with her oldest son, diagnosed with high-functioning autism at 16. Challenges included difficulties in school, bullying, and a lack of understanding from others. Emphasis on recognizing each child's uniqueness and avoiding stereotypes. Moon w...

Your host reflecting on embracing grace, adapting expectations and finding strength in unexpected challenges. 03.01.2024 12:18

Send us Fan Mail Show Notes: Your Host Valerie Arbeau Contemplating Goals for the New Year Planning for success Consideration of trips, either with a partner or a girly getaway Change in Perspective Transition from asking for a better year to seeking grace Acknowledging that life doesn't always go as planned Michael Todd's sermon on "Your experience does not match your expectations&...

Interview with Kate Lynch, a yoga teacher and mindful parent coach utilizing the RAIN framework, who is raising a son with autism. 27.12.2023 31:07

Send us Fan Mail SHOW NOTES Kate shares her nomadic childhood and love for travel. Backpacking through Southeast Asia at 30, exploring the uniqueness of her experiences. Favorite Place in South Asia: Kate's favorite place: Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Reflecting on the spiritual and cathartic experience while immersed in the ruins. Guest's Special Needs Mom Journey: Settling down after travel...

Interview with Karaleigh Garrison, a motivational speaker, singer/songwriter and podcast host who is mom to 3 autistic children. 20.12.2023 37:15

Send us Fan Mail Show Notes: Karaleigh Garrison Singer-songwriter since the age of eight Studied opera before transitioning to singer-songwriter genre Released first album in May Hosts a podcast called "Seeking Sunshine" that focuses on finding joy through trials Interviews people who have overcome challenges Explores resilience and positive mindset Karaleigh's Special Needs Journey...

Dr. Chisato Hotta, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Dr. of Social Work with 8 year old twins on the spectrum. 13.12.2023 35:28

Send us Fan Mail SHOW NOTES Special guest: Chisato Hotta, a licensed marriage and family therapist with a doctorate in social work. Who achieved this to demonstrate the importance of education and goal-setting to her children. Chisato's Background: -Chisato shares her journey, including the motivation behind pursuing a doctorate after her kids were diagnosed with autism. -She highlights her c...

Boundaries are key to a more fulfilling life - with your host Valerie 06.12.2023 27:14

Send us Fan Mail Show Notes: Introduction to Boundaries: Definition: Personal limits and guidelines for emotional, physical, and mental space. Importance: Vital for mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Purpose of Boundaries: Mental Health: Prevents overwhelm, burnout, and emotional exhaustion. Relationships: Establishes mutual respect, trust, and understanding. Overall Well-being:...

Interview with Cassandra Geter who reversed pre-diabetes and high cholesterol without medication, and now guides moms of autistic children in health and wellness. 29.11.2023 23:06

Send us Fan Mail Show Notes: Getting to Know Cassandra: Valerie asks Cassandra about her uniqueness, Cassandra celebrates her individuality. Cassandra's Journey: Discusses challenges from the premature birth of her son to an autism diagnosis, losing her husband, daycare and job struggles. Hospital Experience: Highlights difficulties during a three-month hospital stay and challenges with dayca...

Interview with Christine Powell an education therapist with a background in special education, sports medicine and education research. 22.11.2023 29:27

Send us Fan Mail SHOW NOTES: Christine's Journey : A mom navigating challenges with a special needs child, coping through military deployments without a strong support system, and the daily struggles faced. From Parent to Professional : Early experiences with her child’s speech therapy, becoming a special education professional while balancing personal challenges. Transition and Education : G...

Interview with Nilzara Rivera who stepped into step parenting for a special needs child. 15.11.2023 31:01

Send us Fan Mail Show Notes: Nilzara's mission as an Intimate Partner Violence Recovery Coach. Connection between her daughter's journey and her role. Challenges as a stepmom to a daughter with a traumatic brain injury. Struggles due to neglect and abuse, leading to malnourishment and mental health issues. Complexity of dealing with a daughter excelling in various areas but facing mental...

Interview with Mary Ann Hughes who turned a major life event into a career path 08.11.2023 29:16

Send us Fan Mail Mary Ann Hughes shares that she is the only certified divorce coach exclusively focused on helping families with children with special needs. Discusses her unique journey and how she transitioned into this role, emphasizing her passion and mission to assist families facing divorce with children with disabilities. Shares that she has two children on opposite ends of the autism spec...

Decompression Zones so you can ace the day! 01.11.2023 22:41

Send us Fan Mail Episode 5: Your Host - Valerie Arbeau Challenges of Being a Special Needs Mom: Special needs parenting is like running a marathon. It's rewarding but also incredibly demanding. Sharing experiences in a community of understanding. Self-Care Is Not Selfish: Self-care is self-preservation. The importance of self-awareness and finding moments for oneself. Briefly sharing a perso...

Interview with Maria Groves who is raising a non-binary child 25.10.2023 30:54

Send us Fan Mail Getting to Know Maria •Maria introduces herself, sharing that she has two unique jobs as an EMT and a professional organizer. •Maria explains how she views her roles as forms of life-saving and shares how her work as a professional organizer can help reduce stress and improve people's lives. Raising a Non-binary Child •Maria opens up about her journey as a mother of a non-bin...

Interview with Alisha Jackman Vilela founder of 321 Buddy Fundraising for the Down Syndrome Community 18.10.2023 29:36

Send us Fan Mail Alisha's Journey as a Special Needs Mom: Alisha shares her journey as a special needs mom, which began in 2020 when she found out she was expecting a child. Alisha already had a daughter. She talks about her son, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and a heart defect during her pregnancy, and how this marked the beginning of her special needs parenting journey. Alisha explai...

Interview with Jennifer Geigel - Autism Advocate with 24 years of teaching experience. 11.10.2023 34:59

Send us Fan Mail Show notes: Jennifer's Unique Aspect: Jennifer reveals an intriguing fact about herself – she manages eighteen streams of income and was able to retire her husband at the age of 49, sparking curiosity about her journey. Jennifer's Love for Sunflowers: Jennifer's deep affection for sunflowers is uncovered, and she describes how sunflowers symbolize happiness, growth,...

Meet your host... 03.10.2023 21:48

Send us Fan Mail Hi, I’m Valerie and I was inspired to start this podcast to showcase the incredible moms who have children with special needs. I will start with a little about me and share my journey of being mom to Melody-Anne with cerebral palsy and August (Ebony) with ADHD and high functioning Autism. I share about being super mum and how that was not sustainable. Something had to change… I be...