Parenting Children with Limb Differences

This episode is a unique one! Ali & Kari at The Parenting Children With Limb Differences podcast was invited to the GLASA Gala this past April - and we weren't going to pass that up. Kari also serves as a swim coach with GLASA (Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association), and her daughter is one of the athletes so being welcomed into this space to capture real conversations from the night fel...

Many parents feel overwhelmed when they first learn their child has a limb difference—until they discover how powerful community and representation can be. Heather and Ashley, founders of Limb Love Library, share how their personal journeys inspired a mission to normalize differences through inclusive children’s books. They open up about navigating early fears, grief, and major medical decisions,...

Join Abdul, Priscilla, and Armando Nevarez as they share their inspiring journey from Abdul's life-changing motorcycle accident to founding Amplife, a platform empowering the disability community. Discover how their story of resilience and innovation is transforming lives through fashion, community, and inclusive solutions. Learn about Amplife’s marketplace offerings which are disabled-owned,...

Listeners, please note that this episode is marked E for Explicit content due to the graphic material and descriptions discussed to give listeners the full picture and understanding of these parents' (and their kiddo's) experience. Most parents don’t expect their child's diagnosis to turn their world upside down. Johanna and Peter Hartley share their raw journey navigating a severe hyp...

This episode is brought to by Shriners Children’s Chicago, providing the most amazing care anywhere. Most families don’t realize how powerful psychological and recreational therapy can be in transforming a child’s confidence and resilience after limb loss. In this episode, we welcome two dedicated professionals from Shriners Children’s Hospital: Dr. Kathy Zebracki, Chief Psychologist of Shriners C...

This episode is brought to by Shriners Children’s Chicago, providing the most amazing care anywhere. Sometimes children with limb differences are underestimated — but at Shriners Children's Hospital, dedicated teams are transforming lives through pioneering orthopedic care, prosthetics, and personalized therapy. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Jeffrey Ackman, with over 37 years of experience,...

In this special holiday episode of Parenting Children with Limb Differences , Kari and Ali wrap up an unforgettable 2025 and share a sneak peek of what’s coming in 2026. They kick things off with a candid, funny, and very real conversation about navigating the holiday season with young kids — the magic, the chaos, and the constant quest to find that elusive “just enough. The episode then shifts in...

In this episode, we’re honored to welcome Aisha Bell Robinson—a dance movement therapist, counselor, artist, and parent whose work beautifully weaves embodiment, inclusion, and systemic change. Her advocacy for her daughter Naima and for families navigating school systems is both personal and powerful. Aisha discusses the importance of showing up for our kids and in situations as regulated parents...

In this episode, Kari and Ali chat with Anna-Maria Mountfort, creator of MimiTENs and Some of the Parts. MimiTENs is a mittens company that was originally created for children and adults who needed to keep their hands and arms warm in cold weather. Now, it has expanded to serve the upper limb difference community with a variety of warm, waterproof, high quality mittens (that can be customized) to...

In this episode, Kari and Ali chat with Jen Reeves, author of Born Just Right, and fierce advocate for her daughter Jordan Reeves. Jen shares about the challenges of early motherhood given the very few resources available for her child with an upper limb difference. She expresses gratitude and fondness of the journey of motherhood and life lessons she's experienced with Jordan, and the memorie...

In this episode, Ali and Kari are joined by Luis Schwab of Island Lake, IL. Luis brings a new perspective to our podcast in this episode where he talks with us about his identity development related to his lived experience as an individual and a parent with upper limb differences. Luis walks us through his childhood and adolescence, sharing that while he experienced some adversity growing up, he a...

Kari and Ali are joined by David Harrell, actor, author, Camp No Limits leader, and an all around amazing human with an upper limb difference. David takes us all on a journey of finding his identity, through the awkward childhood/adolescent years and into adulthood: where acting, writing and finding his community led him to his authentic self. Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Lim...

Join Kari and Ali as they dive into the real-world rollercoaster of potty training. From surprise puddles to breakthrough “I did it!” moments, they share adaptive tools, emotional highs and lows, and practical hacks that turned each setback into a celebration of independence. Tune in for candid laughs, heartfelt reflections, and tips you can start using today. Thanks for tuning into the Parenting...

In this powerful episode, we spotlight EazyHold —a simple yet revolutionary adaptive tool that’s transforming lives by increasing accessibility to everyday activities. From holding utensils to gripping sports equipment, EazyHold empowers individuals with limb differences, limited mobility, or neurological challenges to reclaim independence and joy in movement. Join us as Kerry Mellen (the founder)...

Join us for Season 3’s kickoff as we bring our husbands, Sean and Brian, back into the hot seat where we'll dive into the day-to-day of parenting children with limb differences. They share how they cheer their kids on at their various activities, navigate the triumphs and tribulations life, and dream big for the road ahead. Expect candid laughs, heartfelt reflections, and practical tips from t...

Thank you to everyone who has listened to the Parenting Children with Limb Differences podcast the last two seasons! We are so grateful to see this community growing and to be a platform where we can bring you real, lived experiences through personal stories. Special thanks this season to Katie and Tommy Dengel, Ryan Haack, Allie Redshaw, Allison Sweet Grant, Katie Mick, Gigi Verrey, Cindy Housner...

In the final guest episode of season two, Carrie Davis, VP of Employee and Patient Experience with Hanger Clinic, boldly shares her journey from childhood to adulthood growing up with one hand. She shares with us the story of the evolution of her identity and how she became a two-time national paratriathalon champion. Carrie also shares with us how she became involved with Hanger and the amazing w...

In this episode, Maggie Baumer, Leader of Enterprise Patient Advocacy with Hanger Clinic, takes us through her experience as an adult with losing her arm below the elbow after a scary and painful accident. Maggie graciously shares with us the ways in which she navigated her recovery and how her identity evolved to embrace herself as a person with a disability and a disability advocate. Maggie also...

This episode features Moxie Adaptive, an organization focused on creating spaces to connect and empower those with limb differences. We had the pleasure of speaking with two of the founders, Lisa DeWeert and Megan Crummet, who share their own stories about finding their identity and their inspiration for creating Moxie. Learn more about Moxie Adaptive and their mission at: https://moxieadaptive.or...

In this episode, we meet with Megan Craft, Speech Language Pathologist and creator of the children's disability book series: Mission Inclusion. Megan shares what inspired her to write this book series, and why mindfulness, kindness, and inclusion are important. She also talks with us about the importance of teaching our kids when they're young about differences and inclusion, so they can c...

In this episode, Alexandra (Allie) Redshaw shares her experience of living her life to the fullest, despite losing her hand in a kitchen accident while pregnant with her second child. Allie takes us through the harrowing story of her injury and amputation. She emphatically shares how she believes in inclusion and accessibility for everyone: that every human being, regardless of how they show up or...

<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->In this episode, we welcome Cindy Housner, Founder of Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) into the studio. Learn about the impact this Illinois-based organization is making to support athletes training and competing locally, nationally and internationally, with 20 different sports. We discuss the programs, ca...

In this episode, Kari shares her experiences and insights as she explores the world of paraswimming. From learning about athlete classification to incorporating athletes with disabilities into events, she dives into the details of adaptive sports and the opportunities they create. Discover valuable resources like usparaswimming.org, moveunitedsport.org, and swimangelfish.com to get started with ad...

In this episode, we delve into the world of upper limb prosthetics with Mac Lang and Jamison Carroll from Arm Dynamics. We explore their unique approach to patient care, focusing on maximizing function and independence. Learn about the latest advancements in prosthetic technology, the rehabilitation process, and how Arm Dynamics is helping individuals with limb differences live fulfilling lives. D...

In this episode, we're joined by Mary Leighton, Founder and Executive Director of Camp No Limits and the No Limits Foundation. We explore the inspiring mission of Camp No Limits, which is dedicated to empowering individuals with limb loss and limb differences. Learn about their diverse programs, from summer camps and adaptive opportunities to educational resources and advocacy initiatives. Dis...