Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Advocacy

In this deeply moving episode, we uncover a family secret that remained hidden for years and explore how that discovery ignited a lifelong passion for advocacy. We trace the history of the 'warehousing' of individuals with developmental disabilities in Ohio and the fierce advocacy that ultimately broke down those institutional walls. From the dawn of group homes in the 1980s to modern-day policy b...

Does the thought of navigating an airport or a crowded theme park with a neurodivergent child feel more like a mission impossible than a vacation? You aren't alone—and you don't have to do it without a map. We sit down with Rachel Morelli, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Accessible Travel Agent, and Co-Founder of the Learning Escape LLC. Rachel blends her clinical expertise with a passion for ex...

This conversation goes beyond inspiration, the time is now or never to make an impact that shapes the world for generations. "As the great philosopher Kendrick Lamar once said, "Sombody Gotta do it" - Carlos Del Rio. Join us as we continue to empower professionals by sharing our "why". Carlos opens up about his personal story that transformed his professional careerl. How he translates the strateg...

Join us this month as we celebrate and recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in the United States! We're sitting down with special guest Haley Moss, an attorney, artist, author, advocate, speaker and proudly autistic individual, for a candid conversation that emphasizes the powerful impact all kinds of minds make on society. Haley is a neurodiversity expert and leader on...

September is National Service Dog Month! Join AJ for a conversation with Allison "Alli" Romano on the independence she's achieved through her partnership with her hearing service dog, Poppy. In honor of National Service Dog Month, this episode highlights how a service dog can support a young professional's journey. Alli shares how Poppy helps her with crucial daily tasks, like waking her up for wo...

Elissa is a late-diagnosed autistic ADHD speech-language pathologist, autism expert, and entrepreneur who’s redefining what leadership looks like in the therapy and education world. After years of running a successful in-person practice, Elissa turned her lived experience as a neurodivergent woman into a driving force behind Speech Works By Elissa, an online coaching and parent course membership p...

Discover how starting small can open up unexpected doors leading to opportunities that fuel your purpose in life with Dr. Temple Grandin. Dr. Grandin is back for Part 2, sharing invaluable career development advice for young adults. Hear personal stories, reflections, and hopes for the future of autistic individuals and young professionals. Thanks for celebrating one year of Rising Voices with us!...

Rising Voices turns ONE today! In celebration of our podcast anniversary, we are releasing a very special bonus episode featuring our special guest, Dr. Temple Grandin. Join us as we hear her perspectives, as she shares stories from her childhood, adolescence, and beyond! Discover Dr. Gradin's passion, career journey, and personal experiences as an adult diagnosed with Autism in 1950. We welcome y...

Join us as we welcome Lara and Maya Hammound, twin sisters, who at 17 have began making a global impact in creating sensory spaces. To learn more please visit their website, https://www.perceptionfoundation.com/.

This month's episode, we're joined by the incredible Dr. Deshanna Reed for a deeply moving and insightful conversation about her personal story and professional journey. Dr. Reed offers a unique perspective, shaped by her experiences as a sibling and an upbringing that truly defied the norm. Now Dr. Reed and siblings carry out their family's spirit to be big, bold and unapologetic in the world in...

Step between the pages as we celebrate NY Times Best Selling American author JD Barker with us! He is best known for incorporating elements of crime, mystery, horror, science fiction, and the supernatural into suspenseful, chilling thrillers. Diagnosed with ASD at the age of 22, JD opens up about his life's journey, reflecting on his diagnosis, professional relationships, marriage, the twists and...

Celebrate the incredible mothers within the disability community with us in this special episode of Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism Advocacy. Recognizing the diverse forms motherhood can take, we honor the instrumental role mothers have played in shaping policy, developing vital programs, and leading powerful advocacy efforts across the globe for decades. Their courage and initiative ins...

We are excited to welcome our first international guest from South Africa. Dr. Emile Gouws. Dr. Emile Gouws is an Autism and International disability activist. He was the former Vice Chairman Autism South Africa. Member of Commonwealth Disability Forum, representing underrepresented groups. He is the current president of the Board of Directors at the Interdisciplinary Council for Development and L...

Robert Schmus, MSW, LCSW, serves as a mental health professional, as well as an autistic self advocate. In his practice, Robert supports the neurodiverse community, including autistic individuals, using a variety of therapeutic interventions. His experience as a clinical professional on the autism spectrum places him in a unique role. As a self-advocate, Robert has experience educating communities...

This episode is beyond inspirational! In honor and celebration of Black History Month, we address isolation in the field of ABA, marginalized communities, mentorship, impostor syndrome and more. To learn more about Jeron Trotman, follow him on Linkedin, and visit the BMBA network, follow along for virtual and in-person events, and listen to the Beyond The Science Podcast. 

Join AJ & Danielle on a journey of personal & professional growth. Explore their global adventures, including Romania & India. Hear about encounters with world leaders & life-changing experiences. We invite you to share this episode with anyone seeking inspiration, interested in international experiences, or curious about personal & professional development.

Amy Ursitti, cofounder & secretary of Profound Autism Alliance, advocates for individuals with profound autism & ID. Driven by her brother Jack's diagnosis, she leads the Sibling Action Network, empowering siblings to support each other & improve lives. As a rising M1 at Weill Cornell, she aims to enhance the quality of life for those with profound autism as a physician. Outside of med...

Dr. Stephen Shore, an autistic advocate with decades of experience, shares his inspiring journey. From his childhood to adulthood, he discusses his challenges, triumphs, and the opportunities that arose from his unique perspective. Dr. Shore, a best-selling author and consultant, offers valuable insights into autism, education, career development, and embracing transitions.

We are excited to introduce you to Sam Mitchell, who joins us for Disability Employment Month. Sam is an entrepreneur, public speaker, and host of the "Autism Rocks and Rolls" podcast. He is a self-described high-functioning autistic individual, uses his platform to celebrate neurodiversity and success on the spectrum. You can learn more about Sam by visiting www.autismrocksandrolls.com

Christina Cairoli is a passionate director, special education teacher, and BCBA, with over 10 years of experience in cultivating and supervising teams, as well as directly overseeing the implementation of services in fast-paced client-centered organizations. Christina is the founder of Splendid Torch Consulting and is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance. *Please excuse some of the a...

We are thrilled to share that our co-host AJ is embarking on a new academic journey! Listen to this special announcement episode brought to you by your hosts AJ & Danielle. Join us to find out how this decision was influenced, and how it will impact AJ's future career and the autism community!

Aspen Sage Baxter, a 24-year-old paralyzed in 2021, is a travel-loving role model for the disability community. With her "Guardian Angel" JoJo, she inspires others to live fully, saying "If there's a wheel, there's a way." Follow Aspen's journey on social media as she advocates for Functional Neurological Disorder, Mental Health, Autism, & other disabilities. IG: @accessibility_with_aspen_sage...

Join us as Katelyn Merold of Playhouse Square, Cleveland, OH shares her inspiring journey, the development of inclusive theater programs, and the importance of community efforts in creating a supportive environment for individuals with disabilities.   Your Career, our Community, connect with Katelyn today!  ( Katelyn.merold@playhousesquare.org )