Shining Brighter

In this episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, host Jared sits down with Penny Dover, a Behavioural Consultant, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in the world of developmental disabilities: behaviour. As part of our Myths & Misinformation series, this conversation challenges deeply rooted assumptions—revealing that what we often label as “bad behaviour” is actually something muc...

What happens when we stop assuming—and start listening? In this powerful episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, we dive into the real stories behind employment, inclusion, and the myths that hold people back. Host Jared is joined by Jacia, a supported employee, and Tara, an employer and board member, for an honest and inspiring conversation about what inclusion truly looks like in the workplace....

In this episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, host Jared is joined by Jilly-ann and Deborah from the Fort St. John Association for Community Living’s Careers Program for an honest, eye-opening conversation about employment, inclusion, and the myths that hold people back. This episode is part of a special mini-series focused on challenging misinformation, supported by the BC Office of the Human...

In this episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared and Kelly sit down with Evelyn, Community Services Manager at the Fort St. John Association for Community Living, to unpack some of the most persistent myths about developmental disabilities, independence, and support. From frontline realities to system-level challenges, Evelyn shares a powerful perspective on how misinformation shapes a...

In this powerful episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared and Kelly sit down with Marion, a long-time community member who shares her lived experience navigating life with developmental disabilities and complex needs. Through honest and heartfelt conversation, Marion challenges some of the most harmful myths and misconceptions—especially the idea that people with disabilities can’t spe...

In this powerful episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared and Kelly are joined by Liz, a longtime Fort St. John resident, educator, and parent of Alicia—an individual living with cerebral palsy and complex needs. Through honest storytelling and lived experience, Liz shares what it really looks like to navigate systems, advocate for inclusion, and challenge the everyday myths and miscon...

In this episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared and Kelly sit down with Sanchitt, a support worker in Supported Independent Living (SIL), to challenge common myths about people living with developmental disabilities and complex needs. Together, they unpack harmful misconceptions about independence, employment, and inclusion—and replace them with real stories, lived experiences, and ho...

In this episode, hosts Jared and Kelly sit down with Kenda, a long-time staff member and Program Manager, whose journey from the hospitality industry to human services has shaped her unique approach to supporting people with developmental disabilities and complex needs. Kenda shares:How her nightclub, tourism, and customer service background unexpectedly prepared her for this fieldThe importance o...

Join hosts Jared and Kelly in this inspiring episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, where we explore how community-driven programs in Fort St. John are changing lives for people with developmental disabilities and complex needs. Guests Alaysha Robinson, Supported Independent Living (SIL) Supervisor, and Meaghan Mallough, CAR 60 Clinician, share how their teams collaborate to provide compassionat...

In this heartwarming episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared Braun and Kelly Clark sit down with Carmela, a long-time member of the Fort St. John Association for Community Living. Carmela shares her journey from foster care to finding stability, friendship, and belonging through home share, community connections, and meaningful work. She talks about her job at Urban Systems, her love...

In this groundbreaking episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared Braun and CEO Jordan Soggie welcome Saplings founders Laura Honey and Julia Hintermeister for a powerful conversation about youth mental health, community care, and one of the biggest announcements in our history: Saplings is officially joining the Fort St. John Association for Community Living. What began in 2020 as an em...

In this inspiring episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared Braun and Kelly Clark sit down with Jilly-Ann, the HomeShare Coordinator at the Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL), for a deep and honest conversation about what HomeShare truly means. HomeShare is more than a placement—it’s a relationship-based model of supported living, where individuals with developmenta...

In this heartwarming episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared Braun and Kelly Clark sit down with Tyler Lillico — a proud member of the Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL) — to talk about life, dreams, and what it really means to be yourself. Tyler shares his journey from early childhood supports at the Child Development Centre to becoming an active and passionate m...

In this powerful episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared Braun and Kelly sit down with Mike, a long-time leader and advocate at the Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL).With warmth and honesty, Mike shares his journey from a 14-year-old camp counselor in Ontario to a dedicated community living supervisor in Fort St. John. His story reveals the heart behind disabilit...

In this inspiring episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, host Jared Braun and co-host Kelly Clark sit down with Alaysha Robinson, Supervisor of the Supported Independent Living (SIL) program, and Cameron Close, Early Psychosis Interventionist with Saplings Mental Health Services. Together, they explore how partnership, understanding, and empathy are transforming support for people with developme...

In this heartfelt episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared Braun and Kelly Clark welcome Kai, a proud member of the Supported Independent Living (SIL) program with the Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL).Kai opens up about his journey toward independence—from moving into his own apartment and managing daily routines to working part-time, creating music, and pursuing...

In this uplifting episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared Braun and Kelly Clark sit down with Doug Lambert, a long-time member of the Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL) and beloved supporter of the Fort St. John Huskies hockey team. Doug’s story is one of loyalty, humor, and independence. From his decades of volunteering with the Huskies to working at Safeway and...

In this inspiring episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared Braun and Kelly Clark welcome Evelyn, the Community Services Manager at the Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL).Evelyn shares her remarkable journey from the restaurant industry to finding her calling in community support and leadership. What started as a hesitant career change became one of the best decisio...

In this inspiring episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared Braun and Kelly Clark talk with Rebekah, a passionate support worker and long-time member of the Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL).Rebekah shares her incredible journey — from entering the field “just for a job” to discovering a true calling in person-centered support and advocacy. Her story spans local an...

In this inspiring episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared Braun and Kelly Clark sit down with Sarah, the Inclusion Supervisor at the Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL), to talk about the power of inclusion, meaningful work, and community connection. With warmth and humor, Sarah shares her journey from volunteer to leader, overseeing programs that help people with...

In this heartfelt and unfiltered episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared Braun and Kelly Clark talk with Peter Fehr, a long-time member of the Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL), self-advocate, and creator of the YouTube channel Division for Freedom. Peter shares his journey of growing up with developmental disabilities, finding his voice, and learning to navigate...

In this insightful episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared Braun and Kelly Clark sit down with Shannon Stange, Board Director for the Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL). Together, they break down what nonprofit governance really looks like—and why strong, values-based leadership is essential for creating inclusive communities where people with developmental disabi...

In this uplifting episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared Braun and Kelly Clark sit down with Oluchi, a dedicated support worker in the Supported Independent Living (SIL) program at the Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL).Originally a journalist and broadcaster in Nigeria, Oluchi brings a powerful global perspective to her work. She shares her journey from reportin...

In this insightful episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared Braun and Kelly Clark sit down with Tanya Neil, Director of Services at the Fort St. John Association for Community Living. With 18 years of experience, Tanya offers a heartfelt look at the triumphs, challenges, and evolving needs of people with developmental disabilities and complex needs in Fort St. John. Together, they expl...

In this deeply personal and candid episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, host Jared Braun sits down with Kelly Clark—self-advocate, co-host, and long-time member of the Fort St. John Association for Community Living. Kelly opens up about his journey from leaving home at 19, navigating challenging HomeShare placements, and growing into a confident advocate with big dreams for his future. Togethe...