Sprouting Minds

Alexis Hillyard is the founder and creator of Stump Kitchen; the YouTube series showcasing different gluten free and vegan dishes. Alexis was born with a limb difference and we talk about how and if that effected her confidence and how it has led her to where she it today.   Alexis's social media : Stump Kitchen's website Stump Kitchen's YouTube page Instagram TikTok  

Shea Hammond makes my soccer dreams come true by being this week's guest! Shea is just 20 years old and was officially diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 6 years old. We talk about his love for soccer and how he overcame injuries and physical challenges. Shea is an advocate for CP and is very vocal about making the world more accessible for all. **make sure to catch Shea giving me a gold star for my...

Kathy Tojaga is the faculty manager and instructional coach at Pacific Preparatory school. A K-12 school focused on individualized learning and forming a non-traditional learning foundation. With live 1:1 learning Pacific Preparatory is a homeschool and private school. We talk about the impact this form of education has on children, teachers and the future.  Pacific Preporatory's social media: web...

Meet this mom and daughter duo; Londen and Autumn! Autumn was 11 when she was diagnosed with Juvenile Huntington's Disease. Listen to us chat about how this degenerative disease effects Autumn's body and life. Make sure to follow this duo below to see all the wonderful adventures they go on.  Londen and Autumn's social media: TikTok Instagram for more information on Huntington's Disease

Dorothea Taylor is a mom, grandmother and a rockstar! Joining the Drum Bugle at a young age while there was only one other female didn't intimidate Dorothea! She stuck with the drums and is showing all generations that you should always follow your passion. Check out Dorothea's social media pages to see her rocking out. Dorothea's social media: Instagram TikTok Youtube

Meet Charity Alyse! Charity is the author of the upcoming book "Other Side of the Tracks," which will debut in November 2022! Charity shares her unfortunate intro to story telling and how her determination and passion got her to where she is today. ALSO a big congratulations to Charity and her engagement!  Charity's Social Media: Website Preorder her book here Instagram Facebook

Meet Declan Pierce! Declan documented his transition journey from the moment he came out to his parents to the time he decided he needed to find a professional to help with his newly grown in facial hair. He's an advocate and his story and insights are here to help others.  Declan'a Social Media : TikTok

Jenice Watson's youngest son was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 6 months old. She was living in a fog, until one day she went to the park with her husband two kids and their new puppy. Things changed from that moment on. Listen to Jenice's story and then show her non-profit "A Buddy Just Like Me" some support.  A Buddy Just Like Me's social platforms: Website Instagram (they hold live conve...

Tre’ Mutava is a 20 year old musician from Kansas City. Tre’ uses his at home studio to form innovative and creative layered instrumental music combined with  beautiful and meaningful lyrics. He's humble. He's kind. He's talented. Make sure to check out Tre's social media platforms below including dates to see him LIVE!  Tre's Social Media platforms: Website Tour Dates Instagram TikTok Twitter

Meet Jess, the co-founder of Extra Lucky Moms! Jess is a mom to two beautiful girls and an advocate. She works alongside Taryn Lagonigro to create an inclusive space for parents to experience the joy of raising children with developmental variations. Extra Lucky Moms Social Media: Website Instagram Email Jess Quarello's Social Media: Website Instagram TikTok Taryn Lagonigro's Social Media: Instagr...

This week's bonus episode is all about me, Andie! The other night I went to my office and sat down with zoom open and my microphone all ready to go and started chatting. I decided it was time to share more about myself and what better place to start then how I went from a teacher to podcaster. I hope you all enjoy the episode :)  Sprouting Minds site Sprouting Minds insta Sprouting Minds blog...

Meet Markita Staples-Green the author and illustrator of the Curly Crew Books series. Listen to hear how her older daughter influenced her passion for starting this series as well as why we believe diverse books are an important staple in children's libraries.  Follow Markita : Website Instagram TikTok Amazon Link

Meet Brian Simmons! At just 25 years old he started a clothing brand to help spread positivity and mental health awareness. We talk about his determination, work ethic and overall goals for Positive Mental. Positive Mental's social media platforms: Website Instagram TikTok Jed Foundation's platform Website Instagram TikTok

Danielle Allore-Taylor-Taylor is using her passion to help restore beloved stuffed animals. Her work is more than just sewing the animal's seams together. She tells stories about heartbreak, overcoming obstacles and the true meaning of how a stuffed animal can restore one's heart.  Danielle's Social Media : Website TikTok Sprouting Minds blog post : It's More Than Just a Stuffed Animal

Houston is a 24 year old world traveler and photographer. Houston was born with Down syndrome a genetic variation, which means he was born with an extra chromosome. Houston has used his photography passion to connect with those around him and spread awareness that anyone can do anything if they just try.  For more information on Down syndrome: Nation Down syndrome society   Houston's soc...

Alnardo and I sit down to talk about all things OCD. We all have an idea of what OCD is, but Alnardo from the Child Mind Institute breaks down what OCD is and how it can effect someone's life. Make sure to share this episode with others. Alnardo's profile Child Mind Institute   Child Mind Institute Instagram 

Cherish is a Special Education teacher in Illinois. She works hard to bring her own experiences into the classroom and include her students in every step of their education.  Cherish's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cherishmsjay?lang=en

Get to know Yasmin as she shares how she wound up in the field of education. Yasmin owns her own consulting business for parents, teachers, directors and schools. Listen to what experiences have helped shape Yasmin into a mindful and meaningful educator. Special Instructions : a teacher who specializes in guiding, supporting and understanding the cognitive, emotional and social development in chil...

When Aidyn was just 9 years old she came out as Trans. Listen to her story of coming out, dealing with adversities and becoming an advocate.  Book: This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson https://amzn.to/3JlGXv0 Terms: Transgender: people have a gender identity or gender expression that differs from the sex that they were assigned at birth. Gender dysphoria: A concept designated in the DSM-5 as clinically...

This week, Noelle joins the pod to share her experience raising a child with Sanfilippo Syndrome as well as being an incredible mom to two other children, a wife and an inspirational figure.  For more information on Sanfilippo Syndrome please head to: https://curesanfilippofoundation.org To learn more about Logan please follow them on Tik Tok & Instagram at: Love_Logan7

Andie & Annabelle update you on the future of Sprouting Minds! 

In this episode, Andie takes 10 minutes and shares more about how she hopes to connect more with those around her and how she's working on her self! 

Amy joins us to share her birthing experience, which didn’t quite go to plan. Don’t worry, the there’s a happy ending and with Amy’s great storytelling you’ll laugh and enjoy hearing her story. 

In this episode we sit down with mama bear Shawn, mother of two beautiful children. We discusses her journey and experience raising her son with developmental variations while navigating her early childhood years.

This week we sat down with Kelly Smith; a third grade teacher. Kelly teaches in a public school in the Bronx. The school's demographic is composed of mostly low-income families and many of the students speak Spanish as their first language. Kelly shares her mission as a teacher and her experience teaching children with limited resources.