Surpassing Labels

In this must-listen episode, I sit down with Aaron DeVries, the powerhouse behind The Inclusive Dad , to dive into his inspiring journey as a father, advocate, and game-changer in the world of special needs parenting. With heartfelt honesty and practical wisdom, Aaron shares how his experiences are driving a movement for inclusion and awareness. 💥 What You'll Love in This Episode: The personal st...

In this inspiring episode, we're joined by Dina Lobo, a mother, a powerhouse corporate consultant, motivational speaker, and visionary evaluator. Dina shares her incredible journey of embracing motherhood while leading with unwavering passion and purpose. 💡❤️ Discover how Dina turned the challenges of balancing family, community, and professional life into a transformative leadership style that e...

In this powerful episode, we go B eyond Words with Jay Silverman, the acclaimed Director and Producer of the Movie Camera . This inspiring film tells the touching story of a young boy with mutism who finds his voice through the lens of an old camera. With the support of a wise mentor, this boy learns to capture his unique view of the world in ways that words can't express, showing us the transform...

In this heartfelt episode of Surpassing Labels , we sit down with Dr. Wisniewski, a compassionate and resilient doctor of chiropractic who has faced a profound life change: the loss of her vision due to a rare eye disease. Dr. Wisniewski shares her journey through the unexpected, from the initial challenges of adjusting to her new reality to finding a renewed purpose and a redefined vision for her...

In this we dive into the often-overlooked power of  intuition in navigating life's unique challenges. 💖🌟 You're constantly making decisions—some big, some small—but what happens when you start trusting your inner voice ? Intuition, that quiet knowing within, can be a powerful guide through the emotional ups and downs, helping you find clarity when you feel overwhelmed. 🌿 We'll discuss how to mo...

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of self-acceptance.  So often, we get caught in the cycle of comparison, self-criticism, and striving for perfection, forgetting that true growth begins when we embrace who we are, flaws and all. We'll explore how self-acceptance isn't about perfection—it's about acknowledging our inherent worth and treating ourselves with kindness and compass...

In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Rodgers an inspiring young man living with cerebral palsy, who is on a mission to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations. With a powerful voice and a passion for change, he shares his personal experiences, challenges, and victories. Together, we delve into the questions that matter—and what it truly means to live with cerebral palsy. Join us as...

In part two of the series of The Power of Choice, we continue our exploration of how asking empowering questions can impact our choices. This episode delves into how reframing questions can shift focus from limitations to possibilities, offering fresh perspectives and solutions. Join me as I explore how flipping the script on the questions we ask ourselves can lead to a more empowered mindset and...

In this episode, we're diving into The Power of Choice and how the decisions we make – big or small – shape our reality. It's easy to feel like life just happens to us, especially when we're navigating challenges, but the truth is, we hold more power than we realize. From how we respond to setbacks to the way we talk to ourselves, every choice is an opportunity to take control and create a more em...

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Mangum, founder of Hank's Friends and father of a son with autism. Aaron shares his personal journey of navigating the world of autism as a parent, and how his experiences led him to create Hanks Friends, an organization dedicated to supporting families with special needs.  Hank's Friends is a groundbreaking organization of collaborative partnerships of busi...

In this episode, I dive into the art of embracing uncertainty, a challenge that many of us face but rarely discuss openly. Life's unpredictability can often feel overwhelming, especially when we're used to planning every detail. But what if, instead of resisting the unknown, we learned to lean into it? We'll explore how accepting uncertainty can lead to unexpected growth, deeper self-awareness, an...

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome a very special guest, Calley Mitchell,  the owner of Talk On Speech Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy. She is also a dedicated and experienced Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in the DIRFloortime model. For those who may not be familiar, DIRFloortime is a developmental, relationship-based approach that promotes emotional and developmental growth in ch...

In this episode, we dive into the unique journey of life and motherhood while living with cerebral palsy. Our guest Jennifer Centers shares her heartfelt experiences, offering insight into the daily triumphs and challenges she faces. From navigating medical appointments, healthcare systems and advocating for your child's needs. To finding joy in the small victories and cultivating resilience, we e...

In this episode we talk about getting honest, honest with yourself. Being honest with yourself is one of the most challenging yet liberating practices you can adopt.  It requires a deep level of introspection and the courage to face uncomfortable truths. By acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, you open the door to genuine growth and self-improvement. Honesty with oneself means recognizing...

In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Kristy Cook, a remarkable medical mom, blogger, and the brilliant mind behind "Accessible Adventures." Kristy shares her insights on creating inclusive and accessible experiences for families with special needs, and her passion for advocacy through social media and her blog striving to create change one post at a time. She shares accessible destinations, a...

In this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Hilary Coughlin, an experienced physical therapist with over 20 years of expertise in pediatric and special needs physical therapy. Hilary shares her valuable insights on the unique physical challenges faced by children with special needs and how physical therapy that can significantly improve their quality of life. We'll dive deep into the importance of in...

In this episode of "Mind Matters: Part 2," we dive into practical strategies for cultivating and maintaining a positive mindset. Building on the insights from our previous discussion, we explore actionable techniques that can be seamlessly integrated into your daily routine. Whether you're dealing with stress, facing challenges, or simply striving for a more optimistic outlook, this episode is pac...

Today, we'll uncover how our conscious mind—the rational, aware part of our brain—guides our daily decisions and actions, while the unconscious mind works behind the scenes, influencing our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in ways we often don't realize. We'll also discuss the groundbreaking work of psychologist Carol Dweck, who introduced the idea of fixed and growth mindsets. A fixed mindset be...

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Mindy Allen. She is an Assistant Program Director at the Family Resource Center for Disabilities and Special Needs in Charleston, South Carolina .  In addition, Mindy is the creator and curator of the Nesting Guide and ID Guide.  These 2 guides are data initiatives to disseminate cradle to career health and human service data.  She shares the...

In this episode, we sit down with Sangita Thakur. An extraordinary individual whose passion for inclusion knows no bounds.  Sangita has SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) and is also deaf, but she leverages her experiences with disabilities to drive positive change. She is the Founder of Ashtavakra Accessibility Solutions, a social enterprise focused on DEIB&A for individuals with disabilities. Aft...

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Abbey Benjamin, an inspiring mom to Tommy and Avery Joy.   She is a wife to Chris, a nurse, dance teacher, and self-published children's book author.    Her daughter, Avery Joy, has been diagnosed with adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency (ADSLD), a rare genetic disorder that impacts metabolic function and development.   Abbey shares the emotional journey...

In this episode, we talk about the question what you truly want from life and how harnessing the power of possibility can help you to achieve it. Life often presents us with a myriad of choices and paths, yet amidst the noise and chaos, discovering what we really want can feel like walking through a foggy landscape. By daring to dream, and embracing the power of possibility we open ourselves up to...

In today's episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Destiny Huff, MS, LPC, CPCS. She is a  mental health therapist, certified trauma therapist for children, and an exceptional neuroaffirming IEP Coach and Advocate. Destiny is dedicated to empowering parents navigating the complexities of special education. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the Individualized Education Prog...

In today's episode, I ask a fundamental question that has the power to reshape your entire perspective. Are you defined by your life, or living a life that you've defined? It's a thought-provoking question that forces us to examine the narrative we've constructed around our own existence. For many, expectations, pressures, and norms can dictate the trajectory of our lives, leaving us feeling boxed...

In this episode, I'll dive deep into the realms of emotional intelligence and regulation, exploring the pivotal role they play in our daily lives. We'll uncover the essence of emotional intelligence, shedding light on how it empowers us to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions effectively. Moreover, we'll unravel the intricacies of emotional regulation, a skill vital for maintaining inner...