The Atlantic CIL Podcast

In this episode, Donald talks with Amanda Chirelli, the Outreach Coordinator for the MOCEANS Center of Independent Living. The two talk about struggles of living with Cerebral Palsy, as well as how to get into advocacy for disability as well as time on how to get started. Learn more about Atlantic CIL: https://atlanticcil.org/ Music Used: Gunnar Olsen - First To Last https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

In this episode, Donald talks with Louis A Casadia - a New Jersey Criminal Prosecutor - about a number of different things regarding the law in New Jersey and how it can relate to someone with a physical or mental disability. CONTENT WARNING This podcast contains discussion about the following: Sexual Assault Gang/Gun Violence Domestic Disputes Car Accidents/Road Rage These topics are presented in...

In this episode, Donald talks with the CIL's newest associate, Amadeo Astillero. He talks about his goals he wishes to achieve, his struggles in his past, and shares personal stories about his experiences regarding his education. Learn more about Atlantic CIL: https://atlanticcil.org/ Music Used: Gunnar Olsen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bWwDbCAums

In this episode, we talk with Lisa Lockard, an Independent Travel Advisor who specializes in Accessible Travel.  She shares some trade secrets about how travel advising works, why you would want to book with one, and notes how ADA compliancy doesn't always cover the disabilities you may have. Interested in travelling? Contact Lisa below! Phone: (609)204-5289 Email: TravelConnection23@gmail.co...

In this episode, we talk with Paul Aronsohn, the New Jersey Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families. We discuss what an Ombudsman is, as well as issues tackled in Aronsohn's most recent report. The episode revolves around abuse in nursing homes, assisted living homes, and group homes, as well as the legislative process and how a lack of dis...

In this episode, we talk to Matthew Binder, the director, and Matt of Easterseals New Jersey about the importance of Medicaid. We also explored the significance of advocacy and how people with disabilities and their supporters can advocate and become engaged. Link- https://www.easterseals.com/nj/get-involved/advocacy/

In this Episode, we sat down with Alexander Casillas, a gay Puerto Rican author, editor, and writing coach near the beach between Philadelphia and Manhattan, talking about his book series "The Immortal Philosophers" and how he got to where he is. Support Alexander Casillas: https://alexandercasillas.com/ Read "The Immortal Philosophers": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DR7KHPM3?ref...

In this Episode, we talk to Marisa Douglas of A Better Tomorrow Counseling Services. Support A Better Tomorrow Counseling Services: https://abettertomorrowcounselingservices.com/

In this episode,  we talk to Dan a transman who started transitioning in 2013 shortly after earning his BS in Molecular Biology at Montclair State University. He has previously taken on leadership roles in LGBTQ+ employee resource groups, championing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As someone living with multiple marginalizations, Dan also understands the complex intersections of being T...

Since 2018, Kevin Nunez has been on a journey of self-. He has sought to respond to our profoundly changing world and learn from others how to be the best self-advocate he can be. He also still has the ever-present desire to build coalitions with others to improve his corner of the world for people with disabilities. The mission never ends. Link- https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Disability-Limbo...

We kick off 2025 with Andrea Nieves. Andrea is an experienced advocate. We discuss the importance of advocacy, how people can get involved in their community, and how civic engagement does not have to involve politics. Below is a Facebook group with information about a book club that Andrea created, which exists to help create social change. Link- https://www.facebook.com/groups/906344471712140/?r...

In this episode, we welcome back Karyn Adams for her second interview, talking about her second book called "The Challenges and Triumphs of Stephon Adams. " We also spoke about disability advocacy, community involvement, and creating a support system. Karyn's website is in the link below  Link- https://www.authorkarynadams.com/  Music by Aphonic: https://linktr.ee/apho

With the 2024 election coming, we sat down with Christina Khalil, a senator candidate for the Green Party for this upcoming election. Learn more about Christina Khalil: https://khalilforsenate.com/ Learn more about Atlantic CIL: https://atlanticcil.org/ Music by Aphonic: https://linktr.ee/apho

With the 2024 Election coming up, we sat down with Patrica Mooneyham, a candidate for the 2024 Senate Election talking how she got to where she is today.  Learn more about Patricia Mooneyham:  https://votemooneyham4ussenate.com/ Music by Aphonic: https://linktr.ee/apho

In this episode, we have a great talk with Kelly Wernersbach. Her bio is below  My name is Kelly, and I am the proud owner of Adjust Your Sleep Mattress Boutique  Locally I encourage everyone to visit the showroom and to be physically fitted to your sleep system as this is the primary way to experience/shop I also have the ability to custom make for you. My goal is to create an optimal life For al...

Special needs trust and how they can be used to protect people with disabilities from losing their benefits if they receive money.  We also discuss alternatives to guardianship and disability rights.    Learn more about Ralston Law: https://ralstonlawestateplanning.com/ Learn more about Atlantic CIL: https://atlanticcil.org/ Music by Aphonic: https://linktr.ee/apho

In this episode, we talk to Diane Conover, a nurse with personal and professional experience working with people with dementia and Alzheimer's. We discussed the Clear effects of this diagnosis and the support that people with these disabilities and their caregivers and loved ones need. We also discussed best practices and proper etiquette when engaging with people with these disabilities.  Le...

In this episode, we sat down with Vicki Phillips, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County., We discussed MHA's mission and services. We also discussed our Civic Action Engagement Initiatives and the importance of disability advocacy, breaking barriers between all parts of the disability community, and reducing the stigma of having a mental health disability thro...

Discover the transformative journey of Carolee Morano, who shifted from a successful 14-year career in international banking to becoming a passionate advocate for people with developmental disabilities,  In this episode, we discuss the Atlantic Center for Independent Living and the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County’s Civic Action Engagement Initiative and how people with disabilities ca...

In this episode, we sat down with Michele Kreuzer of BEEhavior Budz, an organization that empowers families and providers with effective strategies to respond to various behaviors. We discussed the importance of supporting people with behavioral disabilities, listening to their needs, and involving them in the process. We also considered the whole environment that can affect someone's behavio...

In this episode, we talk to Rebecca Martin from Rutgers about the Inclusive Healthy Communities grant. Rebecca provides support for the Inclusive Healthy Communities award winners. The Inclusive Healthy Communities (IHC) grant program, established in 2020 by the Division of Disability Services, New Jersey Department of Human Services, funds New Jersey communities and organizations engaged in proje...

In this episode, we had the privilege of interviewing Davina Patterson, Executive Director of Disability Resource Network. The organization is located in Huntsville, AL, and serves 13 counties in North Alabama. During the interview, Davina shared her journey, where she started, and how she reached her current position.  Learn about Disability Resource Network: https://www.drn256.org/

In this episode, We talk to Sophie Poost of Disability EmpowHer Network, which is a non-profit run by and for girls and women with disabilities that connects, motivates, and guides women with disabilities to grow, learn, and develop to their highest potential and have the confidence to lead. Disability EmpowHer Network: https://www.disabilityempowhernetwork.org/

We spoke with Kate Kelly and Jesse Schwartzman in this episode to discuss the Integrated Community Project (ICP) and The ICP Toolkit for Municipalities. Created by the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey, these tools allow people to perform accessibility assessments of local governments and municipalities.   The assessment and the toolkit give government officials the tools and support th...

In this episode we interview Carolyn Quinn of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. Carolyn Quinn joined MHA in January of 2013. She received a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Studies from Boston University in May 2010 and completed post-bachelorette studies towards a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. Carolyn has received certifications/licenses as Certified Recovery Special...