This Ability Podcast

In this episode of This Ability Podcast , Mary sits down with Acadiana mother, author, and advocate Emily Wolf to talk about her journey raising her son Seth, who lives with autism and congenital muscular myopathy (RYR1). Emily shares what daily life looks like for their family, the challenges and emotional “dark moments” that many special needs parents face, and the powerful joy that can come fro...

In this episode of This Ability Podcast , our host Mary Baudoin sits down with Annie Watkins, Site Manager of GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans, to talk about building a community where individuals with Down syndrome and their families are celebrated, supported, and empowered. From its founding mission to “change the way the world views Down syndrome” to its 62 locations across the U.S. and Mexico, GiG...

In this heartfelt and powerful episode of This Ability Podcast , Sierra Stevens shares her journey as a nurse, a mother of two children with diagnoses, and a woman living with sickle cell disease. Sierra opens up about raising her autistic, non-speaking son Micah and her daughter with ADD, navigating early diagnoses, embracing observation as a parenting tool, and learning to celebrate her children...

In this episode of This Ability Podcast , Mary sits down with Jo Faulk, a disabled student leader, advocate, and future educator whose lived experience has shaped her understanding of disability, resilience, and voice. Jo reflects on growing up with disability, the influence of her mother’s disability on her own journey, and why advocacy often becomes an “inherent skill” for disabled people. From...

In this episode of This Ability Podcast , host Mary Baudoin sits down with Latasha Holt, a mother, educator, and advocate in Acadiana, to share her family’s journey navigating an ultra-rare medical diagnosis. Latasha opens up about her daughter, Blakelee, who is living with isolated (central) adrenal insufficiency—an exceptionally rare condition affecting approximately one in one million individua...

In this episode of This Ability Podcast , host Mary Baudoin sits down with Elizabeth Duplechain and Amanda Anderson for a heartfelt conversation about Elijah and the journey that surrounds him. Elizabeth, Elijah’s mother, shares what it means to raise a young man diagnosed with Down syndrome, autism, ADD, and ADHD, while navigating advocacy, education, and daily life. Amanda adds her perspective a...

In this extended episode of This Ability Podcast , we sit down with Justina Plowden , Miss Wheelchair Louisiana and founder of We Matter , a support and advocacy group for individuals with disabilities across the Acadiana region. Justina shares her journey as a powerful advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and representation. From her experience competing in the Miss Wheelchair America pageant t...

Extended Episode: Empowerment in Action – Donielle Watkins & Coach Damon Vincent In this extended edition of This Ability Podcast , we revisit our conversation with Donielle Watkins , Executive Director of the DREAMS Foundation of Acadiana , and expand the story by weaving in insights from Coach Damon Vincent,  founder of Train Unique . Donielle shares the heartfelt journey behind DREAMS—an or...

In this extended episode, we discuss the topic of autism with Season One guest Paul Ganucheau and interview the 2024 Acadiana Teen Spirit Award Winners who are making a difference in the community. 🏆 Aubrey David – 9th-grade student at Teurlings Catholic High School 🏆 Chloe Songne – 9th-grade student at New Iberia Senior High School Aubrey David is an inspiring teenager with a heart for service...

In this extended interview, our host Mary Baudoin provides listeners with some background information about the ULL LIFE Program and a little background about our guest Mary Frances Avera. In this inspiring interview, Mary Frances Avera opens up about her rare ZMIZ1 diagnosis, the profound role faith plays in her life, her deep love for animals, and her journey to graduating from the ULL LIFE (Lea...

In this extended interview, our host Mary Baudoin provides listeners with some background information about the teens featured in this podcast episode. These autistic teens from Red Oaks Coping Cottage School in Lafayette, LA, join us for an engaging and eye-opening conversation.  Hear them share what they love about attending Red Oaks School, their experiences with fitting in, their favorite vide...

In this extended interview, our host Mary Baudoin recaps Part One of Ashley Benoit Olivier's episode from Season with an introduction before starting the part two content.  Ashley gives us an update about her son Drew and the positive impacts of the Early Intervention program. She also talks about Mercy Medical Angels and Miracle Flights (the team that provided airplane trip free of charge fo...

Kim Lanclos Smith shares her experience as the mother and full-time caregiver of her son BJ, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor and artist. They discuss how art has become a tool for healing and expression in their lives. Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube chann...

Join us as we sit down with Rachel Foreman, LCSW , a Lafayette psychotherapist and mom who bravely shares her family’s journey with pediatric bipolar disorder —from the first signs at age five to years of treatment, advocacy, and hard-won stability. Rachel opens up about stigma, school challenges, marriage stress, finding the right clinicians, and why community and honest conversation matter. Than...

Sam Primeaux shares how a life-changing motorcycle accident left him paralyzed at 17 — and how he's faced every day since with grit, faith, and determination. From intensive therapy to strength training and stem cell treatments, Sam opens up about reclaiming independence and redefining possibility. Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like...

In this episode, Laynie Stevens shares her journey as a college student with cerebral palsy, her leadership as past president of Alpha Delta Pi for students with disabilities & her advocacy work on the Lafayette Mayor-President’s Awareness Committee. As she prepares to graduate with a degree in Accounting, Laynie reflects on accessibility, inclusion & student representation.  Thanks for li...

In this powerful episode of This Ability Podcast , host Mary Baudoin sits down with Jayce Romero, a young DeafBlind advocate from Lafayette, Louisiana, who lives with Usher Syndrome Type 1B. Jayce shares his deeply personal story—from his early diagnosis, educational journey, and family discoveries to his commitment to raising awareness about DeafBlindness. With the help of his interpreter Shirley...

In this episode of This Ability Podcast , we sit down with Justina Plowden , Miss Wheelchair Louisiana and founder of We Matter , a support and advocacy group for individuals with disabilities across the Acadiana region. Justina shares her journey as a powerful advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and representation. From her experience competing in the Miss Wheelchair America pageant to leading...

In this episode, we sit down with Kristie Curtis — a fierce advocate for disability rights, a passionate community leader, and a devoted mom to three amazing sons, each with unique abilities. Kristie shares her powerful journey into advocacy, her work with LaCAN (Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network), and the role her unshakable faith has played in helping her overcome life's biggest challeng...

In this episode of This Ability Podcast , we sit down with Cheryl Laws Tessier , a nurse practitioner, mother, and powerful advocate for the disability community. Cheryl shares her personal journey navigating her son Howard’s autism diagnosis—from early signs and initial dismissals by healthcare providers to securing vital therapies and support services. Her story highlights the importance of trus...

In this episode of This Ability Podcast, we welcome Sylnita Livas-Bougere, an educator, advocate, and devoted mother from Thibodaux, Louisiana. After relocating to Lafayette following Hurricane Ida, Sylnita has dedicated her life to autism awareness and special needs advocacy, inspired by her 13-year-old son, Rain, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. She shares her journey of naviga...

🎶 Have you ever wondered how music can heal and bring people together? In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Vanessa Lomas, founder of TheraCare Music Therapy of Lafayette and president of the Autism Society of Acadiana, to explore the transformative power of music. 🎶  Here’s what we dive into:   🎶 The deep connection between music and life events, like birthdays and celebrations   💊 How...

In this episode, Donielle Watkins shares the inspiring story behind the creation of the DREAMS Foundation of Acadiana and its mission to provide inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities in the Acadiana area. From sports, art, and theater to galas, camps, and more, Donielle highlights the diverse activities that foster connection and empowerment.  She also talks about the foundation&apo...

In this episode, we interview the 2024 Acadiana Teen Spirit Award Winners who are making a difference in the community: 🏆 Aubrey David – 9th-grade student at Teurlings Catholic High School 🏆 Chloe Songne – 9th-grade student at New Iberia Senior High School Aubrey David is an inspiring teenager with a heart for service and a drive to make a meaningful impact in her community. Through her initiati...

In this inspiring interview, Mary Frances opens up about her rare ZMIZ1 diagnosis, the profound role faith plays in her life, her deep love for animals, and her journey to graduating from the ULL LIFE (Learning Is for Everyone) Program.  Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our Yo...