Waves of Awareness - WOA it's A Podcast

Waves of Awareness welcomes Megan Schwalm, the Executive Director and CEO of the Tennessee Caregiver Coalition, to the mic this week. Our co-hosts for this episode are Waves CEO Staci Davis, Johnny Sunshine, and Tripp. Johnny and Tripp share some short life updates before diving into Megan's background and her work with the Tennessee Caregiver Coalition. This organization provides respite for both...

This week, Waves of Awareness welcomes Melissa Smith, the Executive Director of Backlight Productions and the author of the Friends of Franklin children's book series. Backlight Productions provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to receive education in the arts and perform lead roles in integrated productions. Staci and Johnny Sunshine co-host this episode alongside first-time co...

Waves of Awareness welcomes Lauren Morris, founder and executive director of MOVE Inclusive Dance, to the podcast this week. Listen in as Staci, Johnny Sunshine, and Christy co-host this episode to learn about the meaningful work MOVE Inclusive does with dancers of all abilities. Lauren shares her personal journey that led her to creating MOVE Inclusive and the important mission behind the organiz...

This week WOA welcomes Audrey Kidd, the executive director of Saddle Up! Staci and Johnny Sunshine co-host the episode to learn about Saddle Up and the amazing impact it makes through equine therapy. Audrey outlines her personal journey with Saddle Up! as well as the background and legacy of Saddle Up! as an organization. She also highlights some of the important and customized programs that Saddl...

This episode features Gary, the brother of Jeff, who is currently a recipient of Waves Fairview Day Program. Jeff has been involved with Waves for the past 46 years and Gary shares his experience has been during this time. Listen to Gary shares several stories from their childhood and adult lives as well as the meaningful impact Waves has had on Jeff and on their family as a whole. Alongside Gary...

This week WOA welcomes Tish Etter, the new Adult Services Director at Waves. Alongside Tish is Jen Choate (Waves Early Interventionist), Staci Davis, Christy Webb, and John Lynch to chat about the Adult Services and Early Learning Departments at Waves. Tish offers a unique perspective to the full lifespan of support offered at Waves as her son currently receives developmental therapy from Jen thro...

Waves is kicking off Season 10 with Brandy Blanton from the Circle of Giving! Christy Webb, Johnny Sunshine, and Staci Davis host the podcast this episode, ready to learn more about Brandy and share their own updates. Brandy Blanton is the President and CEO of the Circle of Giving, a nonprofit fostering philanthropy and uplifting local non-profits. Their mission is to enrich our local community th...

For our Season 9 finale, WOA welcomes Mackenzie Wasner from Mack Hatcher Events to discuss her company and all things Christmas! Along with Johnny Sunshine, Matt Moore, Tripp Abney, and Staci Davis, the group dives into questions for Mackenzie. We learned about their event rental company which began in 2023 and continues to grow to this day. Originally in the music industry, Mackenzie first became...

This week on Waves of Awareness, Alecia Talbott joins us from the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee (DSAMT). Alecia is the current Executive Director of DSAMT and an advocate for the Down syndrome community. Alecia tells us her personal journey as a mother to a son with down syndrome and the experiences she's gone through that have furthered her passion as an advocate for inclusion and...

The Executive Director of Jacob's Audible, Brad Meshell, joins Waves of Awareness for this week's episode. Brad founded Jacob's Audible after his son, Jacob, was diagnosed with Autism and Jacob found himself going through the same journey many parents in similar situations find themselves going through. Jacob shares with Trent, John, Matt, and Tripp the mission and goals of Jacob's Audible. From f...

This week Waves of Awareness celebrates Thanksgiving! Join Staci, John, Matt, and Norris as the group chats about everything they are thankful for including our favorite holiday food items! From Staci's favorite Thanksgiving memory in Massachusetts to a heated pumpkin or pecan debate the group fills the table with talk of thanks. Norris announces what he's most looking forward to this holiday seas...

This week Waves of Awareness welcomes Christina and Kathy from The Downtown Franklin Rotary Club. Alongside these ladies, we have Norris Peterson, Tripp Abney, John Lynch, and Staci Davis. Together the group learns about the Rotary Club and its mission to make our community and the world a better place by living the Rotary International motto of "Service Above Self." Our WOA hosts take turns askin...

This week's Waves of Awareness episode features Sasha, a mother receiving Early Intervention services from Waves Early Learning Department. Alongside Sasha is Jen Choate, her Early Interventionist with Waves, to chat with the group about how families can help their child and family prepare for the holiday season. John, Matt, and Tripp all ask Sasha about her family story and how her family has had...

As we dive into the holiday season, this podcast episode welcomes Katie McDonald to discuss how families can approach tech over this busy time of year. Katie is a Lead Early Interventionist with Waves and has several years experience working with families to maintain some normalcy while also embracing a holiday vacation. Together with Tripp, Matt, John, and Staci Davis the group listens to Katie s...

This week the guys meet with Staci to provide in-depth life updates! Between Tripp, Matt, and Johnny Sunshine we hear a conversation full of twists and turns. Staci chats with John about his favorite tips recently, his trips to Gentry Farms. John continues to discuss the events that have kept him busy this October. Matt shares with the group his favorite Best Buy moments, what he's been working on...

This week's episode of Waves of Awareness featured the Waves Fairview Day Program. Together with Staci Davis and Johnny Sunshine, the group discusses all things Halloween. From Fairview we have Stephanie, Hannah, Roger, Eric, and Jimmy ready to share their thoughts on Halloween. From favorite movies to worst Halloween candy the group shares what they think Halloween is all about. When it comes to...

Waves of Awareness is back for Season 9 with special interviews from behind the scenes at Brews & Grooves. Brews & Grooves was Waves' 4th Annual Fundraising event, with live performances and an auction that supports Waves programs supporting adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Listen to our WOA Producer Trent Denson with Spread The Positive sit and interview guest...

Season eight's finale of Waves of Awareness welcomes Ashley Hart to the table. Together with John, Matt, and Staci, the group dives into conversation together covering everything from life updates to the impact volunteering has on everyone involved. Ashley has volunteered with Waves, Inc. through Cropssoint Church for years and has done an immeasurable amount of good for the community. From workin...

This week we are joined by the Program Director of Backlight Productions, Jordan Scott. Jordan has been with Backlight for 5 years, starting first as a teacher and then growing into her current position as her passion for Backlight and its mission has grown. Matt Morre, John Lynch, and Staci Davis gather with Jordan to learn about Backlight Productions and what the nonprofit strives to do for the...

For families that care for a member with an intellectual or developmental disabilities, ensuring your child has an advocate after you are no longer able to is a top priority. At The Arc Davidson County & Greater Nashville they have created a new program centered around supporting families as they plan the care for their child after they are gone. Sharing about this program is Sheila Moore, the Exe...

Can you guess what this week's episode covers? Staci, Eric, John, and Matt come together to talk about their favorite scenes from The Sandlot! Eric kicks the episode off with a re-cap for John and Matt, reminding the table about his favorite scenes and the characters that made The Sandlot great. Eric and Staci chat about the scenes in the movie that made it impactful. The group plays Fact or Ficti...

This week of Waves of Awareness features Debby Rainey from United Way and our entire Fairview crew. WOA sets up shop at the Waves Fairview Day Program with Stephanie, Hannah, Jimmy, and Eric to chat about new projects United Way has on underway. Debby shares news of the counties United Way has expanded to support, while getting serenaded by Eric. The crew also shares life updates covering everythi...

The end of summer vacation is coming close for a lot of families, which makes it a perfect time for our Waves Early Interventionists Cheryl Vooris and Kate Harris to join this week's episode of WOA! Cheryl and Kate join Staci and Matt at the table to discuss how parents can help the transition from a summer schedule to a new school routine. Matt asks the Interventionists everything from scheduling...

Waves of Awareness gathers around the table to hear the heartfelt story of Brittany and her daughter Isabella (Bella). Brittany and Bella have been receiving services with Waves Early Learning for 3 years and going through an inspiring journey of hard work and perseverance. Staci and Co-Host Tripp Abney are joined by Waves Early Learning Director Gina Wilson and Waves Early Interventionist Deana R...

We wouldn't have an amazing season without an episode in Fairview! Staci, Matt, and Eric take a trip to the Waves Fairview Day Program for episode three. There we were welcomed by Adam, Stephanie, and Hannah for a whirlwind conversation that spans everything from favorite movies and TV shows to the Waves, upcoming Brews and Grooves event on Sept. 19th. Eric shares his excitement for the upcoming D...