Podcasts about Special needs

When doctors advised abortion after a devastating prenatal diagnosis, Gitti and Henrich Berkhoff chose a different path. Their son Julian was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, enduring multiple life-threatening surgeries. Against all odds, Julian not only survived but thrived—becoming a rider, public speaker, and inspiration.Out of this journey, Gitti built one of Germany's most innovative equine-assisted programs, blending neuroscience, horsemanship, and joy. From wheelchair fox hunting to pillow fights on horseback and even toilet-brush “microphone” interviews, her farm is a living testament to humor, creativity, and resilience.Now, as she and her husband bring equine-assisted therapy to the German parliament, Gitti shares how horses, family, and a belief in joy over suffering reshaped her life—and how they can reshape equine therapy itself.If you want to support the show, you can do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome✨ “If you have something that makes you happy and you share it, then it grows. That gives you energy.” – Gitti Berkhoff✨ “If you are not consciously creating joy, you may be unconsciously creating suffering.” – Rupert Isaacson

In this episode, I respond head-on to the claim that Tylenol causes autism. As a mom of a six-year-old with moderate-to-severe autism, I'm not a scientist—I'm just living this every day. I break down what the FDA, WHO, and researchers are actually saying about acetaminophen, why Tylenol is being singled out, and why the vaccine–autism myth refuses to die. But this isn't just science talk. I also dive into the raw reality of being a single mom raising a child with special needs. It's emotional, it's messy, it's unfiltered. I do lose my shit a little, so trigger warning for big feelings, hard truths, and some very loud honesty. We need nuance. We need humor. We need real conversations. This is mine. ✨ **THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!**

Do you ever find yourself replaying the same decision in your mind—curriculum choices, discipline, meal planning, screen time limits—only to end up feeling like nothing you do is ever good enough? If so, you're not alone. I know firsthand how exhausting it can be to live in a loop of second-guessing, especially when you're juggling homeschooling, ADHD tendencies, medical needs, and the daily demands of mom life.In today's episode, I'm sharing a biblical mindset reset for the overthinking mom. You'll hear both the science and the scripture behind why our brains get stuck in these spirals—and, more importantly, you'll walk away with two simple tools you can use immediately: 3 Simple Questions and Pause, Name, Reset. These are practical strategies you can tuck in your back pocket to calm the noise, build confidence, and trust that God has equipped you to lead your family with love.We'll talk about why even doctors struggle with decision fatigue, why naming your emotions helps calm your brain, and how anchoring your choices in biblical truth can bring peace to your days. My hope is that you'll finish this episode feeling lighter, more confident, and encouraged that you don't need to carry the burden of perfection.

In this episode of Waves of Awareness, we're diving into the heart of early intervention and the difference it can make for families. Waves Early Interventionist Tara Gilbert joins the conversation alongside Megan and her son Beau, one of the families she serves. Together, they open up about Beau's personality, the milestones that mean the most, and what early developmental support has looked like in their journey. Our hosts—Staci Davis (Waves CEO) and the Waves adults crew (Matt, John, Eric, and Jeni)—bring their own thoughtful questions and perspectives to the table. You'll hear Megan's reflections as a parent, Tara's simple explanation of what early intervention really is, and the moments that stand out most from their time working together. Of course, no Waves of Awareness episode would be complete without life updates from our hosts—including Eric sharing how things are going at his job at Publix.

In this episode, the moms welcome James Ballard, J.D., Vice President and Private Client Advisor at Commerce Trust. James addresses a range of questions related to guardianship, such as the legal process, financial implications, and the role of a guardian and also touches on Special Needs Trusts. Guardianship and Special Needs Trusts are complicated and multifaceted. James helps us parse out all the details to give the moms and listeners some clarity on these important processes. We are grateful for your support and excited to share this informative episode with you! Thank you for listening in and connecting with us!Visit Legal Services of Southern Missouri for more information.If you like our podcast, please share, review, and subscribe! You can find us at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Navigating Adult Autism on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Navigatingadultautismpodcast on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Navigatingadultautism.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You can also find Heather Woodring write about her son Zachary at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Everyday Adventures with Zachary on Facebook

This week I discuss my new job, tradiversary, Miss International Queen 2025, Terrell Carter's childhood and much more. #LOUDITPodcast is hosted by Nnedinso. Tune in every Monday for some funny stories and girl talk to cheer up your Monday blues. From life experiences to wild stories and current media, no topic is off limits. Let's LOUD IT and talk some rubbish! Twitter: @Nneddy121 and YouTube: ItsNnedinso

As the Government commits to establishing more places in special needs schools and special needs classrooms, John's guest is calling for a different policy to be adopted, where children of all needs learn together in the same place.Professor Joe Travers, who is the Director of the Centre of Inclusive Pedagogy at DCU's Institute of Education says we are at a crossroads in relation to inclusive education in Ireland, and joins guest host John Fardy to discuss.

As the Government commits to establishing more places in special needs schools and special needs classrooms, John's guest is calling for a different policy to be adopted, where children of all needs learn together in the same place.Professor Joe Travers, who is the Director of the Centre of Inclusive Pedagogy at DCU's Institute of Education says we are at a crossroads in relation to inclusive education in Ireland, and joins guest host John Fardy to discuss.

This week on Waves of Awareness, we're diving into the power of music therapy with special guest Meghan Davis, founder of Music Ability Lessons. Meghan leads weekly group music therapy sessions with our Waves adults, helping them connect, grow, and express themselves through music. Her ties to Waves go even deeper—her sister Mikayla is part of our Franklin Day Program—making this conversation both professional and personal. Joining the mic are Waves CEO Staci Davis, co-hosts Matt Moore and Johnny Sunshine, plus a lively group of our Franklin Waves adults. Together, they explore:

Host Sue Shilling speaks with Ed from the MRC Sports Unity Program about the programs they have for individuals with special needs.

Are you or a loved one managing a chronic health condition? Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) are specialized Medicare Advantage plans designed to provide personalized, coordinated care for specific health needs. In this episode, we break down who qualifies, explore the unique benefits of C-SNPs, and guide you step-by-step on how to enroll. Tune in to discover how these plans can make managing your health easier and more effective.

​A woman spared jail for lacing a bottle of coke with laxatives which left a man with severe diarrhoea boasted on Facebook she was free within hours of leaving court.The 38-year-old poured more than half a bottle of lactulose into the fizzy drink which was then guzzled by the unsuspecting victim.Also in today's podcast, a rugby referee rushed to hospital after almost collapsing during a match is warning others not to ignore their body if they are not feeling right.He was officiating a tie between Duke of York School in Dover and King's Rochester in Medway when he began struggling just minutes after kick-off.There are calls for more of us to have conversations about organ donation as figures reveal 120 people from Kent have died while on the transplant list over the last decade.Numbers given to the KentOnline Podcast also show 118 people from the county received potentially life-saving surgery over the past year.A hairdresser is cutting her losses and has transformed her salon into a private healthcare clinic in Sittingbourne - with the help of a former client.She's been in the hair industry for 40 years but says the salon had become unprofitable in recent years so she made the “devastating” decision to close it.And, a “nurturing and inclusive” music school for youngsters with special needs is set to move into its new home.Specialist college SupaJam will set up shop at the former NatWest building in Swanley next year – you can hear from their CEO about who they are and what they do.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a textNavigating the complex intersection of disability, homeownership, and financial planning requires specialized knowledge that few possess. In this eye-opening conversation, Hannah Magma shares her expertise as a Chartered Special Needs Consultant—one of fewer than 500 nationwide among over 300,000 financial advisors. Hannah, who is both a wheelchair user and parent of a medically complex child, brings personal experience to her professional insights. She explains how ABLE accounts work as powerful financial tools that allow disabled individuals to save beyond typical benefit program limits without losing eligibility. For housing specifically, these accounts offer unique advantages over special needs trusts, particularly for handling rent or mortgage payments without reducing Supplemental Security Income benefits. The conversation challenges common misconceptions about disability and finances. Whether you're disabled, caring for someone with a disability, or simply planning for an uncertain future, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating financial security while maintaining benefits. Join us at HorizontalHouses.com to continue exploring disability homeownership and find resources to help lower barriers while raising standards for accessible living.About ThriventThrivent is a diversified financial services organization that helps people achieve financial clarity, enabling lives full of meaning and gratitude. Thrivent and its subsidiary and affiliate companies serve more than 2.3 million clients, offering advice, insurance, investments, banking and generosity products and programs online and through financial advisors and independent agents nationwide. Thrivent is a Fortune 500 company with $179 billion in assets under management/advisement (as of 12/31/23). Thrivent carries ratings from independent rating agencies which demonstrate the strength and stability of the organization, including an A++ rating from AM Best; an Aa2 rating from Moody's Investors Service; and an AA+ rating from S&P Global Ratings. Ratings are based on Thrivent's financial strength and claims-paying ability, but do not apply to investment product performance. For information on these ratings, visit the rating agency's website. Dividends are not guaranteed. For more information about Thrivent, visit Thrivent.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Thrivent provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client's financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee. Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.Cush Pocket, a proud sponsor, is a disabled owned company that sells wheelchair bags. Get $1 off by using code Angela Fox Support the showClick for: Feedback Survey Facebook Linkden www.horizontalhouses.comAccessibilityishome@gmail.com

In today's episode, Dr. Sheila White talks with Catherine Marsden, a certified health coach and author of the new memoir Finding My Stride: A Guide to Finding Power Raising a Child with Special Needs, about how the courageous power of resilience can help parents stay emotionally strong for their children.

From a childhood marked by abandonment in Australia to building a groundbreaking equine-assisted program in New Mexico, Dr. Rebecca Evanko's story is one of resilience, survival, and transformation. Joined by her husband, physician Dr. Marc Evanko, the two share how their own neurodivergence—autism and ADHD—shaped Wilder Wood Equine Therapy, a program centering female autism and authentic connection with horses.Together they discuss the creation of WRADIANCE©, a new diagnostic tool designed by autistic women for autistic women, and their unique counseling model that blends equine interaction with trauma-informed, neurodivergent-led support.✨ “For the first time, I said to myself: I'm not a problem. I'm autistic. I think differently.” – Dr. Rebecca Evanko✨ “There's nothing wrong with either operating system—Android or Apple. They both work. It's just different.” – Dr. Marc EvankoIf you want to support the show, you can do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome

In this week's episode, we're featuring two powerful stories born from our education program.Part 1: As an undergraduate with no “real” science experience, Molly Magid is thrilled to join a research project studying how bats fly—until she discovers the bats refuse to cooperate. Part 2: As a child, Léa Souccar and her father explore the wreckage in the aftermath of a devastating bombing. Molly Magid is a science communicator and podcast producer. She has been telling stories about science since the first grade, when she wrote a biologically accurate story about ladybugs. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Molly now lives in Christchurch, New Zealand. She enjoys sharing her passion for science anywhere from podcasts to social media to declaring her love of longfin eels on the street. Léa Souccar was born in Lebanon, three years into the war. By the time the fighting stopped, she was twelve. In between, the voice of her storytelling grandmother carried her above the chaos—like a flying carpet—and helped shape who she became. During her first year studying Performing Arts, Beirut hosted its first Storytelling and Monodrama Festival. She skipped classes that week to attend every lecture by day and every performance by night. Something long asleep inside her woke up. From that moment on, she trained relentlessly, learning from renowned storytellers from around the world. After earning a Master's in Theater Education for Special Needs, she began working as a storyteller and puppeteer, sharing stories in schools, hospitals, refugee camps, and prisons. In 2010, she became a primary school teacher in France. She found her place in a preschool classroom, where she began exploring all the ways oral storytelling can support and inspire learning. Today, she leads workshops where she shares her two greatest passions: storytelling and education—and the sparks that fly when the two meet.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Waves of Awareness, we're shining a spotlight on Able Voices, a nonprofit that empowers individuals with disabilities through the art of photography.

Send us a textCuriosity drives creativity in this heartfelt conversation with author Mila Maxwell, whose debut novel "Finding Lady Baltimore" emerged from a simple yet profound question: "What if something happened to me that allowed me to see her perspective?" This burning desire to understand her sister Sarah's experience with cerebral palsy ultimately became the foundation for a work of fiction that blends real-life experiences with imaginative exploration.Maxwell's journey from caregiver sibling to storyteller reveals the complex dynamics of growing up alongside someone with different abilities. Just 18 months older than Sarah, she naturally fell into a protective role that shaped her identity well into adulthood. Home videos captured young Mila directing her sister during bath time—early evidence of the responsibility she carried throughout her life. This pattern became so ingrained that when Maxwell became a mother herself, she had to consciously adapt her approach for her neurotypical son.What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Maxwell's candid acknowledgment of the complicated emotions that accompany being a sibling caregiver. Rather than presenting an idealized version of her experience, she addresses the resentments and unspoken feelings that accumulated over years. Through writing, Maxwell found healing not just for herself but for her entire family. "It's changed the whole family dynamic with my sister and my parents," she shares, highlighting how bringing these feelings into the light created opportunities for greater understanding.Beyond her writing, Maxwell embodies versatility as a self-described "multifaceted serial entrepreneur" whose career has spanned marketing, nutrition, personal training, and even volunteer firefighting. Her approach to life mirrors her creative process—organic, intuitive, and guided by what feels right in the moment rather than rigid planning.The most powerful takeaway from our discussion lies in Maxwell's emphasis on individuality: "Everyone that has a disability, they're still an individual," she notes, explaining that even people with the same diagnosis can have vastly different needs and personalities. This understanding extends to her philosophy that "we all have special needs"—a perspective that shifts the conversation from categorization to celebrating universal human diversity.Have you read "Finding Lady Baltimore" or connected with the sibling caregiver experience? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about how stories like these help normalize what it means to be part of a special needs family.Support the show

09-15-25 - Latest Entrant For This Year's S*Heel Of The Year Award Had Relationship w/Special Needs PatientSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

09-15-25 - Latest Entrant For This Year's S*Heel Of The Year Award Had Relationship w/Special Needs PatientSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fr. Ben celebrates mass with those with special needs from all over Memphis, TN. It's a beautiful mass filled with joy, and that's precisely what Fr. Ben talks about in this homily. What does it take to have joy in life? Take a listen. Thank you for listening. We'd love to hear from you! You can email us at soulfoodpriestmemphis@gmail.com or at Soul Food Priest Facebook page to submit questions and topic ideas for the podcast. You can also follow us on YouTube!

This is your morning All Local Update for Saturday September 13, 2025.

Send us a textJoining us today is Dr. Melissa Meincken, of the Miami Children's Surgery Center. The center is part of the Blue Cloud Pediatric Surgery Centers across the United States. They provide an extension of dental procedures to dentists in working with special needs pediatric patients. She will explain how they work hand in hand with dentists in the community to provide services for their patients.

Today's guest, Catherine, says that in many ways, she grieved for her daughter, Helen, not once but twice. The grieving began after she suffered complications during delivery, which led to seizures that began shortly after birth and multiple medical complications. Catherine grieved for the life she had hoped and dreamed of for Helen. Then, fourteen years later, Catherine's grief started fresh when Helen died unexpectedly in her sleep. Although Catherine says that she grieved Helen twice, Helen's 14 years were not years full of sadness and grief. They were joy-filled years. Catherine loved being Helen's hands and feet. She loved seeing her eyes light up and give big smiles. Catherine was a part of Helen, and Helen was a part of her. One day, when Helen was young, the two of them were watching TV, and Catherine saw the inspirational story of Team Hoyt, a father-son duo who competed in over 1,100 races, including numerous Ironman Triathlons. Son Rick suffered from cerebral palsy, but said that when racing in a specialized wheelchair with his dad, Dick, he felt freedom and joy. After Helen died, Catherine felt lost. She did not know what to do with herself without Helen being beside her. When asking her priest for advice, he answered that he didn't know what she should do, but that for many, participation in sport could be a good healing modality. That's when Catherine began to think once again about the inspirational story of the Hoyts. She knew that she couldn't physically swim, run, and bike with Helen, but perhaps she could still be with her emotionally. That's exactly what Catherine did. Her first triathlon was done almost secretively, with only her husband's knowledge. As she waited in the water of the lake at the beginning of the race, wondering if she had made a mistake in signing up, until the sun began to rise, and she felt Helen with her.  Over the years, Catherine has continued to train and now races in an Ironman triathlon each year, following in the Hoyts' footsteps. She compares the training to her life, first as a mom of a special needs child and now as a bereaved mom. She chronicles her journey in her book, Finding My Stride: A Guide to Finding Power Raising a Child with Special Needs.

Congresswoman Lisa McClaine & Congressman John McGuire join Jeff to reflect on 9/11, Charlie Kirk and the details of the Special Needs community in the Working Families Tax Cut.

Send us a textThis week on the podcast I got to talk with Catherine Marston—a mom, health coach, author, and 14-time Ironman triathlete (yes, you read that right…14!). Catherine's story is one of grief, resilience, and learning how to take small, consistent steps toward healing and strength.She shares about losing her daughter Helen, how she processed that deep grief, and the ways she found power in self-acceptance and exercise. I loved how real she was about starting small—sometimes just 10 minutes of movement—and how that shift can completely change the way we feel in our bodies and lives.We also talked about her book Finding My Stride: A Guide to Finding Power, Raising a Child with Special Needs, which offers guiding principles for parents navigating both caregiving and grief. Catherine reminds us that while there may be no “way out,” there is always a way through.Get The Special Needs Mom Survival Pack HEREConnect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/Website: https://www.kararyska.com/

On this episode of Waves of Awareness, we're excited to welcome Katy Clouse and Brooke Tanner from The Arc of Williamson County. The Arc has been a cornerstone in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and today, you'll hear how their work continues to shape lives across the community. Host Staci Davis, alongside co-hosts Matt Moore and Johnny Sunshine, dives into the mission behind The Arc, the resources and advocacy they provide, and the impact they've seen firsthand. Katy and Brooke also pull back the curtain on what their day-to-day roles look like, plus they share details about partnerships and upcoming events you'll want to have on your radar. Before wrapping up, John and Matt share some personal life updates—including Matt's volunteer work in Williamson County—and highlight ways you can get involved in supporting The Arc's mission. ✨ If you're looking for inspiration, community connection, and a deeper understanding of disability advocacy, this conversation is for you. Press play and join us! ________________________________________ Learn more about Waves: wavesinc.com Learn more about The Arc here: https://thearcwc.org/ Watch Waves of Awareness on YouTube: @Waves_of_Awareness Get your tickets for Brews & Grooves: wavesinc.com/events Check out Spread The Positive: spreadthepositive.net

 In this episode, Ashley shares her powerful story of overcoming domestic abuse. Ashley recounts her tumultuous marriage marked by emotional and psychological abuse, her journey through a traumatic childbirth experience, and her eventual separation. She discusses the impact of her childhood abuse, her struggle with self-doubt, and the challenges of single motherhood with special needs children. Ashley also shares how her faith and community support played vital roles in her healing journey. The episode concludes with Ashley's advice for others in abusive situations to prioritize self-care and seek supportive communities. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:34 Meet Ashley: A Survivor's Story 01:38 Ashley's Background and Journey 04:19 Challenges of Parenting Special Needs Children 05:12 Coping During the Pandemic 06:55 Ashley's Upbringing and Faith Journey 14:21 Meeting Her Husband and Early Red Flags 16:15 The Birth of Ashley's Children 21:34 Experiencing Abuse and Control 23:26 Realizing the Extent of Abuse 24:15 Deciding to Leave 25:42 The Second Separation 32:05 Ongoing Abuse During Divorce 35:02 Healing and Support 38:56 Faith and Moving Forward 41:53 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement   Website: https://dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Our Sponsor: 753 Academy: https://www.753academy.com/ Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/   Ashley Transcript [00:00:00] Special thanks to 7 5 3 Academy for sponsoring this episode. No matter where you are in your fitness and health journey, they've got you covered. They specialize in helping you exceed your health and fitness goals, whether that is losing body fat, gaining muscle, or nutritional coaching to match your fitness levels. They do it all with a written guarantee for results so you don't waste time and money on a program that doesn't exceed your goals. There are martial arts programs. Specialize in anti-bullying programs for kids to combat proven Filipino martial arts. They take a holistic, fun, and innovative approach that simply works. Sign up for your free class now. It's 7 5 3 academy.com. Find the link in the show notes. Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer songwriter, speaker and domestic violence advocate, [00:01:00] Diana. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now here is Diana. So today on the wounds of the Faithful podcast, we have a survivor story today. So please welcome Ashley to the show. Thanks for coming on the podcast and sharing a bit of yourself with us. Hi. You're welcome. I'm glad to be here. I haven't seen you since the girls. We went over to Starbucks for an outing and we had that incident with the spider. Yes, I know. Multiple spiders crawling around the table and on you. Oh, well I thought that Kelly had killed the one on the ground and then we found out there was another [00:02:00] one and it was on my shoulder and you wanna see me freak out? Okay, that's how you get me to freak out is a spider. So here we are trying to kill the spider. But we had a good time. It was fun. Just fun to get out. It was a hot day. We were out there roasting in the heat, but it was just fun to get out and, have some girl time. Right? Yes, definitely. We needed it. So, let's, get to know you a little better. So give us a little introduction about yourself. What general part of the country are you from, and are you married? How many kids you got, what do you do for a living? That kind of stuff. Okay. Well my name is Ashley, and I live in Arizona. I've been here for five years now. I was living in North Carolina with my husband and our family for, we were on the East coast for about, oh gosh, probably about eight years or so. And, living in, in North Carolina, Virginia, and [00:03:00] that area. So I met Diana through Mending the Soul. I joined because I have been separated from my husband for, about a year now. We've been separated twice and that was due to abuse that was going on in the marriage. So I have a history of abuse in my life, starting from when I was little. There was abuse that happened outside of the home, with. People that were slightly older than me. And that was more of like a, sexual abuse or molestation kind of situation. And then getting married, I thought it was a good relationship. I thought we were a good team. And we, I think it, it was okay for a while until we had children and that's when things started. Unraveling and a lot of patterns started popping up all over the place of, all kinds of a abuse that, not physical, but it was [00:04:00] emotional, mental, psychological, spiritual abuse, all of those. And I'm still kind of working through and wrestling with the effects that that had on me. And it's still, I mean, I have good days and I have really, really hard days. So it's kind of, it's still, even though it's been a year of being apart, it's still all over the place. Mm-hmm. Um, but I do feel like I'm making progress and, many, the soul did help with that along with counseling. So that's where I'm at right now and I'm currently going to school to get, to become a speech language pathology assistant. And, I have about just one semester left of that. And then I know I'm so excited to, hopefully get to work with kids that are, you know, having difficulties for whatever reason. And I am a special needs mom. My, middle child has autism and. So that's been a journey. And then my youngest also has struggles in certain areas of learning. So, yeah, this [00:05:00] will help me also, while being able to help other people. So that's where I'm at right now. So your special needs kids, what kind of challenges does that bring as a single mom and going through abuse? Mm. Oh gosh. I hadn't really thought of it in that context before, but it's a lot because you're, as a parent, you're trying to focus on their needs and trying to meet them where they're at, but at the same time, you're trying to meet yourself where you're at. So it's constantly trying to think of everyone's needs and trying to meet everyone where they are, including myself. So it is, it's a lot to think through. Every day. Yeah, but I love 'em and I mean, it's amazing to see their growth and, yeah. But it is definitely a struggle. So your kids free today, get a break, but how have you been coping during the pandemic with your kids? [00:06:00] What have you found that works? Yeah, so thankfully I've been talking to family about this also, our schedule. Because of Kim, his running his elopement, we have a hard time going to a lot of places already. So even before the pandemic, we didn't go to a lot of stores or we mostly spent our time outside and at home. So that really, I think, helped set us up for this situation because it wasn't a huge jump, you know, from being out around people all the time to nothing. So we were already kind of ready in some ways. So it's a lot of time outside as much as we can. The kids love roller skating. They love swimming. They love, yeah, just being outside doing anything they can. So that, and then, even doing games inside the house together is fun, like pillow fights or box, like my youngest likes to, like, he's practicing boxing and he loves to, [00:07:00] like I put on the oven MITs, and then he has his little boxing gloves, which is so cute. It's, it's fun. And, just trying to get their energy out. And then I work out also, so we're trying to like get all that energy from all of us. So it's, that's been good. Well, it's pretty funny. When we've had group, you know, the kids are there, three boys, like climbing all over her and poking her and mom, mom, mom. And she's trying to focus on, her part in the group, and, you just do the best you can, right? Yep. Exactly. That's, I think it's learning to just roll with it, so it's like, yeah, and like the pandemic continues to teach us that I think is, we just have to be able to roll with it as it comes. Wow. Oh, so tell us a little bit more about your upbringing. Were you raised in a Christian home? Not with my mom and my stepdad, who I lived with later, but my grandparents, who I lived with when I was little, they took me to the Nazarene Church and I was a part of that [00:08:00] community, so I was a part of a church. I don't particularly remember learning about Jesus or, salvation in particular. I just remember just in general learning about. God in general. And so that's kind of how I was raised. And then when I moved in with my mom and my stepdad, they're not a part of any faith community. So I would go either with friends to church, and then when I was older I would just go by myself, drove, I drove myself there. And and that's kind of how it started. What kind of relationship would you say you had with God? Was it personal? Was it God was distant or? Uh, I think when I was very little, I didn't feel like I had a relationship really, but always as I got older, I remember always feeling like he was there. I remember always feeling like I didn't quite understand how I knew that, but he just, I just felt like he was there with me. And then as I [00:09:00] continued. Learning more and especially after Ava, or sorry, especially after my daughter was born, I really realized the connection with Jesus and got, had my relationship with God through him. And so that's when it really became very personal. So like in the last 10 years, more so. Do you remember when you actually made that decision? Was there a day? Yeah, I don't remember the date, but, we had started having struggles in our marriage pretty soon after Ava was born and I was feeling so confused and so lost and like I needed to be doing more. And so I was going through the Love Dare book and in there it was really a really good book for that moment. And it lays out. Scripture each day. And at the end, it gives you an opportunity to accept Jesus. And I remember being so blown away during that book because no one had ever explained to me the importance of Jesus [00:10:00] and what he did for me. And so when I was like, why have I not heard this? Like, oh my gosh. And yeah. And so at the end I remember just sitting at the table crying, crying, like I could not stop crying. And it was like something inside of me just clicked and, yeah, so I said the prayer and, every, a lot of things changed after that and continued to change. Wow. That's, I've never heard a story like that. You know, I had The Love Dare book, actually, the guy I was dating. Mm-hmm. That was abusive to me, gave me that book, and it was really strange. He tried to get me to go back to my ex-husband, who was my one abuser, and, it was an excellent book, but at that time. There wasn't going to be any parting of the Red Sea Miracle with my ex-husband. I kept telling this guy, we're already divorced. It's over. Yes, I'm moving on. Yes. But it's amazing that you found Jesus through that book. I praise the [00:11:00] Lord for that. I know, and that's the, I think it's interesting because I started reading that book to help with the marriage. And it did somewhat, but I think the most, it was cool because God met me where I was doing what I was doing, you know? And it didn't matter why I started it. Yeah. It's just so cool. Amazing. So what were your teenage years like? Did you have a lot of self-confidence growing up? Oh gosh. I would say no. I mean, middle school was really hard for me. I had a lot of rejection and embarrassing things happen, and they kind of linked with the abuse. That happened when I was younger. And so that kind of, I spiraled quite a bit there and I just, I think, decided that I wanted to protect myself. And so I decided, okay, I'm gonna get straight A's in school. I'm gonna run track and I'm gonna do [00:12:00] the best I can with that and I'm not gonna get in trouble. And I just made all these like promises to myself, I think, to protect myself. So I think I appeared on the outside probably like I had. I a lot of confidence, but it really was protection and so I don't feel like it was confidence at all. It was all rooted in fear and trying to protect myself. So, no, I don't think I did. Mm. Now how did your grandparents play a part in your life? They were very significant. Mm-hmm. And they, yeah, they still, they're a huge part still. Yeah. I mean, it's hard to put into words everything that they've done, but they gave me a safe place. They've always been a safe place for me. And no matter what they, I have never felt abandoned by them. I've never felt judged by them. I've never felt, like they didn't try to understand me so they've always, they've been a consistent, safe place. Throughout my whole life. And [00:13:00] so even in those hard times, I, I did always know they were there. And, I would call my grandma instead of talking to my mom or anyone else, I would always call my grandma and talk to her. And she kind of helped me work through in college when I finally, I think I was hitting another breaking point in college when I was drinking a lot and really depressed. Honestly, I was running track at a college and. Trying to perform still, but then partying also. And there were these two parts of me that were like colliding and it was so painful and I didn't know how to get out of this situation. And so she helped me a lot through that also. And then later with my realizing the abuse with Dan, with my husband, and deciding to make changes there, she helped me a lot through that Also. Hmm. So yeah, her support has meant the world. I didn't really grow up with traditional grandparents. I didn't, my grandfathers died long before I was even cognitive, [00:14:00] and my dad's mother died when I was seven. And then my mother's mother, we didn't have a very close relationship because she was a very abusive person, and my mother mm-hmm. Didn't, my mother didn't want us around her and she really was a, nasty person. But, so I didn't really grow up with grandparents. I think that's why I was always friends with a lot of senior citizens. Were my good friends because I didn't have grandparents. I had, teachers and coaches and, the next door neighbor. Mm-hmm. I kind of clung too. So it was a blessing that you had have grandparents to be there for you and guide you through these tough times? Yes. Yeah. It's, it is. I mean, thinking about if I didn't have them, it's been hard enough. Even having that support. So I can't imagine not having that support. It's been, it literally feels like a gift. That God has put there to help me [00:15:00] get through all of this. And, yeah. So I'm just really thankful. So we're gonna transition to the unsavory part of the podcast. When did you meet your husband and were there any warning signs, that there was going to be abuse? So we met, we were both attending Arizona State University and we met there. We were part of a co-ed business fraternity. And, we met at a party and we, I mean, I felt like right away that I wanted to be with this person, even though I didn't know him. As I was telling you before, like I was in a really unhealthy place. All through college. It's because I, everything from my childhood hadn't been addressed and was still, all that pain was under the surface. And I think I was just trying to cover it up any way I could by drinking, sleeping with people. And, that's kind of where our relationship started. That's how it started in that [00:16:00] kind of context and. So we were both in a really unhealthy place. I think his, parents had just started the divorce process, I think when I met him. And he had a lot of pain from his childhood too. And so I think we both were just trying to cover up the pain. And so in the beginning I couldn't see any red flags because we were very similar, I think, in how we were. Covering up things and living life. And so it wasn't until really, until we had kids, because my attention was divided between him and the kids and my, and needing to take care of myself once my attention was divided, that's when all of the. The pattern started bubbling up, so I couldn't see it until quite a bit later. Mm. Wow. So when your children came along, you had a pretty dark time for you. Did you wanna share [00:17:00] about the, birth of your children? Yeah, I can. So my daughter's birth. Was overall good. We had to have a c-section because she was, she was not head down. She was bottom down and she did not wanna flip, which is totally, it's funny 'cause she's very, like kind of stubborn in her own way. And so it's funny that she just was like, Nope. Like, I'm good right here. I'm not moving. And so yeah, the C-section went well and, but. I remember I felt so sad in the hospital. I was so happy to see her, but at the same time, I think seeing her face and seeing how vulnerable she was as a baby, I think triggered everything in me at a whole new level from what happened when I was younger. So that's how her birth was difficult. And then, or my second child's birth. Was a slightly difficult Also, I was trying to have a [00:18:00] VBAC and the cord was wrapped around his, around his neck and his heart rate was dropping and so we had to go in for an emergency C-section. That one, went pretty well too. Overall, given the circumstances and everything. So it wasn't until a lot, our third child's birth. That was really, really difficult. And during that I was trying for another vbac, which looking back I wish I had not done that. But I was trying because I felt like that's, I really wanted that experience. And so I was trying and I found a doctor that would support me in doing that. And, um. It was, the birth was taking too long. I was kind of stalled in labor and they, I had an epidural and. I couldn't feel very much, but at one point I felt a pop. And this was as they were planning to get me into the [00:19:00] emerge, into the room to deliver, to via C-section. They were already planning it. We were just trying to get in there once it was open and available. Mm-hmm. And I felt this pop as they were planning this. And, I didn't know to say anything because I didn't. No, anything was wrong. I couldn't feel any pain. And we get into the emergency room, no, still no one knows anything has happened. And he's allowed to be awake and okay. And so I'm still awake and they find the, the rupture in my uterus. And I lost about probably half my blood and, and so that was very, very traumatic in and of itself. Getting out of the hospital was difficult because my blood still didn't look quite right to them. My blood work and everything, they weren't happy with it. And so, but I went home. And decided not to get a blood transfusion. Just because I didn't feel comfortable with it. [00:20:00] I ended up developing a hematoma and an infection, and had to go back in the hospital and was on antibiotics. I think it was about a week I was in there and. So when I came home, I was experiencing PTSD symptoms, but didn't understand that's what it was. Mm-hmm. I literally thought I was going to die all the time. I thought I was every minute of the day. Mm-hmm. I was checking to see what was happening in my body. Because I thought I was going to die for sure. And so I kept wanting to go to the hospital because I felt like what if I'm, I missed the infection before, I didn't know I had this infection. No one was telling me that I looked sick, you know? And I could have died from that infection. And, so yeah, I kept wanting to go to the hospital to see a doctor, just to make sure I was okay. And. I didn't understand what was happening to me, but at the time [00:21:00] he would tell me I didn't need to go to the doctor, you know, and yell at me that I, nothing was wrong with me, that I was fine telling me I didn't need to go to the doctor, making me feel bad about it. I was struggling to take care of the kids, because I was going through all this and not understanding what was happening. So this is where I really, really started to know that something was wrong, in the marriage because of how he handled this situation. So. Yeah, this is his children that he's talking about Most, you know, normal people. If you're, if you're suffering and it involves your kids or your spouse, you're gonna take them to the hospital. That's, that isn't normal. No. Even when I had the infection in my fever. I had started at home and I was shaking like I was, I couldn't stop. Like I would [00:22:00] shake out of the blue. My body would just, that's how far the infection had progressed. And he still was kind of telling me that I didn't need to go. But thankfully my doctor was like, you can come in tonight if you think you need to. And I was like, yes, I need to. Yes. When can I be over there like yesterday? Yes. So was that the first time that you've experienced abuse by him or were there other stuff on top of the post pregnancy and delivery stuff? There was, I mean, there was stuff here and there definitely like control over money, like making me feel bad about buying groceries like that. I spent too much, when I just, I mean I am very frugal. Like I love finding deals. I love all that. I mean, I am into that. I always have been. I am very particular about what I buy and mm-hmm. And I still, no matter how hard I tried to do a good [00:23:00] job, I would come home and it would not be good enough and it would be that I spent too much money. And so, yeah, it's definitely control stuff. I saw I was happening before, but I kind of took it on as this is something I'm doing wrong. And so it wasn't until the medical stuff happened that I realized. That I started to realize a little bit that maybe it was something else. Yeah. You're not the only one that had that. Mm-hmm. Had that problem with the spending money. I was in charge of getting groceries and buying all the Christmas gifts for his family, and it was always the same thing. You spent too much money and mm-hmm. And you bought too many groceries, like, well, why don't you try and get a full, week budget on a hundred bucks and see how good you do. Exactly. Or you buy all the presents for your family and see how well you do on the budget you gave me. [00:24:00] Yeah. The control, the verbal and emotional abuse. Mm-hmm. It's not just physical folks. Your abuser can make your life a living hell without laying a finger on you. Yes, and I think that's what I'm realizing now is I still have physical, issues related to the abuse that happened when Elijah was born. I have heart palpitations that I believe. Come from a mixture of what happened to me physically, but also what happened to me emotionally, that I felt so abandoned and so, confused during that time because of what was being told to me by, by my husband and. Yeah, and just realizing the extent that the damage goes, it's very different than, I mean, physical abuse and emotional abuse have some similarities, but Yeah. The, depths doesn't change just because we can't see it [00:25:00] on the outside. Exactly. Mm-hmm. When did you decide, enough is enough? I need to get out now. Was there a specific day or an event? Well, there were two, I mean two, it happened twice. So it happened in North Carolina. He was continuing to escalate as far as like telling me he was suicidal, which I believe he is. But he seems to, he uses it in certain ways to get me to stop doing things that he doesn't want me to be doing, like spending time by myself outside of the house or spending time with friends. Um. You know, not being able to have intimacy and things like that. So he uses that as a way to get me to stop. And so that was escalating also. He had started using intimidation, punching walls in the house, that kind of thing. So, and the friend had [00:26:00] just, I had never, no one had ever told me that what was happening was abuse. And I didn't know. I honestly did not know. And someone had just. That who had come from an abusive marriage had pointed out to me that I had told her what was happening at home. And she was like, that is abuse. And I was like, what? Are you serious? Mm-hmm. Like I was in shock that I didn't know that. And I think that was just a wake up call for me. When I have confronted it, he pushed back right against it and wanted me to come back home. He and, I, the kids and I had moved to a different house and, we're trying to figure out what to do and that's when I decided to move closer to my family. And so that was the first time we got back together about nine months after we separated. 'cause I just, I think I. I was struggling physically to [00:27:00] handle everything on my own, plus dealing with my mental health. And it was really hard. And I think I was struggling with how am I going to do this? And I missed having someone to share life with. I missed. And I thought, what if I'm wrong? What if I am, what if I'm wrong? And I'm just as messed up as he is? And, um, which I do have my stuff, but it's different. It's not the same. And so we got back together and then about, I think it was about three years after we got back together, all the same patterns had come back up. Mm-hmm. And it had started transferring over to things happening with the kids that as far as control and just emotionally abusive language towards them. And when I started seeing how it was affecting the kids, that's when I decided. No, I cannot let this continue. Because seeing that affect them, how it could affect them [00:28:00] being exposed to that long term, I can't handle that. So I think the kids have really, really helped me to do things for them and for myself that maybe I wouldn't, it would've taken me longer to do it if it was just for me, I think. So yeah, that's kind of how that happened. Yeah, I didn't have children early in the relationship. My ex didn't want kids right away, but then we were married about five to seven year mark then all of a sudden he decided he wanted to have children. And by that time, I already knew I was trapped in a marriage that was abusive and I did not wanna bring children into this world and subject them to that. Because like you say, it's fun if it's just me, but now I have kids that I am in charge of and you know, it's going to affect them. So I just made the decision and I told him, I'm not having children. Mm-hmm. [00:29:00] Sorry, I already have to deal with everything in the marriage that I didn't have. I wouldn't have had any, anything left. But, you made a lot of big points in that you didn't know that you were abused. And I was the same way. I was abused for 13 years and I used to call up my, one of my closest friends, and I used to cry every time. You know, this man would do something horrible and I would cry, and what am I gonna do? And mm-hmm. And one day, you know, she tells me. I'm tired of you calling me up and telling me all your stories. Every time this man does something to you and you need to get out of there. He's an abusive man and I'm like, but the church won't let me get a divorce. And she said, God is not going to not love you anymore [00:30:00] because you've made the choice to divorce this abusive man. That was the day that I, I woke up and I'm like, this is abuse. Mm-hmm. All this time, that's what this was. Mm-hmm. And I made the choice then and there, I need to make plans to get out. Mm-hmm. So , when you decided to leave the second time, what were the steps that you took to get out? I. Hmm. Let's see. So what was that? Was it similar to the first time or was it different? It was a little bit different. I'm trying to think through it. I was more on my own this time. I didn't like, I didn't have someone, I wasn't seeing a counselor at the time. I wasn't really a part of a group. I think I was the most isolated probably that I have been. [00:31:00] And so I really, I just, I think I talked to my grandma and just telling her what was happening. I also listened to some resources from Leslie Vernick and there was one in particular, I can't even remember what it was called, but it was about. Oh gosh, I can't remember specifically, but it was how a man was treating his wife in the Bible. And I think it was the Levite, maybe the story of the Levite. And when I saw their, just the implications of abuse and the effects and the seriousness of it, and that's not what God wants for me. I think once I saw that. I, that's when it really clicked. And I was also getting solo physically that I knew I had to do something. My body was starting to react, to all of the stress and [00:32:00] abuse. Heart palpitations, just constantly tense, feeling like something's going to happen. And so I think all of those things and seeing the effect on our kids, that's when I decided just to. Let him know that I'm not okay with it. And I'm trying to remember even we had a conversation and I let him know, I think we need to be separated. And at the time he agreed with me that we need to be separated, but he wanted us to stay in relationship still, even though we were separated. But I knew in my head that I was done. But it was good be that because that kind of started the process even though he thought that. You know, in his head he thought we would work it out eventually, I think it started the process and we lived in separate places. And then it just has continued from there with filing divorce. Hmm. So you're still in the middle of the divorce proceedings now, right? Yes. Mm-hmm. What's your [00:33:00] interactions been with him, through this proceedings? It's been. Just on and off communication. He, that's with him. He's not outrightly like, glaringly abusive, especially in text messages. That's never been how he is really, it's more covert. So the communication part, except for about a year ago, we had a situation where he wouldn't leave the house and, that's when I stopped being able to let him be here with the kids. But besides that, the communication has been minimal, thankfully. It's more been through money that the abuse has continued. And also through the legal proceedings, what he's asking for legally feels like abuse also. So yeah, he was like canceling credit cards and stuff on you. Yes, exactly. Yeah. Yeah. So it's those like subtle, [00:34:00] under the radar where people won't notice really that the abuse is still happening. Yeah. So you look like the bad guy 'cause you're leaving mm-hmm. Your husband, but he's like, trying to sell the house out from under you and the kids and cutting your credit cards. And it's like, how are you gonna feed the children? Where are they gonna sleep? I mean, these are your children. It's insane. Yeah. Your spouse makes you look like. Or makes you feel like you've lost your mind. Or like you said in the first time you left, well, maybe he's not that bad. Maybe I'm crazy. Maybe it's not him, it's me. No, that's what they do. That's what they do, is they make you question your sanity and the reality of the situation. Mm. And that's still, that is the hardest part for me, especially right now with thinking about having to share my story with the court, with [00:35:00] people maybe who side with Dan. And having him there in front of me as I share what has happened. I'm really struggling even right now with, yeah. Do I know what's real? Can I, can I hold on to that? And. Not get confused. Mm-hmm. So that's how the effects of psychological abuse go so deep. Like even if you know the truth, it can create this pattern in your brain where you start questioning yourself, questioning what you know. And you and I tend to go back to. Seeing it as my fault. So I really have to push back against that and be around people who help me remember the truth and keep telling my, reminding myself of what's happened and this is real. This is not something that I'm making up. So how did you start the healing process? Us? Oh gosh. I mean, I think it's been a constant process of trying to put [00:36:00] myself around people. Like I said, who will tell me the truth and, um, about myself and about the situation and how God sees me. So I went back to counseling. Recently after Mending Arm mending the Soul Group ended. I realized I needed to be around people still, and I needed people to speak that truth. So I went back to counseling and that's helped a lot. Still listening to, voices that remind me. Of how toxic that kind of situation is, and that I don't need to stay in that environment. And also it's just, I think a process of acknowledging how much all of it hurt, acknowledging the damage that was done, and just the reality, letting myself accept the reality of the situation. While also taking care of myself, like mentally, physically, and all of that. So it's definitely, it feels like a full-time, full-time job sometimes just, trying to keep myself going in the right [00:37:00] direction. But I'm definitely, I feel like I'm learning about what I need and, trying to meet those needs the best I can. Would you recommend manning this all to others? What was your experience with the group? Definitely, yes, I would recommend it. Yeah, that was a first for me, being around other women who have been through abuse, and I think that alone is huge. Just being able to hear other people's stories and realizing that the patterns are the same, even though the situations are so different and the effects can be very similar too. And, and also the steps to healing and processing what happened are so good. So it's just that combination of community with people who have been through it, and also the path to working through the, what happened to you. Well, I'm glad that it was so helpful to you. I've definitely seen some changes in you from the beginning when you joined the [00:38:00] group and now. So that, I hope that's an encouragement to you. You seem so more confident and you recognize those red flags. You understand now what he's doing to you when he's talking to you. He is gaslighting you. He is narcissistic. He is being manipulative. You're recognizing those things, whereas you might not have seen those things before. Mm-hmm. And, talking to our listeners that are going through abuse right now, or maybe they just left their abuser, what advice would you give to someone else who's being abused right now? Hmm. I think that, I would say to take care of yourself, and to think about what you really need. That it is not wrong to think about. What you need and where you are at. I feel like a lot of times, especially in [00:39:00] Christian communities, we take on this idea that I think thinking about ourselves and what we need is selfish or wrong, and I feel like that kind of, that mentality set me up to stay in that situation a lot longer, than I probably should have. So yeah, just considering what you really need, and. Getting people around you that will help you decide what steps you need to take, to get into a better position, a better situation where you can have healing, and, and just to yeah, feel better. So I would say, yeah, take care of yourself and get people around you that can support you and help you make a plan. Very good advice. What would you say your relationship with God is like now that you've gone through some of your healing process? Hmm. It's definitely, it's good, but I do, I still [00:40:00] struggle with, Not putting the characteristics. And protecting myself from God, I guess I have a hard time, like not distancing myself, and so it's always reminding myself that he is safe, that he cares about me, that he's leading me through this, and that I can trust him. So it is really good, but it is a constant, a, a journey also reminding myself of the truth over and over so that I can keep coming back to him and not hiding. Oh, that's, that is so true. It is a journey and it's messy Sometimes it's, but God understands he's there and he's gonna be patient and waiting for you while you're still figuring things out and, mm-hmm. Awesome. So like we have a music segment at the end of the episode. I don't suppose you're sing or play an instrument or juggle or anything like that. No. I play the, but I [00:41:00] don't have it. Oh, how about a joke? You got any jokes, kid jokes, cheesy jokes? No. Don't have any jokes? No. Oh, well, no. How about, I know that you have one of these. How about what's a Christian song that really encourages you and that you just go to it whenever you're having a bad day. Oh my gosh. I think I mentioned this one during the group actually. Mm-hmm. I can't remember the title of it, but it's, it's the one, like, he's greater than All My Mistakes. Gosh, I wish I can remember who, oh, I can't remember the name of the band. But anyway, it's something about, greater than all my mistakes, and if you type that in, it should come up. But it's amazing and it just talks about how, it's just such a peaceful song to me and just realizing that he really is, he's greater than all my mistakes. The mistake that I made of being in a relationship with someone that's abusive. Mm-hmm. [00:42:00] Any mistakes I make with the kids, mistakes I make with putting characteristics on God that aren't him, anything that I do, nothing is big enough that is going to change his relationship with me. And that he's always there, waiting for me to, turn and look at him. So, yeah, I love that song. I'll definitely put that in the show notes for people to look that up. 'cause I did listen to it when you mentioned it the first time and it is an awesome song. Yes. But I so appreciate you coming onto the show and sharing your journey with us. You're welcome. Thank you so much for having me. So I hope you really enjoyed Ashley's story today. She had a lot of great nuggets to share with you, and I've heard her story before, of course, in a lot more detail, a lot more gory detail, but you can tell that she is an awesome lady, an [00:43:00] awesome mother who's gone through so much, so many challenges. Yet, the Lord has really blessed her life, blessed her kids. How did you feel about what Ashley said? Can you relate to any of the struggles that she's had that she's continuing to go through? You have a prayer request that you'd like me to bring before the Lord. I have my personal time with the Lord usually at breakfast time, so I'd be honored to pray for you. So until next week. Choose one thing, just once, small thing today to get you closer to your healing goals. Thank you and God bless. Thank you for listening to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast. If this episode has been helpful to you. Please hit the subscribe button and tell a friend. You could connect with us at DSW Ministries dot org where you'll find [00:44:00] our blog, along with our Facebook, Twitter, and our YouTube channel links. Hope to see you next week.    

Hi friends, welcome back to the Autism Little Learners Podcast. I'm Tara, a speech-language pathologist who has spent over 25 years working with young autistic children and their families. Today, we're going to talk about a topic that brings up a lot of feelings for educators, therapists, and parents: the Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS. Specifically, why PECS isn't enough for preschoolers. Now, before I dive in, I want to be clear—PECS is not evil. It's not “bad.” For many kids, it has opened the door to communication, and that's something to celebrate. But PECS, on its own, isn't enough. Our preschoolers need more than compliance-based exchanges to build rich, lifelong communication. Takeaways PECS was created in the 1990s to teach kids to request items using pictures. Traditional PECS training often emphasized compliance over authentic communication. Rigid use of PECS protocols sometimes caused frustration and meltdowns in children. PECS has major limitations, including prompt dependency and a narrow focus on requests. Research shows PECS helps with requesting, but not broader communication or social connection. Evidence-based practice must balance research, clinical experience, and client perspectives. Autistic adults report that PECS can restrict autonomy, dignity, and language development. PECS can be a stepping stone, but should not be the final communication system. Robust AAC systems provide greater vocabulary, flexibility, and authentic language use. Communication should always prioritize connection, not compliance. Resources & Links: Jordyn Zimmerman's Article:  https://communicationfirst.org/slps-as-aac-gatekeepers/ Julie Roberts Article: https://therapistndc.org/the-problem-with-pecs/ Research Article: https://pure.psu.edu/en/publications/a-review-and-analysis-of-the-picture-exchange-communication-syste You may also be interested in these supports: Visual Support Starter Set  Visual Supports Facebook Group Autism Little Learners on Instagram Autism Little Learners on Facebook

Episode Title:Guest Introduction:(If you want to support the show, you can do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome)“Being attuned to hesitation is what allows for finding the next step.” – Dr. Mark UrangaIn this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson is joined by Dr. Mark Uranga, a pediatrician from Boise, Idaho, with deep Basque roots and a lifelong connection to horses and mules. Blending his medical expertise with his equestrian experience, Dr. Uranga explores how resilience, community, and attunement shape both childhood development and equine-assisted practices.From the cultural heritage of the Basque people to the sure-footed wisdom of mules, this conversation dives into what resilience really means, why attunement is vital in pediatrics and horsemanship, and how nature and equines offer healing pathways beyond clinical walls.✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode:Basque traditions of tribal upbringing and resilience (Starts at 00:05:00)The difference between authoritarian vs. authoritative parenting (Starts at 00:23:00)How attunement with children and horses builds trust (Starts at 00:38:00)Why mules embody persistence, safety, and discernment (Starts at 00:42:00)The role of stubbornness vs. flexibility in human growth and horsemanship (Starts at 00:51:00)The mammalian caregiving system and why nurture drives resilience (Starts at 01:35:00)Why doctors should “prescribe nature” alongside medicine (Starts at 01:46:00)

Send us a textThis episode was such a treat. I got to catch up with my longtime friend Kelly Dixon—someone who knew me way back in my landscaping days (pre-leadership Kara

This week on Waves of Awareness, we're joined by Gina Wilson, Director of Waves' Early Learning Program. Hosted by Waves CEO Staci Davis, with co-hosts Matt Moore and Johnny Sunshine, this episode explores the incredible work early interventionists do to support children with a variety of developmental diagnoses. Gina shares her deep expertise in early learning and developmental therapy, breaking down how Waves' team tailors support for children with unique needs. From navigating complex diagnoses to celebrating every milestone—big or small—Gina offers practical advice and uplifting stories that highlight the hope and progress early intervention can bring to families. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or someone passionate about supporting children's growth, Gina's insights and experience shine a light on how specialized early learning programs can truly change lives. As always, Matt and Johnny bring their own energy to the mic! Johnny recaps his recent visit to the Williamson County Fair with stories that are sure to make you smile.

Host Dr. Joel Berg speaks with Dr. Chelsea Fosse, Vice President of the AAPD Research and Policy Center (RPC) on the current hot topics in public health and how the RPC is working to make an impact. They delve into how pediatric dentistry can continue to lead the way among the other dental specialties and with our medical peers on care for those children and adults with disabilities and other special healthcare needs. Dr. Fosse also shares how AAPD members and other healthcare professionals can turn to the RPC for support with state-specific questions relating to Medicaid or other legislation. Guest Bio: Chelsea Fosse, DMD, MPH is the Vice President, Research & Policy Center at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). She is boarded in dental public health. Before shifting her career to work in oral health policy research, she worked as a general dentist treating adults with disabilities. At AAPD, Chelsea leads a team focused on Medicaid policy and program administration, evidence-based dental care, access to high quality and safe dental care, the pediatric dental workforce, and other contemporary issues in oral health, public health, and health policy. She was previously at the American Dental Association (ADA) Health Policy Institute (HPI) where she led policy analysis for issues related to Medicaid and studied the oral health workforce and the industry's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before dental school, she worked in the Division of Children with Special Needs at the American Academy of Pediatrics. She currently serves as President of the Board of Directors at Well Child Center, a community-based organization offering WIC, dental, and other social and health services in Elgin, IL. Chelsea received her bachelor's from The University of Texas in 2009, DMD from Rutgers in 2017, and MPH from Columbia University in 2019. She completed a general practice residency at Helen Hayes Hospital in 2018 and a dental public health residency at Jacobi Medical Center in 2020. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Imagine your horror to learn that the woman you entrusted to be your babysitter was arrested for being an Abu*er of children. Brittney Lyon also  allowed her boyfriend Samuel Cabrera to visit while she was babysitting to get involved and in fact become her partner in these horrific acts. Watch this episode to find out what happens to these two demons. Em x

Author and caregiver Jess Ronne joins me to share her story and her new book, Caregiving with Grit and Grace. As the mother of a son with profound disabilities and the young wife who walked through her husband's brain cancer, Jess has lived the struggles many caregivers face but few talk about. Together, we discuss the loneliness of caregiving, special needs parenting, the reality of grief and anger, and the hope that comes through faith in Christ. This conversation is for anyone navigating the challenges of family caregiving, special needs, or long-term illness — offering encouragement, honesty, and spiritual strength for the journey.

This week on Waves of Awareness, we welcome Jen and Jess Chan, proud parents of Kai, who receives developmental therapy services through Waves' Early Learning Program. They are joined by our very own Michelle Baker, Kai's Early Interventionist. Hosted by Waves CEO Staci Davis—alongside our amazing co-hosts Johnny “Sunshine,” Matt Moore, and Eric Wilson—this episode dives into the Chans' journey of seeking answers, finding support, and celebrating milestones in Kai's development. From the first steps of seeking early intervention to building a strong relationship with Michelle, the Chans share heartfelt stories of growth, hope, and resilience. Whether you're a parent navigating a similar path, a supporter of inclusive communities, or simply someone who loves inspiring stories, this episode will leave you encouraged and uplifted. You'll also hear life updates from Johnny, Matt, and Eric as they continue to kick off this new season with their signature warmth and humor!

Welcome back to the Autism Little Learners Podcast. I'm Tara, and I'm so glad you're here today. If you've been following along, this is Part 2 of our series on potty training autistic children with compassion. In our last episode, we talked about why potty training can be harder for autistic kids, how to prepare the environment, and how to build comfort and readiness before we ever expect a child to actually use the toilet. We also talked about some of the common pitfalls to avoid—like forcing kids to sit on the toilet every 10 minutes, or relying on outdated “3-day potty training” advice that just doesn't work for many of our kids. If you missed that episode, I highly recommend going back to listen first, because it really sets the foundation for everything we'll talk about today. In this episode, we're moving into the “how.” We'll go over practical strategies for implementation, how to track progress and make adjustments, and we'll spend some time troubleshooting common challenges—things like fear of flushing, withholding, resistance, and nighttime dryness. This episode is going to be full of tips you can use right away, so let's dive in. Takeaways Potty training is not linear—setbacks are normal, and small steps forward are worth celebrating. Visual supports like cue cards, schedules, and step-by-step sequences give structure and predictability. Pairing bathroom trips with natural routines (after meals, before leaving the house, before bed) helps build consistency. Incorporating a child's special interests into social stories, visuals, or play makes potty training more engaging. Tracking data helps you see patterns and know whether strategies are working or need to be adjusted. Fear of flushing can be reduced by covering sensors on automatic toilets or using noise-reducing headphones. Resistance behaviors like excessive flushing or playing in toilet water can be redirected to alternative sensory activities. Withholding urine or bowel movements is often about anxiety or routine preference—focus on relaxation, stability, and medical checks if needed. Nighttime dryness is a separate developmental milestone and often comes much later—don't let it overshadow daytime progress. Resources & Links: Free Potty Training Guide: www.autismlittlelearners.com/toilet Potty Training Course: www.autismlittlelearners.com/pottycourse Potty Training List In Tara's Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/45TD6lX You may also be interested in these supports: Visual Support Starter Set  Visual Supports Facebook Group Autism Little Learners on Instagram Autism Little Learners on Facebook  

Released 2025.05.28 Making Catholic education inclusive and accessible for students with special needs is a priority for the Committee on Catholic Education. Guests Mary Pat Donoghue, Executive Director of USCCB's Secretariat for Catholic Education, and Maggie Hubbard, Ed. D, with the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, discuss the importance of serving all students in Catholic schools.

TAKEAWAYSMany wounded warriors are distressed when they are treated differently by friends or family following an injuryDisabled people should never be defined by their diagnosisMany accessibility adjustments are not that expensive and can be donatedSometimes disabilities are hidden - like head trauma or blindness

BOOK YOUR CONSULT CALL: https://calendly.com/laurennialowery/30min***********How many times have you completely spiraled over something like forgetting pajama day at school, giving meds a little late, or a comment that stranger made about your child… only to realize a week later that it did not matter. At all. As special needs moms, we face hard and heavy shit every single day. And our brains are wired to seek out all the potential “threats” like illnesses, symptoms, etc. And when we are wired to see all the potentially bad things in life, it ends up draining us mentally, emotionally, and physically. In this episode, I'm sharing one of my favorite simple and easy hacks to help you stop wasting your precious energy on things that end up not mattering in the grand scheme of things, so you have energy for the things that actually DO matter to you. Here's what we'll get into:Why our brains love to make small stuff feel like a big dealHow to tell when something really is serious (and when it's just brain drama)A mindset shift that helps me calm down before I lose my mind over the dishwasher, the IEP meeting, or meltdowns

In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Dr. Janet Varhus, DVM—a veterinarian whose decades of practice bridge old-school horsemanship, holistic care, and cutting-edge therapies like acupuncture, fascia release, and low-level laser treatment. From endurance riding roots to working alongside Linda Tellington-Jones, Dr. Varhus offers a rare, practical roadmap through the complex world of equine health.Together, they explore ulcers, fascia, posture, contaminated feeds, and how barns can combine tradition with holistic practices to keep therapy horses sound, safe, and thriving.If you want to support the show, you can do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why posture reveals hidden health issues (Starts at 00:29:00)The role of ulcers in behavior, stress, and performance (Starts at 00:33:00)Glyphosate in grain feeds and what to do about it (Starts at 00:34:00)Herbs and natural remedies for ulcers and liver health (Starts at 00:54:00)Low-level lasers: how they heal nerves, trauma, and chronic injuries (Starts at 00:57:00)Why companionship and enrichment matter as much as feed and shelter (Starts at 01:19:00)The difference between movement, enrichment, and true exercise for horses (Starts at 01:20:00)How to give horses choice, voice, and options for play (Starts at 01:32:00)

On this week's episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Collette Divitto — entrepreneur, baker, author, speaker, and founder of Collettey's Cookies and Collettey's Leadership Program. You may know Collette from her inspiring story that went viral in 2016, when she turned rejection into fuel for her mission and built a cookie empire. After facing countless job rejections because she was born with Down Syndrome, Collette decided to create her own path and founded Collettey's Cookies — not only to share her delicious “Amazing Cookies” with the world, but also to create meaningful jobs for people with “different abilities.” Since then, Collette has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, ABC World News, People Magazine, BBC, and many other media outlets. She's sold over 500,000 cookies, built a thriving company in Boston that now employs 15+ people (several with disabilities), and continues to grow her mission of empowerment and inclusion. But Collette's story doesn't end with cookies. Through her nonprofit, Collettey's Leadership Program, she provides entrepreneurship and leadership training to people with disabilities, helping them discover their abilities, build confidence, and pursue their dreams. She also travels the country as a speaker and advocate, and one of her ultimate goals is to work with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to create more employment opportunities for people with disabilities. In this episode, you'll hear: ✨ Collette's journey growing up with Down Syndrome and discovering her passion for baking; ✨ The story behind her now-famous Collettey's Cookies; ✨ How she turned rejection in the job market into an opportunity to launch her own business; ✨ The growth of Collettey's Cookies and its mission to employ people with disabilities; ✨ Her advocacy work and her dreams for systemic change in the world; ✨ And so much more!

In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Kathy Jefferson, Founder of Raising Britt. Inspired by her daughter's journey, Kathy created a nonprofit to empower mothers of children with special needs through advocacy, resources, and community. She shares her vision of expanding Raising Britt into a national network so families never feel isolated. This episode is sponsored by ⁠Take The Lead Women. ⁠Register ⁠here⁠ to join the Take The Lead Women Conference. Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Waves of Awareness, we sit down with Trish Stiles, Immediate Past Chair of the Waves Board of Directors, to explore the impact of volunteering, nonprofit board service, and community involvement in Middle Tennessee. Hosted by Staci Davis, Waves CEO, and Johnny “Sunshine”, you'll hear: How Trish first got connected with Waves, Inc. Why she believes volunteering with local nonprofits changes lives Behind-the-scenes of what board members and volunteers do at Waves Tips for getting started with community service and leadership roles Personal stories and favorite memories from Trish's time with Waves Johnny's latest life updates Whether you're curious about how to join a nonprofit board, want ideas for getting involved in your community, or simply love hearing inspiring local stories, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a peek into the heart of Waves, Inc.

TAKEAWAYSDon't parent behavior, parent in a way that leads children to ChristPrioritize time and mentor your children and study the Word of God on how to be a godly parentIt's easier to lay a firm foundation for your children when they're still young rather than waiting until they're teens and set in their waysDon't let your emotions rule your behavior

It's Murf fuckin' Meyer! Keith and Murf trick you with apparently frivolous thoughts on Superman to help wake you up to the state of the world. Boom! Gotcha! The duo also discusses President Trump overhauling the Smithsonian and history as well as your parents catching your written or drawn “art” as a kid.

Waves of Awareness is BACK for Season 11! Tony Honicutt, the owner of Games To Go Nashville and a devoted rotary member, helps us kick off this season. Staci Davis, Waves CEO, hosts episode one alongside three of our Waves adults, Matt "The Man" Moore, Johnny Sunshine, and "Chuck" Norris. This season we're thrilled to welcome Matt Moore back to the mic after a break during Season 10 to work on his songwriting skills with Backlight Productions! The team learns all about Tony's background in the entertainment industry and what led him to creating Games To Go Nashville. The group dives into his involvement with the Downtown Franklin Rotary Club and why being involved in the community is of high importance to him. Tony is a long-time supporter of Waves and WOA is thrilled to highlight his impact on the community and support of other amazing organizations. Don't miss this Season 11 kickoff -- tune in to hear about entrepreneurship, community involvement, sports, life updates from our Waves adults and everything in between! P.S. Want to see Tony's Games To Go first hand? Tony will be bringing his games to Waves' Annual Brews & Grooves event on September 18 at Highwoods Park Place in Franklin, TN. Use the link below to snag your ticket and support Waves' mission of empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ________________________________________ To learn more about Waves, go to: wavesinc.com To watch Waves of Awareness on Youtube, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@Waves_of_Awareness To purchase your ticket to our Brews & Grooves fundraising event, visit: https://wavesinc.com/events/ To learn about Spread The Positive, go to: https://spreadthepositive.net/ To learn more about Games To Go Nashville, visit: https://gamestogonashville.com/ To get involved with the Rotary Club of Downtown Franklin, go to: https://downtownfranklinrotary.com/

About the Episode In this powerful episode Becky is joined by Licensed Professional Counselor, Catherine Virden for an honest and insightful conversation about the impact of trauma and stress—especially within families navigating disabilities. Becky shares her personal path into counseling, how her lived experiences shaped her approach, and the importance of recognizing both big “T” and little “t” trauma. Together, they explore how the nervous system responds to stress, introduce practical tools for managing trauma responses (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn), and emphasize the importance of listening to your body.  Whether you're a caregiver, parent, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of trauma, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and encouragement. Related Links Find a Community Group! Hey Friend Videos on App    

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The interview explores the intersection of philosophy, drug use, mental health, and parenting through a dialogue with callers. Topics include the role of skepticism toward drug use in enhancing creativity and the distinction between recreational and medically supervised use. The host discusses the historical context of psychedelics in philosophical practices and cautions against conflating drug effects with cognitive enhancement. The conversation shifts to the emotional challenges faced by parents of special needs children, emphasizing themes of grief, acceptance, and the importance of open communication in relationships. Callers share personal experiences, leading to discussions on coping strategies and maintaining emotional well-being amid challenges. The host balances empathy with philosophical inquiry, aiming to support listeners in navigating complex life situations while questioning societal narratives around drugs and parenting.FOLLOW ME ON X! https://x.com/StefanMolyneuxGET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025