Shows
This Is How She Does It!EP: 8 Building Strong Parent-Child Relationships with Dr. Maureen O’BrienWelcome back to This Is How She Does It with your host, Angela Lee! In this heart-centered and wisdom-packed episode, Angela is joined by Maureen O’Brien, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist, parenting expert, and founder of Destination Parenting.
With over 30 years of experience and personal insight as a mom of twins, Maureen shares powerful tools to help parents better understand and support their children’s emotional and social development—while also caring for their own well-being.
Together, they explore:
🎯 The foundational importance of early parent-child relationships
🎯 How to rebuild connection after hard moments
🎯...2025-04-1056 min
Forever Home for our kids with disabilities.Planning a Forever Home: Turning Fear into Hope with Angela O'BrienSend us a textThis week's guest is Angela O’Brien a mom of 2, professional organizer, Enneagram coach, and host of the podcast, Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms. After spending 18 years raising her kids and advocating for her daughter who has Down Syndrome, Angela took her love of home organizing and turned it into a business where she speaks to and coaches fellow special needs moms through their clutter so that they can reclaim the space, freedom, and energy to do what they love. She especially enjoys speaking to them weekly through her...2025-04-0239 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms93 | Skills for Life Series #3 - Practical Strategies in Better Oral Hygiene for Our Disabled Kids93 | Skills for Life Series #3 - Practical Strategies in Better Oral Hygiene for Our Disabled KidsUnlock the secrets to empowering your child with intellectual and developmental disabilities by fostering independence in dental care. Join me, Angela, a seasoned advocate and parent of a daughter with Down syndrome, as we uncover practical strategies to integrate essential oral hygiene into your child's daily life. Learn how to transform toothbrushing from a dreaded chore into a confidence-boosting skill that enhances their overall health and social interactions. From picking the right tools to teaching critical mouth vocabulary, this episode offers invaluable...2025-04-0113 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms91 | Skills For Life Series #1 -- Hair Care for Our Disabled Kids and Adults91 | Skills For Life Series #1 -- Hair Care for Our Disabled Kids and AdultsEmpower your child with greater personal hygiene independence, while easing your own caregiving journey. Join me as I share valuable insights and practical strategies drawn from a variety of parent experiences as well as tips from occupational therapist Shannon Anderson. as I tackle the often-overlooked challenges of personal hygiene for children with special needs, particularly as they transition into adulthood. From hair washing to toileting, discover how simple adaptations can make a world of difference in nurturing self-reliance and boosting confidence.2025-03-1822 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms90 | Reimagining the Good Life with Kids with Disabilities90 | Reimagining the Good Life with Kids with Disabilities When Amy Julia Becker's daughter, Penny, was diagnosed with Down syndrome, the family's vision of the future shifted dramatically. What they discovered was not a life of limitations but a new perspective on fulfillment and connection.Our conversation explores her framework for how redefining disability can transform it from a perceived burden into a natural part of life, emphasizing joy, love, and community support. Amy Julia shares how responsive parenting focuses on a child's strengths and delights, avoiding frustration loops and fostering a nurturing...2025-03-1133 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms89 | Sending Kids with Down Syndrome to College with Ruby's Rainbow89 | Sending Kids with Down Syndrome to College with Ruby's RainbowToday, we are talking about an amazing organization that has become near and dear to my heart! My friend, Liz Plachta takes center stage to share her remarkable journey as the co-founder and executive director of Ruby's Rainbow, which raises money and provides scholarships to individuals with Down syndrome who are pursuing their higher education goals. When my daughter was born in 2003, I would never have imagined that she and/or other individuals with Down Syndrome could pursue college dreams. But when...2025-03-0435 min
Shelf HelpHow to Grow Your Brand Without Compromising Your Mission, Vision & Values with Angela O’Brien, Founder of CleobellaTo close out Season 1 of Shelf Help, I’m joined by Angela O’Brien, founder of the sustainable fashion and accessories brand Cleobella. Angela shares her remarkable journey from selling handmade accessories at local farmers markets to landing partnerships with major retailers like Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Rent the Runway, and more. Throughout our conversation, Angela outlines the journey to becoming a certified B Corp, including how she continues to cultivate lasting relationships with artisans across Asia, creating a solid foundation for sustainable, purposeful growth. She also touches on how she and her team are navigating the ever-changing social media...2025-02-0634 min
Divorce HappensDivorcing with a Special Needs Child: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Special Needs Advocate Angela O’BrienNavigating divorce is complex, but when you're a parent of a child with special needs, it becomes even more overwhelming and intricate. In this episode, Olivia sits down with Angela O’Brien, a professional organizer, Enneagram coach, and special needs advocate, to discuss the unique challenges of divorce for families with special needs children. Angela shares critical legal, financial, and emotional considerations that parents need to address, including guardianship, financial planning, special needs trusts, and government benefits. With the divorce rate among special needs families higher than the national average, this episode provides essential guidance and support for parents fa...2025-02-0520 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms81 | Life Hacks I'm Bringing Into 202581 | Life Hacks I'm Bringing Into 2025
Welcome to Season 5 in 2025!
Let me help you unlock the secrets to managing a bustling household with my top life hacks designed especially for us busy special needs moms! As we kick off season five of Especially Organized, join me, Angela, as we explore creative strategies to usher in a more organized and serene home environment. Excited to step into 2025 with renewed routines, I discuss the concept of a "power clean" — a powerful yet quick cleaning method perfect for resetting your home during the busiest times. Discover ho...2025-01-0720 min
Divorce HappensOrganized Through the Storm: Divorce Tips for Special Needs Parents with Angela O’BrienIn this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell sits down with Angela O’Brien, a professional organizer, Enneagram coach, and mom to a young adult with special needs. Angela shares her expertise on navigating the unique challenges of divorce for families with special needs, from managing disrupted routines to staying organized amid emotional and logistical chaos. She offers practical tips like creating triage bins for important papers, using scanner apps for digital files, and setting up easy-to-access systems to reduce stress during transitions.Angela emphasizes the power of organization as a form of self-care, especially during life’s to...2025-01-0411 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms79 | How To Have Clutter-Free Christmas: A Gift-Giving Guide79 | How To Have Clutter-Free Christmas: A Gift-Giving Guide
Angela here, ready to help transform your holiday season from overwhelming to joyful. Picture this: a Christmas morning without the clutter, where the focus is on the laughter shared and the traditions cherished. As a mom of a special needs child, I've had my share of stressful holidays, but over time I’ve discovered strategies that truly make a difference. Engage with me as I share insights on how to keep the spirit of the season alive by prioritizing meaningful family traditions over the avalanche of gifts. From practical ap...2024-12-0320 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms26 | Creating Harmony At Home: Insights on KonMari and Feng Shui with Emily Fae26 | Creating Harmony At Home: Insights on KonMari and Feng Shui with Emily Fae
Ever felt overwhelmed by the clutter in your home and its impact on your mental health? I know how that feels. That's why I've brought Emily Fae, an expert in the KonMari method and Feng Shui, on the podcast to shed light on the matter. Emily, diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, has utilized these principles to bring harmony and balance into her life along with her children who also have ADHD. She believes organizing your space can significantly affect your mental...2024-08-2756 min
How Long 'Til Bedtime?149. The Power of Exposure in Building Inclusive Communities with Angela O’BrienAllison is joined by Angela O’Brien for a vulnerable conversation about the importance of exposure and inclusion as it relates to the special needs community. Angela is a professional organizer, host of the Especially Organized podcast, and a special needs mom. Allison and Angela discuss the reasons it’s important for our young children to be exposed to people with special needs, the biases that still exist in today’s communities and why we need to work towards a more inclusive society. Both Allison and Angela share their own personal stories of how individuals with special needs ha...2024-08-1942 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms56 | Special Needs Parenting: A Father's Perspective56 | Special Needs Parenting: A Father's Perspective
In honor of Father's Day coming up next month, I am bringing to you (albeit a bit early!) this conversation with my amazing husband, Mike O'Brien, as he shares his own perspective on the complexities and joys of raising our children, particularly our daughter Casey who has Down syndrome. Listen in as Mike opens up about the ways Casey has expanded his world, teaching him to engage with life beyond his introverted tendencies and to appreciate the subtle nuances of human experience. His candid stories, including a touching...2024-05-2820 min
Bold Voices, Soft HeartsCarry It Forward with Angela O’BrienSometimes it can be difficult to find your voice within the advocacy world. Are you too aggressive? Too soft spoken? Whether you’re parenting a child with a disability or using your influence for a cause you are passionate about, it’s important to present your case in a way that rings true to YOU and your voice. Misty and Angela dive into this topic and discuss how your personality type can hinder or help you!
Angela O’Brien is a mom of 2, professional organizer, Enneagram coach, and host of Q the podcast Especially Organiz...2024-05-2835 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms55 | Crafting a Letter of Intent For Your Special Needs Child55 | Crafting a Letter of Intent For Your Special Needs Child
Unlock the peace of mind that comes with knowing your special needs child will be cared for with the compassion and understanding they deserve, even after you're no longer able to do so yourself. This episode provides an essential roadmap for establishing a care plan called the Letter of Intent, a non legal but important document that memorializes all the knowledge you have as a caregiver so that future caregivers can take over as seamlessly as possible. I guide you through the five key areas to address...2024-05-2117 min
Complicated KidsThriving with Complicated Kids with Angela O'Brien Angela O'Brien and I sat down to discuss the ways in which her complicated kids have changed her life. From a challenging toddlerhood with her first child, to her second child's unexpected Down Syndrome diagnosis, Angela helps put it all into perspective, having survived and thrived, along with her children. We talk about the moment she realized that she needed to really start listening to what her children were telling her - verbally and nonverbally - and question her own assumptions about what her children's paths would be. We also talk about how she's leveraging wh...2024-05-1440 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms54 | Sensible Solutions For Better Sleep: Getting Rid of That Chairdrobe!54 | Sensible Solutions For Better Sleep: Getting Rid of That Chairdrobe!
Ever found yourself waging war against the ever-growing mound of clothing known as the chairdrobe? I am betting you know what I am talking about. And you are not alone. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of maintaining a clutter-free bedroom, ensuring that our sanctuaries of sleep remain just that—sanctuaries. I discuss research that identifies how untidiness can negatively jolt our brain into overdrive, sabotaging our sleep. And then, I dive into actionable advice, from designating spots for those not-quite-dirty clothes to re...2024-05-1413 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms53 | Balancing the Tightrope Between Technology and our Teens53 | Balancing the Tightrope Between Technology and our Teens
How do you strike a balance between your child's digital world and the need for healthy development, especially when your child has special needs?
For me, it took an act of defiance and a really awful night to know that it was time to intervene. Excessive screen time was taking its toll, leading to bouts of irritability and a noticeable drop in her energy levels. As a mom to a wonderful 20-year-old with Down syndrome, this was easier said than done. It took an...2024-05-0716 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms52 | Disability Representation In The Arts: A Conversation with Author Gina Andrew52 | Disability Representation In The Arts: A Conversation with Author Gina Andrew
We all know that the power of storytelling can be one of helping to develop empathy and compassion for people and situations they might otherwise not be aware of.
Today I welcome Gina Andrew, a writer and mother to two boys with autism and intellectual disabilities, to share her journey and her new book "Maybe She Will." I explore Gina's motivation to write a story that portrays a family affected by disabilities, highlighting the lack of representation in fiction for more...2024-04-3036 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms51 | Time Management as Part of a Self Care Routine for Special Needs Moms: Let's Get Real with Cristin Condin51 | Time Management as Part of a Self Care Routine for Special Needs Moms: Let's Get Real with Cristin Condin
Listen in as Cristin Condin joins us to share her invaluable experiences, transitioning from a speech and language pathologist to a life coach (and a decluttering background to boot!) with a heart for special needs moms.
Together, Cristin and I unpack the the unique challenges of raising children with disabilities. Cristin, with her own journey as a mother to a child with Down syndrome, understands the struggles and triumphs of managing time and...2024-04-2337 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Do you know what an Enneagram is? Angela O'Brien shares how it helped with her relationships, especially parenting.Send us a textIntroduction:Angela O’Brien is a mom of 2, professional organizer, Enneagram coach, and host of the podcast, 'Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms.' After spending 18 years raising her kids and advocating for her daughter, who has Down Syndrome, Angela took her love of home organizing and turned it into a business where she speaks to, and coaches fellow special needs moms through their clutter so that they can reclaim the space, freedom, and energy to do what they love. She especially enjoys speaking to them weekly through her...2024-04-1733 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms50 | Strengthening Your Marriage in the Midst of Special Needs Parenting50 | Strengthening Your Marriage in the Midst of Special Needs Parenting
Imagine walking a path that constantly tests your resilience, one where you must balance the joys of parenthood with the unique challenges of raising a child with special needs. This is the journey that Eric and Christen Freund from Hope on the Hard Road have embarked on, and in our heart-to-heart conversation, they graciously open up about the beauty and the struggles they encounter. As founders of an organization that offers a lifeline to families like theirs, the Freunds reveal how their personal story...2024-04-1639 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms49 | Conquer Your Clutter Part 3: The Financial Trap49 | Conquer Your Clutter Part 3: The Financial Trap
Ever held onto an expensive coat you never wear, just because it cost a pretty penny? We've all felt the sting of buyer's remorse, but what if there was a way to reclaim your space and your sanity from the clutches of clutter?
Join me as we wrap up my three-part journey on mastering the mayhem of clutter. This final chapter shines a light on the financial pitfalls we all encounter with our possessions. We've all been there, holding onto items due to their initial cost, leading to...2024-04-0917 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms48 | Conquer Your Clutter Part 2: The Practical Trap48 | Conquer Your Clutter Part 2: The Practical Trap
Have you ever felt the walls of your home closing in, not because the space is shrinking, but because the stuff keeps growing? This latest episode is the second in a 3 part series that tackles the beast of clutter from a practical perspective, offering guidance and psychological insights to help you streamline your space.
We delve into the mental blocks that keep us from discarding items we don't need, like the all-too-familiar "I might need this someday" thought pattern. By understanding the endowment effect and...2024-04-0213 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms47 | Conquer Your Clutter Part 1: The Emotional Trap47 | Conquer Your Clutter Part 1: The Emotional Trap
Is your home cluttered with objects that tug at your heartstrings, making it impossible to let go? Today's podcast will guide you through the emotional battlefield of decluttering, offering new perspectives on the guilt, nostalgia, and sentimentality that often anchor us to our belongings. We'll navigate these feelings by providing reflective questions that can help you assess your attachment to items and uncover the freedom that comes with releasing those that no longer serve a purpose in your life.
Throughout this episode, I share my personal insights into...2024-03-2615 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms46 | 21 Things About Disability Parenting I Wish I Knew 21 Years Ago46 | 21 Things About Disability Parenting I Wish I Knew 21 Years Ago (when I was pregnant with my daughter with Down Syndrome)
To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st of this week (and the 1 year anniversary of this podcast!) I'm peeling back the curtain on a 21-year voyage filled with insights that have both challenged and changed me, from navigating public perceptions to fostering a fierce bond within my family. Here are 21 things I wish I had known 21 years ago as I was getting ready to deliver a baby with Down Syndrome and my life would forever...2024-03-1914 min
The Zest From Orange Coast magazineAngela O'BrienAngela O'Brien is the founder and creative director of Cleobella. She tells Chelsea about her time growing up in Huntington Beach, traveling the world as a model, and her honeymoon in countries including Bali and India that inspired her brand. She also discusses how she came to design her accessories and clothing, collaborations with celebrities such as Olivia Wilde, and more.2024-03-1444 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms45 | Everything No One Tells You About Parenting A Disabled Child with Kelley Coleman45 | Everything No One Told You About Parenting a Disabled Child with Kelley Coleman
When we learn that our child has been diagnosed with a disability, most parents say they wish there was a handbook, a guide, anything that they could refer to help them navigate the complexities of raising a disabled child. That handbook hasn't really existed, until now.
Kelley Coleman is here to help us shine a light on the raw realities that come with such a journey, in her new book, Everything No One Told You About Raising a Disabled...2024-03-121h 00
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms44 | Estate Planning for Special Needs Caregivers: How To Start Now44 | Estate Planning for Special Needs Caregivers: How To Start Now
As a caregiver of someone with disabilities, the reality of planning for the future becomes a tapestry of legal knowledge and deep compassion. My guest, attorney Adriane Grace, knows this all too well, as her law practice focuses entirely on estate planning for families of people with disabilities. This discussion goes beyond the paperwork. We discuss the emotional weight of guardianship and legacy, and how crafting a 'love letter' for future caregivers is not only a testament to the love and gratitude we feel toward them but...2024-03-0553 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms43 | The Four T's of Decluttering43 | The Four T's of Decluttering
Here is another way to look at categorizing the items in our home so that we can get a better idea of what we can hang on to and what we can let go of!
Check out the Four T's of Decluttering:
Tools: What we love and what we use in our home. (Our coffee maker or our favorite blanket)
Treasures: What we love but not necessarily use a lot (or at all) in our home. (Photo albums or a...2024-02-2707 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms42 | Unlocking Their Voice with The SPELLERS Method42 | Unlocking Their Voice With The SPELLERS Method
with Darcy Day
Do you as a disability mom wish you could communicate better with your child? Do you wonder what your nonverbal child is thinking or feeling in their body, in their head, and in their heart? Do you wish they could tell you when they’re anxious or scared prior to them, showing you their physical symptoms?
These are questions that I know a lot of moms ask themselves, especially if they have a child considered nonverbal or unable to communicate.
I t...2024-02-2044 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms41 | DOOM Piles and Documents41 | DOOM Piles and Documents
Do you have any DOOM piles in your home? Do you even know what they are?
If you or someone you love has ADHD you may have heard of them. DOOM stands for Didn't Organize, Only Moved. And that is what a lot of people, especially those who might have ADHD do when they say they are organizing their papers or their files. However, as the acronym says, these files are not actually organized.
In this short episode, I dive into why people with ADHD are...2024-02-1311 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms40 | Guiding the Growth of the Neurodivergent Child40 | Guiding the Growth of the Neurodivergent Child
Have you ever been at the grocery store or Target with your child and for whatever reason their nervous system goes into overdrive and they have a meltdown. The yelling, the waving of the arms the kicking of the feet , the terror in their eyes. We’ve all been that parent. It’s so stressful in that moment for us as parents but when we start to take a step back, we might start to think about what it’s like for our child in that moment and if...2024-02-0648 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms39 | Sibling Bonds: Growing Up With A Sister With Down Syndrome39 | Sibling Bonds: Growing Up With A Sister With Down Syndrome
Join me as I have a wonderfully candid discussion with my own son, Casey's big brother, Dan!
Looking back, the impact of my daughter's diagnosis on my son was one of the very first fears I realized after her birth. I worried that she would hold him back, that I would not have the time or energy to focus on both her extra needs and his, and that he would get resentful of his sister over time.
2024-02-0430 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms38 | Embracing Neurodiversity in Home Organization38 | Embracing Neurodiversity in Home Organization
Unlocking the secrets to a harmoniously organized home if your brain works a bit differently can be quite a challenge. Alyssa from Alyssa's Yellow House joins us to shed light on home organization for neurodivergent individuals, bringing in her personal experiences with ADHD and autism. She offers an intimate look at how routines, as opposed to habits, can be transformative and introduces clever tricks, such as using visual reminders like a running dishwasher, to ease the daily kitchen grind. Her insights help us understand the need for organization systems that celebrate neurodiversity...2024-01-3052 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms37 | Preparing for Emergencies with a Special Needs Child37 | Preparing For Emergencies With A Special Needs Child
Happy New Year! I hope you had a nice holiday season and are ready to start the New Year with a renewed sense of purpose and fresh eyes and ears.
So, listen in as I kick off the new year with a focus on a topic that's crucial yet often overlooked—emergency preparedness, especially when caring for loved ones with special needs. Research shows that many families with special needs kids lack essential emergency plans, highlighting the need to address this ga...2024-01-1620 min
The Special Needs Mom PodcastCreating Harmony in Chaos: A Special Needs Mom's Guide to Decluttering with Angela O'BrienSend us a textWhen you're balancing the world on your shoulders as a special needs mom, finding time and space for yourself can feel like an impossible puzzle. But Angela O'Brien, mother, professional organizer, and podcast host with a heart as big as her expertise, joins me to piece together the jigsaw of life, proving that every mom can create harmony out of chaos. Our conversation is a heartfelt journey through the evolution of a special needs mom who redefined her identity and blossomed into a source of inspiration and practical wisdom for parents in similar...2024-01-1047 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms36 | Happy New Year!36 | Happy New Year!
Just letting you know that I will be taking a quick 2 week break to recover from the melee of the holiday season! It was a rough one! :)
You will also notice that my audio is a little different. That is because I am in the middle of an office redo/upgrade: my desk is in transit and I can't access my microphone right now! All the more reason for a quick break. But Season 3 coming up this winter/spring is going to be amazing!
2024-01-0208 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms35 | Storing and Protecting Your Important Documents35 | Storing and Protecting Your Important Documents
When you're a parent of a special needs child, and a professional organizer to boot, you'd think your important documents would be in perfect order. But I found out that even I had let things slide. In this episode, I share how I have reorganized and secured my critical documents – a task that became even more pressing after my husband and I updated our wills. By keeping these documents in a waterproof/fireproof safe, further organized in a three-ring binder, I've managed to create a system that allows fo...2023-12-2614 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms34 | Storage Wars: A Professional Organizer's Own Struggle With Clutter And What You Can Learn From It34 | Storage Wars: A Professional Organizer's Own Struggle With Clutter And What You Can Learn From It
Ready to declutter and find peace amidst the holiday season chaos? I'm exposing my own personal struggle with clutter, as a professional organizer who's held onto a storage unit for the past decade.
Embarrassing, I know, but I'm sharing my journey to inspire and encourage you in your own decluttering challenges. From the guilt and fear associated with letting go of possessions, to my eventual triumph over procrastination, I'm sharing it all.
Now, it's your turn! I'm...2023-12-1922 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms33 | Shaping Lives Through Sport: Advocating for Special Needs Athletes33 | Shaping Lives Through Sport: Advocating for Special Needs Athletes
We are taking a break from pantry purging and closet cleaning to talk with the amazing Tony Vlahovic, a man who wears many hats - coach, rehab therapist, author - with an unwavering dedication to advocate for individuals with special needs. As a child, Tony quickly learned to see individuals for who they are, not their conditions. A powerful lesson that stuck with him throughout his life, shaping him into who he is today. Join us as Tony shares his incredible journey from a childhood...2023-12-1230 min
The Empowered Millennials PodcastMaking Big Weird Shit with Music Producer and Recording Artist Cate O'BrienMeet Caitlyn O'Brien (She/Her/Hers), the Cambridge-based musical maverick who defies boundaries as a musician, producer, and DJ extraordinaire.Operating under her independent label, C8 Music, she showcases her exceptional talent through two distinct alter egos—Kit Orion, the enchanting solo project that marked her debut album, and DJ C8.Fueled by a profound sense of community, Caitlyn regularly collaborates with local musicians, gracing stages with her own compositions and captivating audiences with her electrifying DJ performances at beloved neighborhood haunts.Amidst the ever-evolving landscape of her artistic journey, Kit Orion is currently channeling he...2023-12-0950 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms32 | Breaking the Cycle of Dumping and Scattering: Tips for Frazzled Parents32 | Breaking the Cycle of Dumping and Scattering: Tips for Frazzled Parents
Ever felt like a human Roomba, cleaning up after your special needs child who seems to love scattering their toys and clothes all around?
Prepare to regain control of your space as we navigate the chaos of the notorious dumper. Yes, you heard it right. If you're a parent of a special needs child who loves scattering their possessions all over the floor, you know the struggle.
In this solo episode of Especially Organized, I will arm you...2023-12-0512 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms31 | Preparing for the Holidays with Special Needs Kids31 | Preparing for the Holidays with Special Needs Kids
Join me this week as we explore how to navigate the holiday season with special needs children. Let's get prepared to create a calming and inviting environment, making sure your kids have a joyful and stress-free holiday, and that you can take care of yourself during this bustling time of the year.
From setting up a guest room to managing sensory overload, this episode provides practical advice for a memorable holiday season. I’ll also discuss how to make the holidays me...2023-11-2823 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms30 |Make Way For Your Entry Way: How to Set it Up for Success30 | Make Way For Your Entry Way: How to Set it Up for Success
As part of my Clutter Buster Series on these busy and special holiday weeks, I want to bring you content that is quick, applicable and easy to digest. So this short episode will hopefully give you some ideas to declutter, organize, and transform your entryway into the epitome of warm welcome and function!
This episode is all about understanding your family's use of this first impression space and how to maximize it. I kick things off with clutter-busting tips...2023-11-2112 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms20 | Overcoming Challenges: An Insightful Approach to Special Needs Parenting with Kara Ryska29 | Overcoming Challenges: An Insightful Approach to Special Needs Parenting with Kara Ryska
Ever wonder how the lens through which we view time impacts our daily lives, decisions, and sense of self? We explore this intriguing subject with our guest, Kara Ryska, a special needs mom, professional coach, and podcast host who shares invaluable insights from her personal and professional experiences. Get ready to see time in a whole new light!
As a mother to four children, one of whom struggles with recurring brain tumors and a condition called pan hypopituitarism, Kara has a unique perspective...2023-11-1448 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms28 | Empowering Healthier Eating Strategies In Our Kids28 | Empowering Healthier Eating Strategies in our Kids
Ever wondered just how you can help your kids make healthier food choices while fostering their independence? Our captivating guest, Shaelyn Christensen, a single mother and entrepreneur from Denver, has found a way. Shaelyn shares her enlightening journey of personal and parenting transformation, including her eye-opening encounter with Diana Bennett. Bennett's insights about the shocking amount of sugar in our everyday diets sparked Shaelyn's quest for a healthier lifestyle for her family.
Shaelyn introduces us to the Stoplight Method, a kid-friendly approach to nutrition education that uses familiar traffic light colors to...2023-11-0736 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms27 | Managing Healthcare for Adults with Down Syndrome: A Special Interview with Dr. Tara Goodwin27 | Managing Healthcare for Adults with Down Syndrome: A Special Interview with Dr. Tara Goodwin
Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month!
To finish out this awesome month, I am delighted to share this enlightening interview with you!
Imagine a world where every health issue faced by an individual with Down syndrome is not simply attributed to their condition. Meet Dr. Tara Goodwin, a medical professional who saw this 'diagnostic overshadowing' firsthand with her son, Patrick, and decided to make a change. Tara's inspiring journey led her from hospital medicine to working with...2023-10-311h 27
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms25 | Banishing Burnout In Special Needs Moms25 | Banishing Burnout In Special Needs Moms
Life can sometimes feel like a never-ending tightrope walk, especially for mothers with special needs children. Stress, exhaustion, and anger have an uncanny way of creeping up when we least expect it. If you ever find yourself numbing out, doom-scrolling on social media, or staying up too late binge-watching the latest season of Yellowstone, you might be experiencing symptoms of burnout. Burnout is something we are all likely to experience at some point in our journey of raising special needs kids. It can keep us from doing what...2023-10-1729 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms24 | How Past Trauma Affects Our Organizing Habits Now -- with Tonya Schrougham24 | How Past Trauma Affects Our Organizing Habits Now -- with Tonya Schrougham
Join us for this enlightening story of how one woman's experience in a religious cult and being raised by a mother with a hoarding disorder affected the way she looks at organizing today.
As a wife and mother of 2 young girls with ADHD, Tonya has had to come to terms with her past by acknowledging the beliefs that she grew up with and learning to let those go in favor of new, more open-minded thoughts and beliefs that guide how...2023-10-1042 min
Working MummaNavigating burnout, mental load and career ambitions with Angela PriestleyEvery two years, Women's Agenda publish the "Women's Ambition Report". For this episode, I speak with Angela Priestley, publisher and co-founder of Women's Agenda (a publication for career-minded, time-poor women who want to stay ahead of the conversation).
During this chat, we discuss the report's key findings, trends on the future of work, and the opportunities for change to support female workforce participation and improve the experiences of women in the workplace.
Some statistics from the report include:
* 77% of women are experiencing burnout, and a leading factor is overwhelm in balancing career and hom...2023-10-0342 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms23 | Spotlight on Down Syndrome: Celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month with Casey Jane O'Brien (my daughter!)23 | Spotlight on Down Syndrome: Celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month with Casey Jane O'Brien
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and I couldn't start this month out without acknowledging the person that changed my life in the most profound way. My daughter, Casey Jane, is the light and the glue of our entire family. I could not imagine my life without her in it. She is the one that has taught us what it is like to live with Down Syndrome, how important it is to advocate for her community, and how enriched and fulfilling life can be for people...2023-10-0311 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms22 | The Benefits of Sensory Play with Jennifer Stalley22 | The Benefits of Sensory Play with Jennifer Stalley of Meemzy Magic
Do you struggle to find ways to engage your special needs child? When they are young and eager and their brains are malleable and ready for all
those neural connection opportunities that we can provide them, it can still be hard to engage with our kiddos. Maybe you are exhausted after work, maybe they have other siblings that need attention, maybe they don’t seem to know how to play with others yet and it’s just trying your patience to remind them not to throw thin...2023-09-2639 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms21 | Getting Our Kids To Sleep21 | Getting Our Kids to Sleep with Allison Egidi, Pediatric Sleep Cloach
Unlock the knowledge of how sleep impacts your child's emotional well-being, learning, and overall growth in this enlightening conversation with pediatric sleep coach, Allison Egidi.
Sleep is one of the most important activities you can do to help you stay healthy and that goes even double for our kids. Getting enough sleep helps regulate our moods, repairs and restores our muscles, improves our cognitive functioning ability, and so much more. All of these are just as or even more important for ki...2023-09-1941 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms20 | Getting Creative About Art with Suzanne Finan20 | Getting Creative About Art with Suzanne Finan
Let's explore how we can help our kids get more creative, express their feelings and enjoy the process of making art, without losing the functionality of your home to a glitter bomb and paint everywhere.
In this episode, beloved art teacher, Suzanne Finan helps us think about how we can encourage our kids to use everyday items and activities to inspire the creative outflow of art from our special needs kids. She shares how she helps her special needs students make beautiful art by breaking...2023-09-1244 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms19 | Transition Survival Series Part 5: Legacy Planning with Kate Hufnagel, The Digital Wrangler19 | Transition Survival Series Part 5: Legacy Planning with Kate Hufnagel, The Digital Wrangler
We wrap up our transition series with a very special guest, my new friend, Kate.
Kate Hufnagel is a professional legacy organizer, speaker and coach who helps individuals and families do the important work that nobody likes to talk about.
She’s on a mission to normalize conversations about planning for the inevitable — or the unthinkable — whether it be during family game night or out for brunch with friends.
After a mind-blowing career in big tech, Kate f...2023-09-0540 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms18 | Transition Survival Series Part 4: Moving with Paige Strawn18 | Transition Survival Skills Part 4: Moving with Paige Strawn
Moving your home when you have a child with special needs is not for the faint of heart. Transitions like moving can be especially stressful for our kiddos since it is already stressful for parents. In fact, moving has been rated as one of the most stressful situations we go through as adults, right up there with the birth of a child and changing jobs.
So imagine how hard it is to move homes when you are a child with special needs. In this...2023-08-2955 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms17 | Transition Survival Series Part 3: Living Independently, A Chat With Molly Denny, Ph.D.17 | Transition Survival Series Part 3: Living Independently, A Chat With Molly Denny, Ph. D.
If you have a loved one with a disability and have wondered if they are ever going to be able to live independently and have their own life separate from their parents, this episode is for you. I sit down with Molly Denny, Ph.D., the Director of Community Life at Daymark Living in Waxahachie, TX. We talk about what it's like transitioning our loved ones with physical and intellectual disabilities into a full and thriving adult life that provides the...2023-08-2247 min
The Kara Goldin Show428 Angela O’Brien: Founder of CleobellaCleobella Founder and Designer, Angela O’Brien, launched her business from an idea she had while galavanting the globe. Today we hear from this incredible Founder as she shares how the globally-inspired and ethically-handmade clothing and accessories brand has scaled to success. We hear about the importance of staying true to your roots around having a company that prioritizes sustainability and employment of independent artisans around the world. This episode is filled with so many lessons and a ton of inspiration. Sit back and enjoy this incredible episode now of #TheKaraGoldinShow. Enjoying this episode of #TheKaraGoldinShow? Let me...2023-08-1834 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms16 | Transition Survival Series Part 2: Job Skills and Adulting with Mere Pace16 | Transition Survival Series Part 2: Job Skills and Adulting with Mere Pace
Do you have a teen/young adult with a learning or intellectual disability? Are you starting to think about what their life will be like after they complete school? The transition between school and adulthood/job life can be one of the more challenging in our parenting journey. To help us navigate and prepare for the road ahead, I have the pleasure of sharing my conversation with Meredith Pace, Transition Specialist at the Notre Dame School of Dallas. She shares 7 things employers expect...2023-08-1540 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms15 | Transition Survival Series Part 1: Back-To-School with Courtney Howard15 | Transition Survival Series Part 1: Back-To-School with Courtney Howard
Do you remember your first day of kindergarten? What about middle school or even high school? You’re still a little tired from waking up early for the first time in 10 weeks and you’ve got that mix of nervousness and excitement whirling around perhaps in your head or even your stomach making it too hard for you to eat. How will you find your room? Will you have any friends in your class? Will your teachers be nice? So. Many. Questions about to be answered.
...2023-08-0850 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms14 | Going to Summer Camp: How to Prepare Your Special Needs Child (and Yourself!)14 | Going to Summer Camp: How to Prepare Your Special Needs Child (and Yourself!)
Do you have a kiddo headed to camp this summer? Is it the first time? Then I am here to help!
Fortunately, there are so many opportunities for our special needs kiddos (and adults) to attend summer camp now! It's really awesome! But, it can be a bit daunting to send your special needs kiddo (or adult) off to sleepaway camp for the first time! There are so many questions1 How do I pack for them? What do I...2023-06-2726 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms13 | Routines and Rhythms for the Special Needs Mom with Laura Hernandez: Creator of Mama Systems13 | Routines & Rhythms with Mama Systems Creator Laura Hernandez
This week on the podcast, I am thrilled to bring you my new friend, Laura Hernandez, creator of Mama Systems.
Laura was living in Seattle with her husband and five biological children when they decided to move back to the Dallas Fort Worth area and adopt three kids from foster care. They later had two more biological children and also learned that their adopted children had Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
When Laura found herself struggling to g...2023-06-2032 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms12 | The Secrets to Small Space Living with The Tidy Trainer, Michelle Hobgood12 | The Secrets to Small Space Living with The Tidy Trainer, Michelle Hobgood
Meet Michelle Hobgood, the home organizer behind The Tidy Trainer. Her real-life tidying systems help overwhelmed women and neurodivergent families kick clutter to the curb and whip their spaces into shape so they feel good about coming home.
With over 20 years of diverse work experience in the fields of fashion, fitness, wellness coaching, and project management, She brings a unique perspective to the world of home organization.
Michelle is also a fierce advocate and a proud mom to...2023-06-1346 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms11 | Lessons I'm Learning In A Season Of Grief + BONUS: True Confessions of a Professional Organizer11 | Lessons I'm Learning In A Season Of Grief
I know this one might be a tough topic to listen to. It was definitely a tough topic to talk about. But I promised myself I would talk about what I am learning in this difficult season because I want to be better prepared the next time I go through it. So, I am sharing my learnings with you, my listeners, and I hope you get something out of it too!
As you all probably know now, my beloved aunt passed away after suffering...2023-06-0626 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms10 | Common Mistakes We Make While Organizing With Kids: My Conversation with Janelle Azar at A Meaningful Space10 | Organizing with Kids: My Conversation with Janelle Azar
Meet my new friend and fellow pro organizer, Janelle Azar of A Meaningful Space. She is a pro when it comes to organizing with kids -- we chat about the common mistakes parents make when trying to organize their kids' spaces and how to include our kids in the process. She is a wealth of knowledge and I love how she breaks down the process to make it manageable and meaningful.
Janelle just came out with a great course called Simplifying & Organizing with Kids...2023-05-3036 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs MomsFamily BreakI have to take a break this week. I don't like to do this but I know you will understand. My beloved aunt passed away on Friday, May 19 after struggling tremendously from complications from heart surgery. I was fortunate enough to be there by her side the whole last week of her life as my mom, her best friend and beloved sister, had to make complicated medical decisions no person should ever be faced with. She was such a big part of our family and she will be greatly missed. I need this week to help my parents get through...2023-05-2301 min
Mama AdvocateAdvocating for your space with Angela O'BrienIn today's episode, we have invited Angela O'Brien. Angela is a wife, mother of two, professional organizer, and certified Enneagram coach. After college and graduate school, Angela worked at several Fortune 500 companies in various sales, marketing, and brand management roles. When her daughter was born with Down Syndrome, she made the switch to stay-at-home mom to focus on her daughter’s extra needs. Thirteen years later, her family again experienced multiple life transitions all at once. Feeling a bit lost and unsure of her next steps amid all the sudden changes in her life, a friend suggested she look in...2023-05-1925 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms9 | Inclusive Organizing: My Conversation with Carly Adams9 | Inclusive Organizing: My Conversation with Carly Adams at Tidy Revival
I am so excited to bring this conversation to you! Carly Adams, professional organizer in Sacramento, CA and host of the Tidy Revival Podcast and I met through social media and immediately connected. We bonded over our shared allyship we both have toward the LGBTQ community and organizing for the communities that we serve that tend to reside in the margins -- families of kids with special needs and the LGBTQ community. We decided to record our conversation about the importance of a judgment-free...2023-05-1652 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms8 | Organizing Styles and Autism with El Sangalang, The Therapeutic Organizer8 | Organizing Styles and Autism with El Sangalang, The Therapeutic Organizer
Enjoy my conversation with professional organizer and mom of a son with Autism, El Sangalang. We talk about her journey with her son and the strategies that she considers when she is working with clients whose family members are neurodivergent. We also discuss the four different organizing styles developed by Cas Aarssen and how we work with each style. See below for a link to find out YOUR organizing style!
El is a Certified Organizational Specialist through Cassandra Aarssen, creator of the Clutterbug Philosophy. She...2023-05-0933 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms7 | Managing Multiples with Jane Martin7 | Managing Multiples with Jane Martin: Multiple Diagnoses, Multiple Babies, Multiple everything!
My dear friend and mentor, Jane, grew up in Richardson, Texas. She started ballet lessons at age 9 and by the age of 12, was dancing 4 days a week with a pre-professional company in Dallas. As a senior at Bishop Lynch High School, Jane was offered a contract to dance full time with the Hartford Ballet Company in Connecticut. After graduation, she moved to Connecticut and spent the next 11 years touring the United States dancing in every state except Alaska. In 1988, while touring through China, she injured herself...2023-05-021h 04
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms6 | Best Friend Energy, Down Syndrome Edition: Featuring Paige Strawn - Part 26 | Best Friend Energy, Down Syndrome Edition: Featuring Paige Strawn - Part 2
This is the second half of my conversation with my dearest, best friend Paige; mom of my own daughter's best friend. If you haven't listened to Episode 5, please go back now.
I sat down to chat with her like I always do; I just turned on the mic this time! We wrap up our conversation with topics such as all the paperwork we moms of special needs kids deal with, teen girls' hygiene, and some overall organizing tips that have helped...2023-04-2526 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms5 | Best Friend Energy, Down Syndrome Edition: Featuring Paige Strawn -- Part 15 | Best Friend Energy, Down Syndrome Edition: Featuring Paige Strawn - Part 1
This is the first half of my conversation with one of my dearest, best friends, Paige Strawn. She first bonded with my daughter over snacks at the pool 17 years ago but then 11 months later, she was giving birth to her own daughter with Down Syndrome and our friendship grew from there. She is the mother of 4 -- 3 boys and one daughter, who happens to be my own daughter's best friend too. I sat down to chat with her like I always do; I just turned on...2023-04-1837 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms4 | What's My Story?4 | What's My Story?
I have been getting a couple requests to share my story on the podcast. So, today on the pod, I share how I became a special needs mom and a pro organizer that loves to work with and help other special needs moms!
Connect with me:
Instagram (@yourspacereclaimed)
Facebook (Your Space Reclaimed)
Website Your Space Reclaimed Professional Organizing
2023-04-1116 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms3 | Why Is Decluttering SO FREAKING HARD? (And What To Do About It!)3 | Why is Decluttering SO FREAKING HARD? (And what to do about it!)
Today we dive a little deep into the mindset around decluttering:
Why should we do it?
How does it help us?
Why is it so freaking hard sometimes? Or maybe even ALL the time?
I want to share some thoughts on how our mindset toward decluttering can impact our actions and why it's important to start thinking differently about decluttering even before you pick up that first item.2023-04-0414 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms2 | Getting Organized for Travel as a Special Needs Parent2 | Getting Organized for Travel as a Special Needs Parent
Today on the podcast, I share some tips I have learned over the years that might come in handy as you prepare for travelling with your special needs child. I also share our worst vacation ever and how to not get banned from a McDonald's playhouse!
Links:
TSA Cares Support Program: TSA Cares 1-855-767-2227
JSX Airlines: JSX
Autism Double Checked
Products I discuss:
Compression Packing Cubes2023-03-2825 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms1 | How Do I Start Organizing?1 | How Do I Start Organizing?
Welcome! This is the first episode so we are going to start out slowly! I explain one very simple decluttering activity that can be done in no time. I also share what happened when I asked a few friends to complete this task!
Want to connect with me?
Reach out to me at
Instagram: @yourspacereclaimed
Facebook: Your Space Reclaimed
Email: angela@yourspacereclaimed.net
Website: www.yourspacereclaimed.net2023-03-2012 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms0 | Trailer0 |
Welcome to Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms. Here's a little info about what you can expect from this podcast! I can't wait to get started!
First episode releases March 21, 2023!
In the meantime, you can find me at:
INSTAGRAM: @yourspacereclaimed
FACEBOOK: Your Space Reclaimed
Email: angela@yourspacereclaimed.net
Website: www.yourspacereclaimed.net2023-03-0901 min
Be Well by Kelly LevequeLiving in Gratitude & Creating Sustainable Fashion with Cleobella Founder, Angela O’Brien #FabulousFriendsAngela O'Brien is the founder and designer behind Cleobella, a California-based, sustainable, and ethically made fashion and accessory brand that works with artisans and small factories around the world to produce some truly amazing, authentic goods. As her brand grew, the bags became beloved staples for celebrities like Halle Berry, Vanessa Hutchins, and Kate Hudson. With a global team of talented collaborators, Cleobella now produces amazing textiles and dresses, and the brand is even expanding into swimwear this year!She is someone I look up to personally, as a female entrepreneur, and as someone who, i...2023-01-201h 17
This Organized Life: Decluttering Tips for Moms, Entrepreneurs and Professional OrganizersEp 307: Partner Spotlight with Angela O'BrienHi Friends,Joining me today is Angela O’Brien, founder of Your Space Reclaimed in Dallas, TX. Angela is one of our incredible SBO Partners and I invited her on the show to talk about motherhood, organizing and all things Enneagram!I specifically asked Angela to visit our show in October as we recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month. As a mom of 2 grown-ish kids, Angela shares her story of finding out her daughter was born with Down Syndrome and what she wants people to know about the Down Syndrome community.During our conversation we talked about:Li...2022-10-2750 min
Media in MinutesMolly O'Brien: Travel & Lifestyle JournalistSend us a textListen to today’s episode as Molly shares with Angela about her motto, “If someone is doing something meaningful with their life, it deserves to be shared.”You can follow Molly’s work: https://metropolitanmolly.com/ Instagram: @metropolitanmollyLinkedIn: Molly O'BrienTwitter: @Molly_A_OBrienFacebook: MetropolitanMolly No Drama Llama: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/08/05/therapy-llama-caesar-no-drama-llama-diffuses-tension-protests/ Lessons for Companies: https://www.bloombergquint.com/businessweek/layoffs-furloughs-and-maintaining-morale-amid-covid-cutbacks #39 Brazil: https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-places-to-travel-in-2022 Metrolink: https://metrolinktrai...2022-04-0715 min