Shows
Embrace the BlessingETB 58: Exploring Guardianship and Supported Decision-MakingETB 58: What if the future of your loved one with a disability could be bright, secure, and filled with choices and alternatives? Envision a world where guardianship isn't the only path, where supported decision-making reigns supreme, and personal rights are preserved. This episode offers a detailed dissection of guardianship and its alternatives, shedding light on the game-changing Right to Make Choices supported-decision making toolkit - a Texas-based initiative.We take you on a journey through the pivotal Jenny Hatch case and the subsequent reform of the Texas guardianship system in 2015, highlighting the importance of considering alternatives to...
2023-10-1824 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 57: Navigating Hospitalization ~ Thank God for CNAsETB 57: When your child is hospitalized, what means of comfort do you find? As a mother who's been down this road with my son Josiah, I will share how the power of pen helped me through those dark times. Transcribing our story and drawing strength from those lines, I found a way to navigate the painfully frequent hospitalizations. The silver lining we discovered in this storm cloud was the round-the-clock care provided by CNAs. Their gift of caregiving brought the serenity our family needed, and they turned into our lifeline.This episode isn't just about our journey...
2023-10-1108 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 56: From Parenting to Publishing: The Story Behind the Creation of Eleanor's eXtraordinary Dreams with Carlee RagainsETB 56: Ready to journey into the heartwarming world of Carlee Ragains, a creative spirit, mother, wife, and mimi? Carlee's story weaves a rich tapestry of love, courage, and perseverance, as she shares the joys, challenges, and unimaginable fulfillment that come from parenting her 16-year-old daughter, Ellen, who was born with Down syndrome. Carlee paints a vibrant portrait of Ellen, a high functioning, verbal, independent, sensitive, and personality-packed young woman - an inspiring beacon of hope and testament to the beauty of embracing uniqueness.Carlee's creativity doesn't stop at parenting; she has harnessed her experiences and channeled them i...
2023-10-0436 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 55: Fostering a Community of Hope and Inclusion through Adaptive Activities and Sports with the Christina Sullivan FoundationETB 55: Prepare to be deeply moved by the remarkable journey of Josephine Sullivan, founder and CEO of the Christina Sullivan Foundation. This episode offers a powerful narrative of love, faith, and unwavering commitment as Josephine shares the story of her daughter Christina, a vibrant soul who was born with severe brain injury, cerebral palsy, and a seizure disorder. Listen as she chronicles how her unconditional love for Christina spurred the creation of a foundation that has since then sparked hope and positivity to over 247 athletes of varying abilities.As we steer the conversation towards inclusive sports for...
2023-09-2747 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 54: Chase's Story: Insights from a Resilient Mom with Heather SavoyETB 54: What does it really mean to be a parent of a child with autism? How do you navigate the challenges and celebrate the milestones? Join us on a deeply personal journey with Heather, a resilient mother who opens her heart about her experiences raising her son, Chase, who was diagnosed with autism at a tender age of 2.5 years. Currently a stay-at-home mom who transitioned to homeschooling Chase after working as a para in schools, Heather offers unique insights into the world of children with special needs. She speaks about the bond she shares with her son...
2023-09-2042 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 53: It's Your JobETB 53: What if you could turn the toughest moments of parenting a child with a disability into a source of strength and inspiration? Join me, Sandy Deppisch, as I take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions in the hospital stays that have become an all too frequent part of our lives. You'll learn how to communicate your needs effectively to your support network, and understand the importance of asking for specific help, whether it's a warm blanket or home-cooked meal. Staying awake through the hospital nights, changing pull-ups, feeding, comforting, and dealing with beeping machines...
2023-09-1307 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 52: The Adventures of Parenting Adrian: Balancing Anxiety and Homeschooling with Sweet Success with Susan AguilarETB 52: Have you ever wondered what it takes to raise a child with Down syndrome? Embark on an intimate journey with Susan Aguilar, a mother who shares the honest truth about the joys and challenges she's encountered while raising her son, Adrian. From the ease of his younger years to the hurdles of his adulthood, she paints a vivid picture of their undying resilience.We unravel the secrets of her success in homeschooling a child with Down Syndrome, with Susan sharing her experiences of crafting and tweaking curriculums for Adrian. Experience the flexibility of homeschooling firsthand, and a...
2023-09-0647 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 51: Writing as Therapy: A Personal Voyage into Resilience and HopeETB 51: Have you ever pondered over the therapeutic power of writing in dealing with overpowering emotions? Join me, Sandy Deppish, on this personal journey as I revisit an old blog post titled 'It's Not About Me.' You'll discover how documenting the highs and lows of raising a child with a disability has helped me process my feelings and paved the path for resilience and hope.This episode is also a heartfelt tribute to my son Josiah, and all children living with disabilities - the true heroes of our stories. Their courage, strength, perseverance, and infectious joy...
2023-08-3007 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 50: Embracing the Struggles and Triumphs of Caring for Special Children: The Toenail OdysseyETB 50: Ever tried to trim a child's toenails? Now imagine that child has sensory issues that make the task as perilous and nerve-wracking as a high-wire act. Join me, Sandy Deppisch in this candid discussion on Embrace the Blessing podcast, where we navigate the choppy waters of personal grooming for children with disabilities, specifically, trimming toenails. We share my personal struggle with my son Josiah's toenail trimming, a task that ended with exhaustion and frustration, yet also highlighted the resilience and strength of such special children.In this heartfelt narrative, we unravel the remarkable spirit of children...
2023-08-0907 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 49: Unlocking the Potential in Children with Down Syndrome: Darcy's Mission and Brady's Journey with Darcy DayETB 49: I'm thrilled to introduce you to Darcy, a devoted parent and former teacher who's turned her personal journey into a mission to unlock the potential in children with Down syndrome. Imagine the heartache of knowing your child has thoughts, ideas, dreams locked away in their mind - simply because they struggle to communicate. Darcy, all too familiar with this struggle, has dedicated her life to tearing down these barriers using the unique and highly effective Speller's Method.Darcy's son, Brady, is a loving 20-year-old with Down syndrome and apraxia. Darcy shares the trials, triumphs and transformative...
2023-08-0255 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 48: Empowering Families through Personal Support Networks with Jennifer VincentETB 48: Have you heard about the positive impact of creating a personal network to support you as you care for your loved one with a disability? Our guest, Jennifer Vincent, brings her experience as a parent and network facilitator to help answer this crucial question. Jennifer shares the importance of personal networks in empowering families and individuals with disabilities. She introduces us to the book, A Good Life for You and Your Relative with a Disability by Al Etmanski, a practical guide to establishing such networks that promote strategic planning, decision-making, and provide vital sustainability resources.Navigating t...
2023-07-2653 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 47: Embracing the Voyage ~ Navigating a Cruise Vacation with Special Needs Young Adults with Mary Ann HughesETB 47: Ever thought of how daunting the prospect of going on a vacation with special needs children might be? Imagine being a single parent to two wonderful boys on the autism spectrum and deciding to embark on a solo trip. That's exactly what my guest, Mary Ann Hughes, courageously did. Mary Ann's incredible journey of managing a cruise vacation with her sons is filled with insightful experiences and practical advice. We talk about the pre-journey preparations, making dining and accommodation comfortable, and special tips and tricks for sensory-sensitive children. Mary Ann's accounts are filled with realism and...
2023-07-1939 min2022-09-2801 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 45: If You Believe It, You Can Achieve It! VK Girl Creations ~ Turning a Hobby into a Growing Business with Victoria De La Garza and Jennifer Gongora, Part 2ETB 45: This is Part 2 of a 2 part interview. In this episode I talk with Victoria De La Garza and her mother Jennifer Gongora about their business, VK Girl Creations. Victoria started in her High School Life Skills class learning to knit beanie hats on a round knitting loom. She held her first pop up market at age 18, selling beanies to her fellow classmates. Now, at age 24, Victoria's hobby has blossomed into a growing business. She currently sells handcrafted beanies, bracelets and T-shirts online and at local vendor markets. The motto that Victoria and Jennifer live by is, "If...
2022-09-2131 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 44: If You Believe It, You Can Achieve It! VK Girl Creations ~ Turning a Hobby into a Growing Business with Victoria De La Garza and Jennifer Gongora, Part 1ETB 44: In this episode I talk with Victoria De La Garza and her mother Jennifer Gongora about their business, VK Girl Creations. Victoria started in her High School Life Skills class learning to knit beanie hats on a round knitting loom. She held her first pop up market at age 18, selling beanies to her fellow classmates. Now, at age 24, Victoria's hobby has blossomed into a growing business. She currently sells handcrafted beanies, bracelets and T-shirts online and at local vendor markets. The motto that Victoria and Jennifer live by is, "If you believe it, you can achieve it!". B...
2022-09-1428 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 43: The BEST Product We Ever Stumbled Upon with Sandy DeppischETB 43: If you have a child with a disability who likes to disrobe at night, I have just the thing for you! For years we would wake in the wee hours of the morning to find our son undressed and sometimes enjoying finger paining fun with the contents of his full pull up! When we discovered THIS product, it was a game changer! I have 8 of these in larger sizes looking for a good home. Reach out to me if they would make a difference in your life too and they are yours! Little Keeper Sleep...
2022-09-0705 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 42: He Gave Me Purpose with Kathryn Kane-NeilsonETB 42: In this episode I talk with Kathryn Kane-Neilson about her 19 year old son, Clark who has Down syndrome. She talks about her experiences raising Clark, through life in NYC, through divorce, through medical misadventures and fresh beginnings in Texas.Kathryn shared, " At 22 years old, I was aware of the fact that I was carrying a child with Down syndrome and it absolutely changed my paradigm. it changed my brain. Clark is the joy of my life. He gave me purpose."GHFEDS - Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndromehttp://ghfeds.org/Connec...
2022-08-3143 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 41: Embrace the Uncertainty with Beverly ParrishETB 41- In this episode I talk with Beverly Parrish about her daughter Hannah, age 28, who has Down syndrome. Beverly and her husband Chris learned that Hannah had Down syndrome in utero. Feeling a bit overwhelmed at their lack of knowledge about Trisomy 21 they began to research, trusting that God had his perfect plan in place.Beverly is a mother of 7 with 9 grandchildren and has been married for 40 years. She homeschooled the kids for 30 years and currently works with dyslexic children and adults as a facilitator in the Davis Dyslexia program. Beverly also tutors struggling readers. In her f...
2022-08-2438 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 40: Finding Quality Care for Your Special Needs Child with Gerrie BourqueETB 40 - In this episode I talk with Gerrie Bourque, mother of 3 whose 26 year old son Tyler has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism, is medically complex and has rare disorders. Gerrie shares the various caregiving options they have explored over the years. Tyler has a Texas Medicaid Waiver which provides services for him including a support staff to care for him as needed. Initially, Gerrie's husband/Tyler's dad was the first paid caregiver. They have also hired staff from Care.com, enrolled Tyler in Day hab a couple days a week and had a family...
2022-08-1725 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 39: Plenty of Possibilities for Finding Respite Care with Mary Ann HughesETB 39 - In this episode I talk with Mary Ann Hughes, mother of 2 young adults with Autism about finding quality care for loved ones with special needs. As a single mother managing her company, Special Family Transitions, Mary Ann has had to stretch her comfort zone most recently when she sent both of her boys for the very first time to a week long summer camp. Mary Ann believes as special needs moms and parents we don't spend enough time taking care of ourselves. She notes there is so much stress involved with having special. needs children it...
2022-08-1025 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 38: From a Grim Prognosis to a Much Brighter Future; Never Give Up Hope with Sandy DeppischETB 38: In this episode I share a few stories about Josiah from the past few years when he was walking through a very long, very difficult season. With so many challenges including aggression, destruction and self-injurious behaviors it was easy at times to lose sight of hope. As a mom desperately trying to figure out how to best help my child, it was heartbreaking to watch him struggle so much. There is nothing like watching someone you love suffer and feel powerless to alleviate it. Even after all the interventions, it was discouraging to see little to no i...
2022-08-0317 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 37: Finding Caregivers "Nextdoor" & the Miss Amazing Pageant with Freida BasshamETB 37 - In this episode I talk with Fredia Bassham, grandmother of Heather Jo, age 26. Freida and her husband Joe have been caring for their granddaughter who has cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder and is non-verbal, for 22 years. Heather Jo recently won Texas Miss Amazing, the Miss Division. The Texas Miss Amazing pageant celebrates the abilities of girls and women across TEXAS with disabilities. providing opportunities for them to build self-esteem. The Miss Amazing pageant creators believe options to girls with disabilities should reflect their boundless potential. At the end of July, Heather Jo will be going to Natio...
2022-07-2715 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 36: Special Strong; Inclusive & Adaptive Fitness with Mike LuteyETB 36 - In this episode I talk with Mike Lutey, owner of Special Strong - South East Houston. Special Strong provides science-based adaptive and inclusive fitness programs for children, adolescents, and adults with mental, physical and cognitive challenges.Mike believes giving up his corporate job to become the very first franchise in Special Strong's history, is his calling. The franchise was founded in 2016 by Daniel and Trinity Stein. Daniel Stein was diagnosed with a learning disability, mood disorder and autoimmune issues at an early age and used specialized exercises to overcome his challenges.Mike noticed w...
2022-07-2045 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 35: Dashing About Town Making a Difference with Real Life Superhero, Dash GordonETB 35 - In this episode I talk with Timothy Glover, corporate trainer by day and real life superhero, Dash Gordon by night. Initially created to raise some extra money for a vacation, Tim started having fun with the whole Dash idea and began texting people that he was Dash Gordon. Eventually he decided to add a costume before heading out to do deliveries and the rest is history.Dash has a heart for the special needs community, for people who are living through difficult times and for people going through serious medical issues. He makes a difference by...
2022-07-1341 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 34: Living in the Present & Breaking Things Down into Manageable Steps with Beth HaasETB 34: In this episode I talk with Beth Haas, teacher and mother of 3 beautiful daughters about her oldest daughter, Annalee who has Down syndrome. During the 18th week of Beth's first pregnancy, she and her husband John were told their unborn baby had hypoplastic left heart syndrome and was probably not going to be compatible with life. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart. As the baby develops during pregnancy, the left side of the heart does not form correctly. Without surgery, hypoplastic left heart syndrome is dead...
2022-07-0644 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 33: Embracing a Hiatus! See you Back Here Soon.ETB 33: In this episode I announce a brief break as we quarantine, then head out on a family vacation.I will see you on July 6th with another amazing parent to inspire and encourage you. Until then, here are some things to keep you entertained:Play Wordlehttps://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.htmlBecome a Lego Sculptor (and leave your Law Degree behind)https://youtu.be/8CP9hzSm60YLearn to Frost a Cake - A Beginner's Guidehttps://youtu.be/OxcWDrPAeWMPlay the Ha...
2022-06-0800 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 32: Little Houdini - A True Tale of My Ever Eloping Son with Sandy DeppischETB 32: In this episode I share a story about a time when Josiah at 9 years old, left our home unescorted and none of us were aware that he was even gone. Sadly, this was not the first time it happened and it most definitely was not the last. We had some pretty frightening experiences with Josiah eloping. Despite our best efforts to keep him safely INSIDE our home, he was clever and oh so fast at figuring out how to slip away unattended. He had no sense of danger or the ability to protect himself. Fortunately, we either...
2022-06-0110 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 31: Project LEAH - Leaders Ending Abuse & Harm of Students with Disabilities Abused in Public Schools with Jean and Brianna TenBrink, Part 2ETB 31: In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with former guests Jean and Brianna TenBrink, a dynamic mother/daughter duo about Project LEAH (Leaders Ending Abuse & Harm) a community coalition against educator abuse and mistreatment of children with disabilities in Texas public schools.Jean, an advocacy coordinator and mother of 3 daughters, 2 of whom are on different ends of the autistic spectrum talks about the abuse her youngest daughter Leah was subject to in her self-contained classroom by teachers Jean knew well and trusted. The abuse was misrepresented and school officials lied about the...
2022-05-2527 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 30: Project LEAH - Leaders Ending Abuse & Harm of Students with Disabilities Abused in Public Schools with Jean and Brianna TenBrink, Part 1ETB 30: In this episode, I talk with former guests Jean and Brianna TenBrink, a dynamic mother/daughter duo about Project LEAH (Leaders Ending Abuse & Harm) a community coalition against educator abuse and mistreatment of children with disabilities in Texas public schools.Jean, mother of 3 daughters, 2 of whom are on different ends of the autistic spectrum is an advocacy coordinator who helps build bridges between home and school for families that have a child with a disability. She talks about the abuse her youngest daughter Leah was subject to in her self-contained classroom by teachers Jean knew well and...
2022-05-1836 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 29: Self-Advocacy Changed My Life. Now I Teach it to Others with Ricky Broussard Part 2ETB 29: In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I talk with Ricky Broussard, Self-Advocate, Peer Support Leader and all around great guy, who at the age of 10 had to move out of his family's home and into a large facility for people with disabilities. Ricky lived in 4 different facilities over the next 29 years. He went from having most of his decisions made for him, to surrounding himself with people he knew and trusted to support him as he began to speak up for himself and advocate for changes in his life.Today, Ricky lives in his own...
2022-05-1125 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 28: Self-Advocacy Changed My Life. Now I Teach it to Others with Ricky Broussard Part 1ETB 28: In this episode I talk with Ricky Broussard, Self-Advocate, Peer Support Leader and all around great guy, who at the age of 10 had to move out of his family's home and into a large facility for people with disabilities. Ricky lived in 4 different facilities over the next 29 years. He went from having most of his decisions made for him, to surrounding himself with people he knew and trusted to support him as he began to speak up for himself and advocate for changes in his life.Today, Ricky lives in his own place, has an accessible van...
2022-05-0437 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 27: Deafblindness, DBMAT & Touch Base Center for the Deafblind with Vivecca HartmanETB 27: In this episode I talk with Vivecca Hartman, mother of 2 and new grandmother, about life with her 24 year old son Christopher, born with a rare genetic mutation, Leber Congenital Amaurosis. Physically healthy in every other way, his vision and hearing was all that was affected at birth. Very curious, physically fit and funny, Christopher likes to stay active and keep busy. He communicates with tactile sign language. As long as he feels safe, Christopher is a very happy person, very independent within his home. Vivecca is cofounder of Touch Base: Center for the Deafblind, a nonprofit organ...
2022-04-2739 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 26: Through a Father's Eyes with Rick DeppischETB 26: In this episode I talk with Rick Deppisch. the first dad to be featured on the podcast who also just happens to be my husband and the father of our 5 children. Rick shares his perspective on the challenges our family has endured and overcome over the years as we've navigated life with Josiah, our 20 year old son who has Down syndrome and non-verbal Autism. Rick believes faith is what sustained him through the darkest days when Josiah, only 8 years old at the time, spent 10 months living away from home in a residential Behavior Treatment and Training Ce...
2022-04-2047 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 25: It’s No Mystery, Accepting Your Child’s Diagnosis Can Be Challenging with Teresa TrentETB 25: In this episode I talk with Teresa Trent, author of 3 different mystery series, whose 29 year old son Andrew has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism. He's also non verbal, has a seizure disorder and from that he's developed a need for a Peg tube. Andrew is a sweetheart, greatly loved and never in a bad mood. It's no mystery that accepting your child's diagnosis can be challenging. When Andrew was born, it was very difficult for Teresa. She had a hard time accepting it and did not have the best reaction. It took her about 2 yea...
2022-04-1334 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 24: Community First Choice - Attendant Care You May Not Know About with Heather BurdeauxETB 24: In this episode I talk with Heather Burdeaux, a former guest from episode ETB 4 Paying Attention to Behavior Changes, Expectation Management & Maintaining Friendships.As a case manager Heather shares about Community First Choice (CFC), a program in Texas that provides certain services and supports to individuals living in the community who are enrolled in the Medicaid program and meet CFC eligibility requirements. Services and supports may include:activities of daily living (eating, toileting, and grooming), activities related to living independently in the community, and health-related tasks (personal assistance services);acquisition, maintenance, and enhancement of skills n...
2022-04-0650 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 23: When Life Takes an Abrupt Turn and Puts You on a Different Path with Cynthia Rodriguez ~ Part 2EBT 23: In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Cynthia Rodriguez, amazing mom, grandma, and special needs advocate who loves to reach out and help others. If you have a child with a disability and happen to cross Cynthia's path somewhere out in the world, more than likely she will strike up a conversation to check in with you to see how things are going. She'll offer suggestions and resources and may even accompany you to the right agency to get you the help you may need. That's just who she is.Yet, 2...
2022-03-3034 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 22: When Life Takes an Abrupt Turn and Puts You on a Different Path with Cynthia Rodriguez ~ Part 1EBT 22: In this episode I talk with Cynthia Rodriguez, amazing mom, grandma, and special needs advocate who loves to reach out and help others. If you have a child with a disability and happen to cross Cynthia's path somewhere out in the world, more than likely she will strike up a conversation to check in with you to see how things are going. She'll offer suggestions and resources and may even accompany you to the right agency to get you the help you may need. That's just who she is.Yet, 24 years ago when her son Victor was bo...
2022-03-2332 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 21: Ecologist School - Houston: An Outdoor Learning Community with Jennifer Fetter-MathysIn this episode I talk with Jennifer Fetter-Matthys about Ecologist School - Houston, an engaging outdoor learning community that encourages children and families to get out in nature. Students learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math, Outdoor Skills, Volunteerism and Leadership through hands-on, immersive lessons focused on nature.With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, multiple years teaching K-5, and experience working with exceptionalities, Jennifer's great at modifying and differentiating activities to meet individual needs . She has experience with autism and ABA and welcomes children with special needs. In addition to part time and fu...
2022-03-1626 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 20: From Special Ed Student to Special Ed Teacher, Consultant and Master IEP Coach; Helping the Neurodiverse Community Navigate Life with Shae SpearsIn this episode I talk with Shae Spears, a Special Education teacher who has personally walked the journey of life with a disability. With Dyslexia, an auditory processing disorder and ADHD, Shae struggled all through school, never really learning to read or even comprehend what she was supposed to be reading.Shae was part of the first group of students to receive services under IDEA (The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) of 1975. IDEA is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and rel...
2022-03-0940 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 19: Brewed Blessings: A Community Coffee Shop with a Whole Latte Love with Angela BishopIn this episode I talk with Angela Bishop, owner of Brewed Blessings, a community coffee shop where special needs adults can gain meaningful employment and education in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Angela sees everybody as an individual. Since God loves us all she believes we should love each other for who we are no matter what our differences are.Five years ago, Angela had a dream of opening a coffee shop that employs individuals with special needs. She knows God definitely called her to this. No matter how many times she tried to ignore it, the drea...
2022-03-0242 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 18: From Teen Mom to Dedicated Special Education Teacher; Embracing a Calling to Make a Difference for Others with Ashley Bennett ~ Part 2In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Ashley Bennett, boy mom of 3 and amazing Special Education teacher. Her oldest son, Ashton was born when Ashley was just 19 years old. He was diagnosed with Autism at age 1. As a teen mom, taking college classes in addition to working, Ashley had to come to terms with the unexpected discovery that her baby boy had developmental delays. When Autism was mentioned, Ashley didn't even fully comprehend what that meant for Ashton or for the future.Ashley talks about the early years when much of her tim...
2022-02-2330 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 17: From Teen Mom to Dedicated Special Education Teacher; Embracing a Calling to Make a Difference for Others with Ashley Bennett ~ Part 1In this episode I talk with Ashley Bennett, boy mom of 3 and amazing Special Education teacher. Her oldest son, Ashton was born when Ashley was just 19 years old. He was diagnosed with Autism at age 1. As a teen mom, taking college classes in addition to working, Ashley had to come to terms with the unexpected discovery that her baby boy had developmental delays. When Autism was mentioned, Ashley didn't even fully comprehend what that meant for Ashton or for the future.Ashley talks about the early years when much of her time and attention was devoted to educati...
2022-02-1628 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 16: Staying Strong When Life Gets Hard with Sandra Weber ~ Part 2In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Sandra Weber, special needs preschool teacher and mother of 8. Though life has come at her full force, Sandra's outlook in the midst of numerous difficult circumstances is truly remarkable. She faces challenges with a positive perspective and staunch determination; enduring overwhelming hardship. She is most definitely a pillar of strength for her family and an inspiration to others. Sandra discusses the unique situations her family has faced, including the birth of triplets born at 32 weeks; 2 of whom have Down syndrome, while a 7 year old sib...
2022-02-0950 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 15: Staying Strong When Life Gets Hard with Sandra Weber ~ Part 1In this episode I talk with Sandra Weber, special needs preschool teacher and mother with 8 children of her own. Though life has come at her full force, Sandra's outlook in the midst of numerous difficult circumstances is truly remarkable. She faces challenges with a positive perspective and staunch determination; enduring overwhelming hardship. She is most definitely a pillar of strength for her family and an inspiration to others. Sandra discusses the unique situations her family has faced, including the birth of triplets born at 32 weeks; 2 of whom have Down syndrome, while a 7 year old sibling was battling brai...
2022-02-0235 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 14: Rocking the Big Sister Role with Brianna TenBrink ~ Part 2In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Brianna TenBrink, an eloquent, wise and compassionate 23 year old big sister to 16 year old Myah and 15 year old Leah, her younger siblings who are on opposite ends of the Autism spectrum. Brianna shares her perspective on how her experiences as the only neurotypical child in the family shaped the person she is today. From a young age Brianna took it upon herself to become the 'glue' that helped hold the family together. Her sisters made her a better person and influenced and directed Brianna's purpose and pass...
2022-01-2647 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 13: Rocking the Big Sister Role with Brianna TenBrink ~ Part 1In this episode I talk with Brianna TenBrink, an eloquent, wise and compassionate 23 year old big sister to 16 year old Myah and 15 year old Leah, her younger siblings who are on opposite ends of the Autism spectrum. Brianna shares her perspective on how her experiences as the only neurotypical child in the family shaped the person she is today. From a young age Brianna took it upon herself to become the 'glue' that helped hold the family together. Her sisters made her a better person and influenced and directed Brianna's purpose and passion in life. Service and Teaching are at th...
2022-01-191h 02Embrace the BlessingETB 12: Perinatal Stroke, Infantile Spasms & Subsequent Autism Diagnosis with Laura TayerleIn this episode I talk with Laura Tayerle, the very first special needs mom I met many years ago when her daughter Morgan was just 5 years old. Laura inspired me in so many ways long before my own special needs child was ever born. She was the mom who modeled how to be a voice for your child, how to treat them just like anyone else and how to juggle it all with strength and determination. Laura discusses Morgan's early years and what life was like for a young mom in a new town navigating the complexities of...
2021-12-221h 20Embrace the BlessingETB 11: Navigating the Complexity of Special Needs Divorce with Mary Ann HughesIn this episode I talk with Mary Ann Hughes, mother of 2 young adults with Autism as she shares her special needs divorce story. Mary Ann went from being completely blindsided and overwhelmed, unsure of what next steps were needed, to assembling a support team of professionals who helped her successfully navigate a lengthly 2 year divorce process which culminated in a trial.Some have estimated the divorce rate among families with children with autism or other disabilities to be as high as 70-80%. Mary Ann used the wisdom she gained through her own experience in addition to...
2021-12-151h 07Embrace the BlessingETB 10: Infertility, Adoption & the Joy of Being a Mom with Kileen McDonaldIn this episode I talk with Kileen McDonald as she shares her struggles with infertility, her subsequent adoption of a beautiful baby boy with Down syndrome and her greatest joy in being a mom to her now 13 year old son, Ches. Kileen also discusses the death of her spouse, Pam and talks about lovingly helping Ches process everything during those difficult days. Kileen believes in educating yourself about your child's diagnosis but encourages parents to make sure to get your education from the right sources. NDSS - National Down Syndrome Society and NDSC - National Down Syndrome Con...
2021-12-0854 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 9: Creating Communities Where ALL Children Belong and Excel with Mary Jane WilliamsIn this episode I talk with Mary Jane Williams, Executive Director of Family to Family Network. Family to Family Network helps individuals with disabilities and their family members define and achieve success for themselves and their loved ones. As a mother of 2 young adults with disabilities, Mary Jane discusses first hand the positive impact connecting with other families had made for family. She encourages parents to learn everything possible about their child's diagnosis by attending training events offered through school districts and local organizations. Mary Jane firmly believes it is important for families to see possibilities in the...
2021-12-0150 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 8: Overcoming Anxiety, Embracing Faith & Biomedical Interventions with Kim LindquistIn this episode I talk with Kim Lindquist about life with Cowboy, her 23 year old son who has Autism. Kim shares how her faith helped her through early dark days of behavior challenges, anxiety and discouragement. She encourages parents to seek help if they begin to notice signs of anxiety or depression. Kim recommends Biomedical intervention and proposes it can work in conjunction with traditional medicine to bring about positive outcomes. She believes that taking care of ourselves better equips us to care for others. Kim is a gifted writer, who injects humor into her stories of life with Autis...
2021-11-2446 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 7: Persevering Through Adversity & Advocating for Systemic Change with Jeanna TenBrinkIn this episode I talk with Jeanna TenBrink about the joys and challenges that go along with having 2 of her 3 daughters on the Autism spectrum. Initially overwhelmed because she had no idea how to help them, Jeanna didn't stay in that space for long. After diving in to learn everything possible about autism and after reaching out to connect with a group of caring moms on a similar journey, Jeanna became an amazing advocate not only for her own family but for many other families as well. As an advocacy coordinator, she helps build bridges between home and sc...
2021-11-171h 07Embrace the BlessingETB 6: Embracing a Dual Diagnosis, Presuming Competence & Spelling to Communicate with Jacquelyn StephanouIn this episode I talk with Jacquelyn Stephanou about her 20 year old son Will who has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism. Will's diagnosis brought challenges, especially regarding communication. By constantly reading, researching and connecting with others, Jacquelyn learned about Spelling to Communicate, a technique that teaches individuals with Autism & Apraxia the purposeful motor skills needed to communicate by spelling. Students are taught to point accurately to letters on a letter board to spell out words and eventually create sentences. For the first time in many years Will is now able to express his thoughts and feelings and...
2021-11-1054 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 5: Learning to Be Strong & Enjoying the Ride with Andrea LegerIn this episode I talk with an amazing mom, Andrea Leger. whose second child, Andrew was born 7 weeks premature. An hour after birth, she learned Andrew had Down syndrome and was given a very bleak prognosis for his future. Two days later Andrew was whisked into surgery and during his first few months of life there were some frightening moments. Initially this young mom felt unprepared and unsure whether she could handle any of it. She believes God gave her strength to get through it all. Over the years, she’s grown much stronger, fully embracing this journey! Andrew, now 23 yea...
2021-11-0347 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 4: Paying Attention to Behavior Changes, Expectation Management & Maintaining Friendships with Heather BurdeauxIn this episode I talk with Heather Burdeaux, case manager and multi-talented, super busy mom of 3 about navigating life with 2 children who have special needs. Her oldest, Arabella has Down syndrome and her youngest, Darin, has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism. A few years ago Darin's behavior began to suddenly shift. Heather took courageous steps to help her son through a very difficult period. She believes in expectation management which ensures every family member is able to fully enjoy vacations and holiday gatherings as defined by each person's individual needs. She also encourages making time for your o...
2021-10-2746 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 3: Being Positive & Embracing Hopes and Dreams with Jennifer AndersonIn this episode I talk with Jennifer Anderson. I promise not all of my guests are named Jennifer. If they were, I'd have to change the name to the Jennifer Show. That would just be silly. However, if your name IS Jennifer and you'd like to be a guest, let me know. How hard could it be to change the podcast name , right? But I digress. This Jennifer showed up the day we recorded wearing a sparkly tiara because she's just that fun. She was also wearing a special shirt that announces to the world how proud she is to be an...
2021-10-2038 min2021-10-2001 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 2: Having High Expectations & Giving Every Opportunity for New Adventures with Jennifer VincentIn this episode I talk with Jennifer Vincent, part time nurse and busy, full time mother of 3, who shares about her youngest daughter, Alexandra. Born with Down syndrome and a heart defect, Alexandra was diagnosed with diabetes at age 9. She is also a thrill loving, sensory seeker who water skis, zip lines and indoor sky dives. Alexandra has a very full life with lots of opportunity and adventure, including going to Nationals in Chicago to represent Texas in the Miss Amazing Teen Pageant. Jennifer believes having a disability should not stop your child from doing things. You just need to provid...
2021-10-1356 minEmbrace the BlessingETB 1: Meet the Mom Behind the MicrophoneIn 2017, my kids bought me a microphone for Mother's Day. It's taken 4 years to muster up the courage, but I finally took it out of the box!
2021-10-0619 minEmbrace the BlessingWelcome to the Embrace the Blessing PodcastSandy Deppisch is a teacher, wife and seasoned mother of five whose youngest is a 19 year old with Down syndrome, Autism and ADHD. This podcast is about connecting you with other parents who walk in your shoes and completely understand the journey. In the middle of your sleep deprived, overly caffeinated, harried existence you will be inspired and encouraged.
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