Shows
Forever Home for our kids with disabilities.ABLE Accounts with Financial Planner John Gallia (3/3)Send us a textABLE accounts with financial planner John Gallia Keywords:Special needs, financial planning, ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, government benefits, SSI, RDSP, financial literacy, tax benefits, early planningSummary:In this conversation, John Gallia shares his expertise on financial planning for families with special needs children. He discusses the importance of starting financial planning early, navigating government benefits like SSI, and the differences between ABLE accounts and special needs trusts. The conversation also covers the benefits of R...2025-06-2532 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Building a community for our kids with disabilities with Dr. Molly DennySend us a textIn this conversation, Valerie and Dr. Molly Sullivan Denny discuss the journey of creating a supportive environment for individuals with special needs, focusing on independence, early intervention, and community support. Dr. Denny shares her experiences and insights from working with children and adults with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of teaching life skills and fostering a sense of belonging. The discussion highlights the challenges and successes of transitioning individuals to independent living while addressing the unique needs of each resident. This conversation explores the evolving landscape of adult living for individuals with disabilities, focusing...2025-06-1145 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.“Trust Matters: Setting Up a Special Needs Trust for Your Child’s Future” with John Gallia.Send us a textEpisode Summary:In this episode of ‘Forever Home for Our Kids with Disabilities’, Valerie is joined for the second time by John Gallia from Gallia Wealth Management for a powerful and practical conversation about special needs trusts - Henson Trust in Canada - and how families can begin planning NOW to secure their child’s financial future.John is a seasoned financial advisor and the founder of Gallia wealth management group, LLC, an independent financial planning practice that he established in 2015. John gained a financial planner design...2025-05-2832 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Accessible Homes with Realtor Susan JanzenSend us a textEpisode Summary:In this informative episode of ‘Forever Home for Our Kids with Disabilities’, I sit down with resilience coach, accessibility advocate, and realtor Susan Janzen. Fun fact about Susan – she is the lead singer of the Trocadero Orchestra and an accomplished recording artist. Together, we explore the importance of accessible home design, community support, and sustainable living solutions for families raising children and caring for adults with disabilities. Susan shares how she came to be in the special needs world. Susan introduces us to inspiri...2025-05-1433 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Navigating the Financial Steps to Your Child’s Forever Home with John Gallia CFP®, ChSNC®Send us a textEpisode Description:In this episode, we dive into the vital first steps every parent should take when thinking about a "forever home" for their child with disabilities. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the options or unsure where to start, you’re not alone. This conversation will guide you through the initial phase of envisioning your child's future from a financial perspective. John J. Gallia, CFP®, ChSNC®, is a seasoned financial advisor and the founder of Gallia Wealth Management Group, LLC, an independent financial planning practice...2025-04-3040 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Designing Safe, Purpose-Built Homes: A Conversation with Niti PrakashSend us a textNiti Prakash is a Disability Sector Consultant & Lawyer as well as disability accommodation/independent living options specialist at Disability Housing Solutions. Niti recently took on the role of Head of Engagement and Growth at Disability Housing Solutions. Niti’s most important role is a single parent to her 11-year-old daughter with multiple disabilities and challenges. Episode Description: In this insightful episode of ‘Forever Home for Our Kids with Disabilities’, Valerie sits down with Niti Prakash, an Australian advocate, parent, and expert in purpose-built housing for people with dis...2025-04-1644 minForever 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 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Creating a Forever Home: Planning for Your Child’s FutureSend us a textWelcome to Forever Home for Our Kids with Disabilities! I’m Valerie, a mom, life coach, and author passionate about helping parents create secure futures for their children with disabilities.Key Topics:1. Understanding Your Child’s NeedsConduct a needs assessment covering physical, emotional, and social needs.Maintain a Comprehensive Child Profile to ensure consistent care.Visualize their future in 5, 10, and 20 years.2. Financial PlanningBudget for daily expenses, home modifications, and long-term care.Leverage government benefits (SSI, Medicaid, AISH, PDD, RDSP).Secure...2025-03-1916 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.First episode with our new focus - three moms talk about their forever home solutionsSend us a textEpisode Summary: In this first episode of Forever Home for our kids with disabilities, we explore various options for creating a forever home for children with disabilities. I speak with two moms who have taken different approaches to ensure their children have a secure and supportive living environment. We hear from Cheryll Wagner about apartment living with support; Dr. Lisa Campbell on choosing a residential facility for her daughter; and I share the solutions my husband and I created for our two children.Key Takeaways:1. ...2025-03-0525 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.The Gift of Failure: Encouraging Independence in Our Kids with Disabilities with K. Crystal GriffithSend us a textEpisode Summary:In this episode, I sit down with K. Crystal Griffith to discuss the importance of giving our children the opportunity to grow, learn, and develop independence—especially when raising kids with disabilities. We dive into the fears many parents face, the importance of allowing our kids to fail as a stepping stone to success, and how to navigate the delicate balance of supporting them without overstepping. Crystal shares her personal experiences, valuable resources, and words of encouragement for parents walking this journey.Key Takeaways:...2025-02-1940 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Check out what's new with your host - ValerieSend us a textEpisode Highlights:New Focus for 2025:Valerie announces the podcast’s transition from sharing stories to offering practical, step-by-step guidance for forever home planning.The mission remains the same: empowering and supporting parents of children with disabilities.Why This Change?Many parents feel overwhelmed by the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of planning for their child’s future.Valerie’s expertise and lived experience uniquely position her to offer structured solutions.The podcast aims to provide a supportive space with actionable steps, ensuring families feel less isolated in the...2025-02-0514 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Insights from Aaron DeVries - The Inclusive DadSend us a textAaron DeVries is a relentless advocate for building stronger communities through inclusion. Aaron's journey into the world of disability and special education began when his daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy and cerebral palsy at a young age. For over 15 years, he has fearlessly championed his daughter's inclusion in school and community. Aaron has actively served on boards and committees of disability-related organizations. Aaron’s TEDx talks, "The Power of Inclusion” and “Unlocking Inclusion for People With Disabilities,” have been opportunities for him to passionately share his insights and experiences. Episode...2025-01-2236 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Building Routines for Stability and Success in 2025 with your host ValerieSend us a textBuilding Routines for Stability and Success in 2025Episode Summary:Welcome to the first episode of 2025! Get ready to shape your day with intention and embrace the power of small, consistent habits!What You’ll Learn:- Why Routines Matter:How routines help us move from a reactive to a proactive mindset.The mental health benefits of consistent habits, backed by research from Harvard and insights from the book Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength.- Cra...2025-01-0818 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Happy New Year!!!Send us a textHey there,Quick announcement to say we are now publishing two episodes a month.See you January 8th 2025!Best wishes for 2025 and may you experience good health, more love, peace and joy! Live with Intention - Embrace the JourneyLearn more about your host at:https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/2025-01-0102 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.The Gift of Reflection: Cherishing Progress and Connection with your hostSend us a textJoin me, Coach Valerie, in this special Christmas episode of Special Needs Mom’s Circle of Strengthas I share insights on how reflection helps families celebrate both the small victories and significant milestones, fosters resilience, and strengthens emotional bonds. I’ll also share my family’s unique Christmas traditions, how we will incorporate reflection into our celebrations, and simple ways you can make reflection part of your holiday season as you pause, appreciate the journey, and create meaningful traditions.Reflection isn’t just about looking back—it’s about finding balance, cultivating...2024-12-2519 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Navigating the Holidays with joy, grace, and practical strategies for an imperfectly perfect holiday season, with your host ValerieSend us a textThe holiday season can bring excitement, chaos, and unique challenges—especially for families of children with disabilities. In today’s episode, I share encouragement and practical strategies to help you create a meaningful, imperfectly perfect holiday season. From using visual schedules and social stories to reducing sensory overload and handling those well-meaning (but unsolicited) comments, this episode is packed with tips to help you navigate the holidays with grace and joy.You’ll also hear real-life examples from our community and empowering responses for those tricky moments with friends or family. Whethe...2024-12-1830 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Strengthening Your Nervous System: Simple Tools for Busy Moms with Jorunn LilandSend us a textSpecial guest Jorunn Liland joins us to share her expertise on how strengthening your vagus nerve can transform how you navigate stress, create calm, and find balance in your day-to-day life.Jorunn is an occupational therapist who specializes in stress management and polyvagal theory, with a focus on complex PTSD survivors. Jorunn runs a yoga group designed to help people regulate their nervous systems, particularly those dealing with trauma.Jorunn has a son who is profoundly deaf and lives with her family and their two dogs in Norway.2024-12-1135 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Framework for finding PEACE during the Holiday SeasonSend us a textDescription:The holidays can be a season of joy, but for parents of children with disabilities, they can also bring unique challenges. In this episode, we explore how to navigate the holiday season with peace, intention, and resilience. Through actionable tips and heartfelt insights, you’ll discover how to focus on what truly matters while minimizing stress.We’ll also dive into the PEACE framework—a simple, five-step guide to cultivating a more peaceful and fulfilling journey, even when life feels overwhelming.What You'll Learn in Thi...2024-12-0430 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.The Power of Community and Navigating Big Feelings with Author Meredith RusuSend us a textWelcome to another episode of Special Needs Moms Circle of Strength!Episode Description:Welcome back to Special Needs Mom's Circle of Strength! In this episode, Valerie sits down with Meredith Rusu, a talented author of over 100 children's books, including the award-winning Mighty Moods series. Meredith shares her journey as a mother of two and how navigating her children’s big feelings inspired her to create stories that resonate with kids and parents alike. From her unique dual role as a licensed and original content author to...2024-11-2728 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Transforming Devastation with Dr. Marcia Nathai-BalkissoonSend us a textDr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon is a special needs parenting speaker and coach who works to prevent special needs parents from feeling isolated and overwhelmed to the point where they lose touch with joy and fulfillment in their lives. She and her husband of 15 years have an older teen boy and preteen, bedridden girl whom Marcia considers her best teacher.Transforming Past Narratives:- Marcia delves into childhood memories and the perceptions that shaped her drive for approval and perfectionism.- Marcia now redefines these experiences with compassion, recognizing...2024-11-2040 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Come and learn what KIND families are with Kari A. BakerSend us a textEpisode Summary:Valerie is joined by Kari A. Baker, a dedicated advocate for families raising neurodivergent children. Kari is former financial services executive and business owner turned author, speaker, and podcaster. She is the founder of KIND Families, a community of people who love Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences and is the host of The KIND Families Podcast. Kari became a KIND mom in 2014 when her son Brady was diagnosed with autism at age three. She started KIND Families to encourage, support, and inspire others to find God’s purpose an...2024-11-1341 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Your host Valerie asks "Emotional waves - do you experience them?"Send us a textThis episode is packed with practical tools like the 4-7-8 breathing technique, ‘affect labeling,’ and self-compassion practices—all designed to help listeners respond thoughtfully to life's emotional waves rather than being swept away by them.Key Points Discussed:Awareness as the First Step:Recognizing and identifying emotions as they arise is the foundation of emotional regulation. Many people tend to push through tough emotions until they reach a point of overwhelm. Valerie encourages caregivers to increase emotional awareness in the moment.Understanding Emotio...2024-11-0620 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Interview with Jenifer Breaux on Family Travel with children with disabilitiesSend us a textIn this episode, Valerie interviews travel expert and special needs mom, Jenifer Breaux, who shares her insights on creating memorable, inclusive family travel experiences for children with neurodiverse needs. Jenifer provides valuable tips on planning vacations, selecting activities, and choosing accommodations to make travel more enjoyable and accessible for everyone.Jenifer Breaux is a retired army veteran who served the United States all over the world. Through those experiences she gained a love of service and travel. Jenifer opened a franchise of Dream Vacations called JB Travel Pros, where she helps...2024-10-3038 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Beyond pampering with Annie Joy Carter.Send us a textAnnie Joy Carter is a certified life coach with a psychology degree. She has worked for many years in the mental health field and is a single momma of 2 children. Her oldest child has Autism and ADHD. She helps moms who have lost themselves so they can come home to who they've always been.Overview: Valerie and Annie explore what true self-care really means beyond the typical ideas of pampering. Together, they dive into meaningful self-care practices, the emotional journey of parenting children with special needs, and how persistence...2024-10-2341 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Ramona Kossowan helps us recognize trauma as a mom parenting a child with disabilities - it's not what you think!!Send us a textRamona Kossowan discusses how parents can release trauma, regulate their nervous systems, and embrace their own worth beyond caregiving. Ramona walks us through her intuitive, strategic process for trauma release, offering insights on how unresolved trauma can keep us stuck in survival mode and disconnected from joy and creativity.You Matter Beyond Caregiving: Importance of recognizing your own needs and worthiness beyond your role as a caregiver.Trauma in Special Needs Parenting: Trauma isn't limited to catastrophic events but can be experienced as a chronic feeling...2024-10-1629 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Finding Joy in the Midst of Adversity with Jessica FeinSend us a textJessica Fein is a mom to three adopted children from Guatemala and is a relentless warrior in the memory of her daughter who she lost to a rare disease in 2022. Jessica is a working mother who balances advocacy in her corporate job, writing (seasoned media contributor who has published more than 100 columns and essays. Jessica has also authored a book, is a podcaster, and does volunteer work as she serves on the board of directors of MitoAction.In today’s episode, Jessica shares her experiences of parenting on the precipice, caring fo...2024-10-0931 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Your host Valerie shares about building a deeper connection with her teen while commuting!Send us a textWelcome & Thank You:A heartfelt thank you to all our dedicated listeners! Episode Highlights:Your host Valerie shares a personal story about returning to the office after working from home for some time. But the real heart of this episode is about how this change has deepened her relationship with her neurodivergent young adult, August. She reflects on the sacrifices made and how a simple 25-minute commute twice a day has become a precious opportunity to build trust and foster open communication. Ke...2024-10-0214 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Breaking the Cycle of Guilt and Finding Strength with Natalie KarrasSend us a textMeet Natalie Karras, who is a passionate advocate for children on the spectrum and their families. With 24 years of experience across industries like travel, recruitment, and marketing, she holds a Master Practitioner of Coaching and is the CEO and founder of You Are Seen. Natalie’s personal journey began when her son was diagnosed with autism at age 2, and she now dedicates herself to guiding mums through the challenges of autism, helping them move from feeling helpless to empowered. Fun fact: She's also an avid baker, creating gluten, dairy, and sugar-free tr...2024-09-2533 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Empowering Moms to Build Digital Products and Embrace Their Own Dreams with Carolyn GardnerSend us a textCarolyn Gardner is a solo mom by choice through adoption. She's been parenting her amazing son with chronic medical issues for ten years. Five years ago she left her teaching career to create a life that works better for her and her son. Carolyn is a digital product expert and it’s Carolyn’s passion to support other women - especially special needs moms - who need to create lifestyles that work better for them and their families. Carolyn helps business owners and fellow moms turn their trials into digital products and income stre...2024-09-1831 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Embracing Resilience & Mindful Presence as a Special Needs Mom with Jenn FredericksSend us a textEpisode Summary:Jenn Fredericks, a Pro-sillience Coach and Personal Resilience Practitioner shares her deeply personal journey as a special needs mom. Jenn talks about navigating the challenges of raising a child with a brain tumor diagnosis, how it impacted her mental, emotional, and physical health, and how she found her way to life coaching. She offers insights on how special needs moms can cultivate resilience, manage their energy, and practice the pause to be more present in their lives and for their families.Key...2024-09-1130 min
Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms67 | Embracing the Journey of Special Needs Parenting67 | Embracing the Journey of Special Needs Parenting
Valerie Arbeau's incredible journey as a special needs mom began with the harrowing birth of her first child, Melody Anne, who defied a dire prognosis to thrive. Her story doesn't stop there—it extends to navigating the complexities of raising a second child with ADHD and high-functioning autism. Valerie's resilience and love shine through as she shares the emotional highs and lows of her parenting path, offering profound insights and lessons learned along the way.
We dive into the heart of parenting without attachment to outcomes, an essential mindset when ra...2024-09-1040 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Never thought we would have our daughter live independent of us - It is possible!!!Send us a textYour host Valerie, shares an exciting announcement about an upcoming seminar that’s tailored just for parents of children with disabilities. If you're looking for actionable steps and hands-on tools to plan for your child’s future, you won’t want to miss this episode - or the seminar!!!Key Takeaways:Save the date! On September 9th at 4 PM MST, Valerie will be hosting a special seminar titled "Guardians of Tomorrow: Create a Roadmap for Your Child with Disabilities’ Forever Home." This seminar is designed to help parents create a secure...2024-09-0408 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Advocating for Your Child: Empowering Families to Create Their Own "Normal" with Wendy AndersenSend us a textIn this episode, I chat with Wendy Andersen, a passionate advocate for special needs families. Wendy, a mother of three, shares her journey that began with her son's rare diagnosis at six months old and how it shaped her life into one of resilience, advocacy, and redefining what "normal" means for her family.Key Takeaways:1. Embracing Unique Challenges: Wendy talks about the importance of embracing your unique journey as a special needs parent and how she finds strength in doing the best she can for her children every day.2...2024-08-2133 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Busting Myths About Making Time for Your Goals as a Special Needs Mom, with your host ValerieSend us a textIntroduction: Hi there, and welcome to today's episode. We are looking at busting some myths about making time for your goals as a special needs mom. Let's get to it!Episode Overview: As special needs moms, caregiving is rewarding but also exhausting. It's easy to feel like there's no time left for our own goals and dreams. However, the idea that you must sacrifice your ambitions for caregiving is just a myth. Today, we'll debunk some common myths and provide practical tips to carve out time for...2024-08-0711 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.One option for living arrangements for your child with disabilities with Dr. Lisa CampbellSend us a textDr. Lisa Campbell is the author of Grow With Me, a book in which she shares her journey of resilience and perseverance, and introduces her daughter Jasmine in chapter 3. Dr. Campbell intimately understands the power of resilience firsthand.Dr. Campbell's first public discussion on being a special needs mom beyond her book.Jasmine was born prematurely in 1992 with profound hearing loss and intellectual disabilities.Developmental delays were noticed by her grandmother.Dr. Campbell became a mother just before her 19th birthday, relying heavily on her own mother for support.Chose a residential...2024-07-3133 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.What a lovely surprise!!! My guest Cheryll Wagner and I unknowingly reunite after 19 years on a Zoom interview as Cheryll shares about raising independent children.Send us a textTitle: Strategies for Raising Independent ChildrenEpisode Description:In this episode, Valerie sits down with Cheryll, a dedicated mother of two sons with Joubert syndrome. They dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of raising children with special needs, discussing the importance of focusing on abilities rather than limitations.Cheryll passionately shares her philosophy that her sons are not defined by their disability but are definitely limited by it in society. She emphasizes the significance of pushing children to reach their full potential and...2024-07-1738 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Creating a future with intention (I just love quotes... I have 5 for you!)Send us a textCreating a Future with IntentionEpisode Summary: Welcome to today’s episode where we delve into the power of quotes and personal stories. Your host Valerie shares five impactful quotes, each followed by reflections and personal anecdotes that illustrate their significance.Quotes Shared:"You can't pour from an empty cup." - AnonymousEmphasis on the importance of self-care and giving yourself permission to take a break."Alone, we can do so little. Together we can do so much." - He...2024-07-0311 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Shelley Guess shares from a sibling perspective about disability in the family.Send us a textShow Notes:Shelley Guess is a Licensed Professional Counselor and PhD-Candidate in Las Colinas, TX. She has been working as a therapist for over a decade, and is the owner and founder of Hope Connects Counseling, PLLC, a mental health group private practice. She is also the owner of Hope Connects Consulting, a mental health consulting firm. Shelley is the younger sister of Brian Guess, an amazing man diagnosed with IDD.Overview: We are joined by Shelley Guess, a licensed professional counselor and the founder...2024-06-2636 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Emotions and mom guilt with Dr. Yameika HeadSend us a textEpisode Title: Emotions and mom guilt with Dr. Yameika HeadEpisode Number: 38Episode Summary: This week’s special guest, Dr. Yameika Head shares her special needs journey with her deaf daughter, mom guilt and the den of despair. From embracing vulnerability to balancing professional and personal roles, Dr. Head shares her personal experiences and professional insights to provide valuable support and encouragement to parents navigating similar paths.Key Topics Discussed:Understanding and Expressing Emotions:The importance of...2024-06-2035 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Having an invisible disability and raising a child with a disability, plus bonus neurodivergent kids - Meet Rebecca VitsmunSend us a textRebecca Vitsmun is an autistic author living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Congenital Stationary Night Blindness. (CSNB from a mutation at my SLC24a1). In 2015 Rebecca was awarded the Humanist Visionary award. In 2016 she was awarded the Atheist Impact Award recipient.Rebecca is the Secretary of the Board of LymeTV and volunteers through many local organizations.Rebecca lives in Tacoma, WA with her spouse and their five children, two cats, and leopard gecko.Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Valerie Anne converses with Rebecca...2024-06-1231 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Being in the moment - with your host ValerieSend us a textIn today's episode we'll delve into the importance of being fully present in our daily lives. Understanding Presence:Being present means consciously directing our attention to the here and now, immersing ourselves fully without judgment.Benefits include reducing stress, improving relationships, enhancing happiness, and improving physical health.Overcoming Distractions:Common distractions include technological devices, ruminating thoughts, and multitasking.Strategies for overcoming these distractions and staying present in the moment.Mindful Practices for Daily Life:Mindful Breathing: Focus on y...2024-06-0525 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Lisa Tschudi discusses being resourceful financially while parenting a child with disabilities.Send us a textIntroduction: Lisa Tschudi is the host of "Love Doesn't Pay the Bills", where she explores the role of family caregivers in the modern United States through personal stories and interviews with leaders. Lisa is a parent of a young adult with disabilities and direct support professional. She co-founded a podcast production company in order to work from home flexibly outside of caregiving. She is also studying data analytics with the intention to put her mathematics background in action to explain with numbers, charts and graphs the experience o...2024-05-2932 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Susanna Peace Lovell, Autism Expert and mom to an autistic daughter shares, “Your true self is enough.”Send us a textIntroduction: Susanna Peace Lovell is an advocate for disability families, dedicated to the health and wellness of special needs families everywhere. She is a speaker, autism expert, author, certified professional life coach, and Reiki practitioner. Susanna received her BA from UC Berkeley and is a certified professional life coach and advocate, committed to helping others find joy and passion in their lives.Susanna's own daughter, Arizona, has multiple challenges and diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and a...2024-05-2235 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Meet my sister through marriage, Lisa Arbeau, as she shares about raising an autistic Olympian hopeful swimmer!Send us a textIntroduction:Lisa Arbeau is a dedicated mother to her son with autism and her daughter with ADHD, passionately helping her children navigate life's challenges, balancing her roles as a loving parent and a skilled dental hygienist. Lisa resides in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband Kelly, her two children and their retired service dog, Earl. Aside from her roles as a devoted mother and dental hygienist, Lisa has garnered multiple awards as an accomplished pianist at various festivals over the years. Her son Landon's jo...2024-05-1531 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Elevating Caregiving Moms: A Conversation with Jessica PataySend us a textJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Jessica Patay, founder of "We Are Brave Together," as she discusses her upcoming book highlighting the stories of caregiving moms. Jessica shares her passion for elevating the voices of caregivers and the importance of validation and support in the caregiving journey. Introduction to Jessica and her organization, "We Are Brave Together."Central to Jessica's story is her son Ryan, born with the rare and medically complex genetic disorder Prader-Willi syndrome.Importance of validating and supporting caregivers.Discussion about the inspiration behind Jessica's book highlighting the s...2024-05-0839 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Mom Guilt is Real - with your host ValerieSend us a textTitle: Mom guilt is realSummary: In this solo episode, Valerie, the host of Special Needs Moms Circle of Strength outlines five key steps to break the chains of guilt by acknowledging it, reframing perspective, setting boundaries, releasing perfectionism, and practicing self-compassion.Key Points:Introduction: Valerie introduces the episode, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the challenges faced by special needs parents and providing a platform for their narratives of resilience and strength.Acknowledging Guilt: Valerie highlights that feeling...2024-05-0109 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Trauma Therapist Jorunn Liland shares how she is impacting the deaf community.Send us a textIntroduction: Jorunn Liland, lives in Norway with her two kids, husband and their dog. As an occupational therapist specializing in mental health for the past two decades, Jorunn embarked on a new journey twelve years ago when her child was born profoundly deaf. This unexpected turn prompted Jorunn to navigate through shock and unfamiliar territory. Over the years, Jorunn's family has embraced sign language, forming connections within the deaf community and gaining invaluable friendships. Additionally, Jorunn has taken on the role of guiding other overwhelmed parents and teachers in learning...2024-04-2328 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 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.'Different Thinkers' is how Dr. Fredriksen and Dr. Rothman view those with ADHDSend us a textCould you leave a review on Apple? I would so appreciate it!Dr. Katia Fredriksen's graduate research focused on health behaviors, including sleep and substance use. Dr. Fredriksen completed her post-doctoral training at a private practice in the Boston area, where she focused on autism, genetic disorders, learning disorders, and attention and executive functioning in a pediatric population. She has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. Dr. Fredriksen lectures to parent groups and professional organizations....2024-04-1042 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Your host sharing that she didn't do so well handling a teenage outburst!Send us a textIntroduction:● Topic: Handling Teenage Outbursts - I didn't do so well! Incident at Home:● Valerie shoveling snow due to husband's back injury.● Neighbor interruption while rushing to church.● Teenager at home unnoticed.● Valerie asks teen to finish shoveling.● Teen has emotional outburst. Understanding Teenage Behavior:● Teenage brain development challenges.● Prefrontal cortex development affects impulse control.● Executive functioning delay in conditions like ADHD.● Common triggers: stress, peer...2024-04-0320 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Daffany Nance shares about coping with emotional dysregulationSend us a textSHOW NOTESSpecial guest introduction: Daffany Nance, a motivational speaker and coach, is introduced. Daffany has dedicated her life to serving individuals with special needs and is the founder of Loving Life Today.Daffany's Background:Daffany's experience and passion for supporting families with special needs are highlighted.She is recognized as an award-winning special education teacher and a devoted mother of four.Daffany's Special Needs Mom Journey:Daffany discusses her journey a...2024-03-2732 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Kelley Coleman, mom to two amazing boys, and disability advocate, addresses empowering v's saving our disabled children.Send us a textKelley's Unique Trait:- Kelley shares her love for spelling bees and drinking tea, highlighting her occasional fun side.Kelley's Special Needs Mom Journey:- Kelley discusses her journey as a mother of two boys, one of whom, Aaron, has multiple disabilities.- Details Aaron's various diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, cortical vision impairment, microcephaly, and more.- Reflects on her initial fears and feelings of inadequacy upon starting the parenting journey with a child with disabilities.- Emphasizes the lack...2024-03-2031 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Ghada Elias shares her journey of learning, researching, and adapting to her children's needs.Send us a textSHOW NOTESIntroduction:● Ghada introduces herself as a mom of two kids with special needs: one with Asperger's and the other with autism● Expresses gratitude for her children and how they've changed her for the better Ghada's Children:● Daughter is 22 and in college, daughter with Asperger's● Son is 20, son with autism, always going to live with GhadaGhada's Journey as a Special Needs Mom:● Initially struggled with lack of understanding and suppo...2024-03-1331 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Combatting fatigue with your host ValerieSend us a textUnderstanding Fatigue:Definition of fatigue: subjective sensation characterized by reduced capacity for physical and/or mental exertion.Different types of fatigue:Physical factors: physical exertion, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, dehydration, illness, chronic health conditions.Mental factors: cognitive demands, stress, anxiety, depression.Emotional factors: intense emotions like sadness, grief, frustration.Environmental factors: extreme temperatures, noise, environmental stressors.Lifestyle factors: unhealthy habits like excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, overwork.Combatting...2024-03-0522 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Kara Laws - mom of three, shares how she is balancing life since she decided to become a homeschooling mom as the school system was failing her son!Send us a textKara Laws, a small business educator, mother of three boys, two with challenges is welcomed.Kara shares her experience with ADHD, sensory issues, dyslexia, and her accomplishment of writing and publishing a book despite her challenges.Kara discusses the challenges and rewards of publishing her book, highlighting the unexpected difficulties and the sense of achievement upon completion.Kara narrates her journey with her oldest son's learning challenges, including struggles in preschool and kindergarten, leading to a realization of dyslexia during the COVID-19 pandemic.Kara describes the difficulties in obtaining an official dyslexia diagnosis for...2024-02-2828 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Valerie's year long goal is about to be realised!Send us a textSHOW NOTESSpecial Announcement:● Book Launch on February 26th, coinciding with host's husband's birthday● Book Title: "The Shine Principle: The Special Needs Mom's Path to Strength, Hope, and Happiness"● Available for Kindle version launch Book Description:● Filled with inspiration, empowerment, and heartfelt stories● Designed for special needs moms seeking support, understanding, and empowerment● Offers practical tips, heartfelt stories, and support for navigating challenges of raising special needs children Purpose of...2024-02-2118 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Rebekah Lara, mom to 3 special needs girls, a former architect and math teacher shares how she helps other moms succeed in business.Send us a textSHOW NOTESAbout Rebekah:Certified Life CoachCreator of Time Freedom Simplified programRebekah's Background:Former architect and middle school math teacherNow runs two businessesRebekah's Journey as a Special Needs Mom:Three daughters with multiple health challengesExperienced severe food allergies, sensory issues, anxiety, and ADHDOldest daughter faced acute liver failure, leading to a long recovery journeyDespite challenges, daughter...2024-02-1424 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Exploring the importance of R.E.S.T. with your host ValerieSend us a textSHOW NOTESIntroduction:Special Needs Moms Circle of Strength podcastTopic: RestDefinition of Rest:Physical, mental, and emotional relaxationReduced activity, tranquility, and recuperationImportance of Rest:Benefits for physical healthImproved immune functionBetter heart health and weight managementHormone regulation for appetite and weightMuscle repair and growthBenefits for mental well-beingEnhanced cognitive...2024-02-0721 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Interview with Linda Vickers a certified wellness and grief recovery coach who shares how she helps women "just pause".Send us a textSHOW NOTESAbout Linda:Linda's Unique Trait: Story collectorPrevious Experience: Worked with seniors and the homeless, gathered and shared their storiesLinda's YouTube Channel: "Inspired by Her Stories"Linda's Current Work:Grief Recovery CoachDefinition of Grief: Not limited to loss of life, includes various forms of lossPhysical and Emotional Reactions to GriefLinda's YouTube Channel: "Inspired by Her Stories"How Linda Helps Clients:2024-01-3127 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Interview with Shirley Harding, peacemaker mom of three. Shirley's oldest son has Asperger's which was not diagnosed till his teens.Send us a textSHOW NOTESIntroduction:Special guest on "Special Needs Mom's Circle of Strength" podcast.Guest introduced as Shirley Harding, the host's sister.Shirley shares her role as a peacemaker in her family.Background and Early Years:Shirley talks about her first child, Louie.Long labor and birth, two weeks overdue.Louie diagnosed with Asperger's at age 15.Shirley discusses challenges and the intuitive feeling of something being different....2024-01-2431 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Interview with Terry Travers founder of Astrolabe Academy and mom to two children on the spectrumSend us a textTerry shares a bit about herself and her unique experience, wearing an eye patch due to a congenital issue.Talks about her experience as a special needs mom, initially unaware that her first child was autistic.Challenges with the first child's inquisitiveness and constant pushing of boundaries, who is later diagnosed as autistic and is also trans, leading to unique challenges.Discusses the struggle with labels, the importance of understanding needs, and the impact on parenting.Reveals that her oldest child's autism...2024-01-1735 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Interview with Moon Sade an Autism Success Mentor, who guides young adult autistics on their journey into adulthood. She is a mom to two boys, both on the spectrum.Send us a textSHOW NOTESMoon shares her love for playing Xbox as a way to connect with her children.Moon's journey started almost 24 years ago with her oldest son, diagnosed with high-functioning autism at 16.Challenges included difficulties in school, bullying, and a lack of understanding from others.Emphasis on recognizing each child's uniqueness and avoiding stereotypes.Moon wishes someone had advised her to trust her instincts and do things her own way.Stresses the importance of understanding that there's no one-size-fits-all...2024-01-1032 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Your host reflecting on embracing grace, adapting expectations and finding strength in unexpected challenges.Send us a textShow Notes:Your Host Valerie ArbeauContemplating Goals for the New YearPlanning for successConsideration of trips, either with a partner or a girly getawayChange in PerspectiveTransition from asking for a better year to seeking graceAcknowledging that life doesn't always go as plannedMichael Todd's sermon on "Your experience does not match your expectations"Personal JourneyChallenges with the birth of the...2024-01-0312 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Interview with Kate Lynch, a yoga teacher and mindful parent coach utilizing the RAIN framework, who is raising a son with autism.Send us a textSHOW NOTESKate shares her nomadic childhood and love for travel.Backpacking through Southeast Asia at 30, exploring the uniqueness of her experiences.Favorite Place in South Asia:Kate's favorite place: Angkor Wat in Cambodia.Reflecting on the spiritual and cathartic experience while immersed in the ruins.Guest's Special Needs Mom Journey:Settling down after travels, meeting her current husband in Brooklyn.Challenges and joys of parenthood, trying for a child, and...2023-12-2731 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Interview with Karaleigh Garrison, a motivational speaker, singer/songwriter and podcast host who is mom to 3 autistic children.Send us a textShow Notes:Karaleigh GarrisonSinger-songwriter since the age of eightStudied opera before transitioning to singer-songwriter genreReleased first album in MayHosts a podcast called "Seeking Sunshine" that focuses on finding joy through trialsInterviews people who have overcome challengesExplores resilience and positive mindsetKaraleigh's Special Needs Journey:Has three children on the spectrumShares the miraculous story of her son Joshua's journeyDiagnosed with...2023-12-2037 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Dr. Chisato Hotta, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Dr. of Social Work with 8 year old twins on the spectrum.Send us a textSHOW NOTESSpecial guest: Chisato Hotta, a licensed marriage and family therapist with a doctorate in social work. Who achieved this to demonstrate the importance of education and goal-setting to her children.Chisato's Background:-Chisato shares her journey, including the motivation behind pursuing a doctorate after her kids were diagnosed with autism.-She highlights her commitment to showcasing that there are no boundaries for individuals with special needs.Blending Special Needs and Mental Health:-Chisato discusses her approach to blending...2023-12-1335 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Boundaries are key to a more fulfilling life - with your host ValerieSend us a textShow Notes:Introduction to Boundaries:Definition: Personal limits and guidelines for emotional, physical, and mental space.Importance: Vital for mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.Purpose of Boundaries:Mental Health: Prevents overwhelm, burnout, and emotional exhaustion.Relationships: Establishes mutual respect, trust, and understanding.Overall Well-being: Maintains a balanced life, prevents overcommitment.Signs You Need Boundaries:Feeling overwhelmed or drained.Resentment or anger towards others....2023-12-0627 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Interview with Cassandra Geter who reversed pre-diabetes and high cholesterol without medication, and now guides moms of autistic children in health and wellness.Send us a textShow Notes:Getting to Know Cassandra: Valerie asks Cassandra about her uniqueness, Cassandra celebrates her individuality.Cassandra's Journey: Discusses challenges from the premature birth of her son to an autism diagnosis, losing her husband, daycare and job struggles.Hospital Experience: Highlights difficulties during a three-month hospital stay and challenges with daycare scheduling.Self-Care and Coping: Cassandra discusses coping after her husband's loss, finding solace in nature walks and mysteries. Emphasizes the importance of self-care and healthy relationships.Impact on Aspirations: Transition from scientist to health coach due to parenting a child with...2023-11-2923 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Interview with Christine Powell an education therapist with a background in special education, sports medicine and education research.Send us a textSHOW NOTES:Christine's Journey:A mom navigating challenges with a special needs child, coping through military deployments without a strong support system, and the daily struggles faced.From Parent to Professional:Early experiences with her child’s speech therapy, becoming a special education professional while balancing personal challenges.Transition and Education:Growing up on military bases, discovering diversity in college, pursuing a doctorate in education, and entering the special education field.COVID's Impact:Studying special education in Singapore, the pandemic's shift, emphasizing ex...2023-11-2229 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Interview with Nilzara Rivera who stepped into step parenting for a special needs child.Send us a textShow Notes:Nilzara's mission as an Intimate Partner Violence Recovery Coach.Connection between her daughter's journey and her role.Challenges as a stepmom to a daughter with a traumatic brain injury.Struggles due to neglect and abuse, leading to malnourishment and mental health issues.Complexity of dealing with a daughter excelling in various areas but facing mental health challenges.Difficulty in providing mental health treatment due to the impact of traumatic brain injury.Nilzara's realization of parallels between her daughter's behaviors and her own past trauma.Nilzara's emotional struggles, guilt, and challenges...2023-11-1531 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Interview with Mary Ann Hughes who turned a major life event into a career pathSend us a textMary Ann Hughes shares that she is the only certified divorce coach exclusively focused on helping families with children with special needs.Discusses her unique journey and how she transitioned into this role, emphasizing her passion and mission to assist families facing divorce with children with disabilities.Shares that she has two children on opposite ends of the autism spectrum, discussing her experience with their diagnoses and early interventions.Her children are now young adults in their early twenties, and she reflects on her journey as a special needs parent, from coping...2023-11-0829 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Decompression Zones so you can ace the day!Send us a textEpisode 5: Your Host - Valerie Arbeau Challenges of Being a Special Needs Mom:Special needs parenting is like running a marathon.It's rewarding but also incredibly demanding.Sharing experiences in a community of understanding.Self-Care Is Not Selfish:Self-care is self-preservation.The importance of self-awareness and finding moments for oneself.Briefly sharing a personal story about neglecting self-care.Identifying Moments for Self-Care:Hidden moments in a busy schedule for self-care.Taking advantage of times when the child is o...2023-11-0122 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Interview with Maria Groves who is raising a non-binary childSend us a textGetting to Know Maria•Maria introduces herself, sharing that she has two unique jobs as an EMT and a professional organizer.•Maria explains how she views her roles as forms of life-saving and shares how her work as a professional organizer can help reduce stress and improve people's lives.Raising a Non-binary Child•Maria opens up about her journey as a mother of a non-binary child who faced body dysmorphia, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression during their teenage years.•The challenges and support within the LGBTQ+ c...2023-10-2530 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Interview with Alisha Jackman Vilela founder of 321 Buddy Fundraising for the Down Syndrome CommunitySend us a textAlisha's Journey as a Special Needs Mom:Alisha shares her journey as a special needs mom, which began in 2020 when she found out she was expecting a child. Alisha already had a daughter.She talks about her son, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and a heart defect during her pregnancy, and how this marked the beginning of her special needs parenting journey.Alisha explains the fear she experienced, not knowing what to expect with a child with special needs and the associated medical complications.She discusses her experiences with...2023-10-1829 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Interview with Jennifer Geigel - Autism Advocate with 24 years of teaching experience.Send us a textShow notes:Jennifer's Unique Aspect:Jennifer reveals an intriguing fact about herself – she manages eighteen streams of income and was able to retire her husband at the age of 49, sparking curiosity about her journey.Jennifer's Love for Sunflowers:Jennifer's deep affection for sunflowers is uncovered, and she describes how sunflowers symbolize happiness, growth, and positivity in her life.Valerie and Jennifer bond over their shared love for sunflowers, discussing the cheerful and inspiring nature of these vibrant flowers.Jennifer's Journey as a...2023-10-1134 minForever Home for our kids with disabilities.Meet your host...Send us a textHi, I’m Valerie and I was inspired to start this podcast to showcase the incredible moms who have children with special needs.I will start with a little about me and share my journey of being mom to Melody-Anne with cerebral palsy and August (Ebony) with ADHD and high functioning Autism.I share about being super mum and how that was not sustainable.Something had to change… I began to S.H.I.N.E.The S.H.I.N.E. PrincipleS.H...2023-10-0321 min
wellbeing4mothersLearn to S.H.I.N.E – Interview with Coach ValerieCoach Valerie is dedicated to serving women who want to experience progress towards their life and business goals through effective time management Coach Valerie is passionate about mothers being empowered to be in control of their time, so they can create progress and the lives they want Join Dr Dunni and Coach Valerie and be part of the revolution of mothers who are mindful of self-care and time management and hear about how to S.H.I.N.E KEY TAKEAWAYS Being a mother and motherhood never ends it just changes on th...2023-06-2129 min
Leader Talk with Joe DetreValerie Arbeau Empowering Women To Take Back Their Time! Ep 86 Leader TalkOur special guest is Coach Valerie Arbeau, the President of ‘Freedom to be coaching…’ which is dedicated to serving women who want to experience progress towards their life and business goals through effective time management.
This episode Coach Valerie challenges women to dream again and how to bring that dream to life! Coach Valerie shares with us 3 major benefits that will motivate women to improve their time management! Plus she give 5 strategies to give you more clarity, less stress, and to find more time for your family!
Find out about Coach Valerie’s upcoming event beginning...2022-09-1935 min
The Hope StationIs She Alive? Why Isn't My Baby MovingValerie Arbeau shares the rollercoaster ride of infertility, her beautiful pregnancy, and her fear would whether her baby survives. Valerie's story is about a faith walk and the ups and down relationship, like all relationships, that she with God. Valerie is passionate about helping moms embrace the importance of engaging in self-care so mom is able to show up as the best version of herself for her family.Has been married to Scott for 30 years with two children, both with special needs.A licensed physical therapist since 1988, who resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and loves the outdoors.Valerie...2022-08-101h 02