Shows
Thriving with The Bovinos!From Red Zone to Green Zone: A Parent's Journey with Vicky WestraIn this episode, Vicky Westra the founder and CEO of Neuroshifts, opens up about her powerful journey as a mother of a child with autism. She reflects on the challenges of adoption, emotional struggles, and the importance of mindfulness and personal growth in her parenting experience. Vicky shares how finding her 'green zone' has been key to navigating her emotions, while also highlighting the essential role of community and empowerment for neurodiverse individuals. She discusses her shift from a corporate career to launching a coffee shop initiative that equips young adults on the autism spectrum with valuable job skills...
2025-03-2656 min
Green Zone TalksHaley Moss- An Inspirational Story of Success!Haley Moss is a lawyer, neurodiversity expert, and the author of four books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges. She is a consultant to top corporations and nonprofits that seek her guidance in creating a diverse workplace and a sought-after commentator on disability rights issues. The first openly autistic lawyer in Florida, Haley’s books include “Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals'' (ABA Book Publishing; June 2021) and “The Young Autistic Adult’s Independence Handbook” (Jessica Kingsley Publishers; November 2021). Her articles have appeared in outlets including the Washington Post, Teen Vogue, and...
2023-03-1355 minGreen Zone TalksDonna Laitinen- Experience the Frequency that Connects Us All as a CommunityDonna is a Social Impact leader, International best-selling author, speaker, and course creator. She uses her natural gift of rallying and inspiring people to ignite the spark of internal motivation through forward-vision thinking. Her approach is based on behavior-changing and spiritual energy connections. Donna says: "I am dedicated to creating a wiser and kinder world by making transformational education widely available. I want everyone to have access to tools such as modern mindfulness, emotional awareness, and self-love regardless of financial, social, or physical challenges. My purpose is to awaken compassion in our world. I offer an unconv...
2023-03-021h 02Green Zone TalksAlicia Trautwein- Insider Secrets to Creating a Self-Care Routine that actually works!Alicia Trautwein is a St. Louis-based motivational speaker, founder of The Mom Kind, autism advocate, and autistic mother of three autistic children. Trautwein speaks on topics close to her heart like LGBTQIA+ rights, antibullying, autism acceptance, and mental health advocacy. Here at Neuroshifts we are huge advocates of self-care. We love to bring on special guests who have first hand experiences in the journey through Neurodiversity and who love to promote the importance of self-care. Join this special episode of GZT where Alicia will be giving you all the insider secrets to creating a self-care routine that a...
2023-03-021h 00Green Zone TalksGopika Kapoor- The importance of a mother's self-care.Gopika is the Author of Beyond the Blue: Love, Life, and Autism. In this special session, we will be discussing her book and the importance of a mother's self-care. Beyond the Blue is a book that will inspire you to be a better person. Within its pages, Gopika Kapoor describes her unique, yet universally shared experiences as the parent of a child with autism. Through the intimate stories of life with her son Vir, she immerses readers in shining moments and dark episodes, brimming with refreshing honesty, sparkling humor, and undaunted courage. Beyond the Blue is...
2023-02-021h 01Green Zone TalksSam Farmer- Setting out for a better quality of life in the face of challenge and adversity.Sam Farmer is a neurodiversity community self-advocate, writer/author, public speaker and consultant for Floreo, a company that leverages virtual reality technology in teaching social, communication and other life skills for neurodiverse individuals. Diagnosed later in life as autistic, he writes blogs and articles, records coaching videos and podcasts, and presents at conferences and support groups, sharing stories and thoughts as to how one can achieve greater happiness and success in the face of challenge and adversity. A Long Walk Down a Winding Road - Small Steps, Challenges, & Triumphs Through an Autistic Lens is his first book.
2023-01-141h 02
Green Zone TalksThe power of speaking kindly to ourselves - the magic of self-respect and self love!Maija is the founder of Appreciate U. Creator, uplifter, and world traveler, Maija specializes in bringing confidence to all of those who surround her. A student of self-improvement since the age of 10, Maija has compiled the most effective tricks she's learned over the last 24 years to create lasting and authentic happiness. With Appreciate U, she is helping people recognize themselves as the powerful masterpiece they are. In this session, we will be discussing: The connection about how we treat ourselves and how that can translate to how we treat others. How self-love and self-respect can direc...
2022-12-2353 minGreen Zone TalksKrystine Kuecha- The Practice of Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Well-beingKrystine, founder of The Compass Therapeutics & Wellbeing has been a renowned Holistic Practitioner since 1998. They bring a unique approach to teaching and healing — one that is focused on self-inspiration and which embodies the physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects of well-being. With a holistic approach, Krystine and her team offer the luxury spa services you may be familiar with but also unique therapeutics to educate and encourage wellness through their Whole Health Approach. Whether you are experiencing pain or want to improve your physical and mental well-being, The Compass Therapeutics & Wellbeing provides a unique approach to achieving and ma...
2022-12-0156 minGreen Zone TalksArlo Henderson: Creating a Neuro-ready Work EnvironmentIn this very special session of Green Zone Talks we will be speaking with Arlo and how he has implemented a "Neuro-Ready" work initiative. He will be discussing his experience in hiring one of Neuroshifts' former students and the beneficial and uplifting results this has contributed to his business. This inspiring success story of a young man being given an employment opportunity is one you won't want to miss! Arlo and his State Farm team are taking initiatives to expand the awareness of how beneficial the contributions of a Neurodiverse individual can be to all businesses. This sto...
2022-12-011h 01Green Zone TalksTracy Borreson: Neuro-Diverse Personal Brand Empowerment In this conversation, we will be exploring some of the challenges to bringing your personal brand to work for the neuro-diverse community, and how you can find the space to OWN your personal brand that allows you to be proud of your unique neuro-type and bring it to work proudly.
2022-12-0155 minGreen Zone TalksAnnaLaura Brown: A journey of success through acceptance of AutismAnnaLaura Brown is an Health Coach, Author, and Autism Advocate. She got her diagnosis of Autism later in life, but it has never stopped her from using her unique talents and interests to achieve her purpose in life. AnnaLaura has had a special interest as it relates to physical health and diets because of her own journey with experiencing a lot of challenges in this area. Her mission is now to help others achieve better physical well-being. Listen as she shares her personal journey through employment, independence and physical well-being.
2022-03-2446 min
Green Zone TalksSpecial Guest Stephanie Weiderstrand shares her journey as a Mom, Teacher and AdvocateStephanie is the mother of three children and she received the official diagnosis of Autism for her daughter at the age of six. Like many who share this journey, Stephanie spent several years in the not so good feeling place that we call the “Red Zone.” However, one day, Stephanie decided to take her children on a trip and get away from it all. While in her travels, something happened to help her to see her daughter in a whole new light. She then started her mission to help other parents understand Autism and care for themselves as well as their...
2021-12-0636 min
Neurodiversity GoldAutism Shifts - Vicky WestraBecome an advocate, ambassador or even an Executive Producer - and receive bonuses/merch/livestreams - www.patreon.com/neurodiversitygoldpodcast
Topics discussed:
The nonprofit landscape
How mutual collaboration is key to growth
Exciting plans for the Florida area
Links mentioned in this episode:
http://judemorrow.com
http://neurodiversity-training.net
http://autismshifts.org
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
2021-09-2637 min
Green Zone TalksAutism Bridging the AtlanticDaniel Morgan Jones is an influencer and advocate within the Autism Community. He was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 26. Today, he uses overcoming the challenges associated with the diagnosis to help so many others within the autism community. Daniel is the UK's #1 online/information resource for Autism, ADHD, OCD, and Dyslexia. He reaches millions as a YouTuber, public speaker, and author through his website and social media presence. He uses all of these platforms to help increase the awareness and understanding around Autism and help others reach a place of self-acceptance and empowerment about their diagn...
2021-07-0953 min
Green Zone TalksS2 EP3: Vicky Westra talks to Autism Advocate Becca Lory HectorBecca Lory Hector was diagnosed on the autism spectrum as an adult and based on her own journey has become an autism advocate, consultant, speaker, and author. In this podcast, she talks with Vicky Westra about her challenges with receiving an accurate diagnosis and how she has used her past experience to help so many others understand life on the autism spectrum, and the importance of focusing on creating the life you want. To learn more about Becca Lory Hector, visit: www.beccalory.com
2021-06-1555 minGreen Zone TalksS2 EP2: Vicky Talks With TV Investigator, Jim RathmannJim Rathmann is a former Secret Service agent, retired homicide detective, decorated Army Veteran and investigative consultant - but his most important title is Dad. In this podcast, he talks with host Vicky Westra about his son's Autism diagnosis and his family's personal journey. To learn more about Jim Rathmann visit: www.JimRathmannTheCompany.com
2021-03-0938 minGreen Zone TalksS2 EP1: Vicky Talks with Miss Tampa Beauty Queen, Rachel BarcellonaFrom her title of Miss Tampa to her designation as an Honorary Shifter Member, Rachel Barcellona is making history! Vicky Westra sits down with this beauty queen and activist to talk about how she's working to shift perceptions of Autism! A great example of what it means to be an Autism Shifter, Rachel chooses every day to live in the Green Zone, accepting her Autism diagnosis and celebrating her Uniquabilities. To learn more about Rachel, visit her website at www.RachelBarcellona.com and follow her on social media. For more information about Autism Shifts or to register for our new Shift...
2021-02-0930 minGreen Zone TalksEP 7: Vicky Talks with Jen Msumba founder of Rebranding AutismVicky Westra is the Founder of Autism Shifts, a 501(c)3 Non-profit Foundation and Artistas Café, a unique Social Enterprise whose mission is to employ individuals diagnosed with Autism. Prior to her current entrepreneurial role, Vicky worked at Tampa Electric Company for 22 years in various roles. Her last role prior to leaving TECO was Director of Customer Services and Marketing. Vicky has a B.S. in Business Marketing from The University of Tampa. She is married to Pier and has one child, Gabrielle (Gabbi). Gabbi was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when she was four years old. T...
2021-01-2136 minGreen Zone TalksEP 6: Autism Shifts with Vicky Westra Vicky Westra is the Founder of Autism Shifts, a 501(c)3 Non-profit Foundation and Artistas Café, a unique Social Enterprise whose mission is to employ individuals diagnosed with Autism. Prior to her current entrepreneurial role, Vicky worked at Tampa Electric Company for 22 years in various roles. Her last role prior to leaving TECO was Director of Customer Services and Marketing. Vicky has a B.S. in Business Marketing from The University of Tampa. She is married to Pier and has one child, Gabrielle (Gabbi). Gabbi was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when she was four years old. T...
2021-01-2140 minGreen Zone TalksEP 5: Autism Shifts - Vicky Westra and Working with Special Needs Vicky Westra is the Founder of Autism Shifts, a 501(c)3 Non-profit Foundation and Artistas Café, a unique Social Enterprise whose mission is to employ individuals diagnosed with Autism. Prior to her current entrepreneurial role, Vicky worked at Tampa Electric Company for 22 years in various roles. Her last role prior to leaving TECO was Director of Customer Services and Marketing. Vicky has a B.S. in Business Marketing from The University of Tampa. She is married to Pier and has one child, Gabrielle (Gabbi). Gabbi was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when she was four years old. T...
2021-01-2135 minGreen Zone TalksEP 4: Understanding Autism; A New Path Towards The WorkforceVicky Westra is the mother of Gabbi, a young adult with Autism who was diagnosed with autism at the age of four. Because of the dismal outcomes Vicky was seeing for her daughter and the broader Autism community, she started a Non-Profit organization with a mission to create a new world for autism. Vicky and her organization believe that those in the autism community have to join together to create opportunities and the necessary changes those on the autism spectrum to lead their lives on purpose. This includes employment that matches their unique talents and interests. Find out more abou...
2021-01-2131 minGreen Zone TalksEP 3: Understanding Disabilities in The WorkplaceVicky Westra is the Founder of Autism Shifts, a 501(c)3 Non-profit Foundation and Artistas Café, a unique Social Enterprise whose mission is to employ individuals diagnosed with Autism. Prior to her current entrepreneurial role, Vicky worked at Tampa Electric Company for 22 years in various roles. Her last role prior to leaving TECO was Director of Customer Services and Marketing. Vicky has a B.S. in Business Marketing from The University of Tampa. She is married to Pier and has one child, Gabrielle (Gabbi). Gabbi was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when she was four years old. T...
2021-01-2137 minGreen Zone TalksEP 2: Shifting Perspectives on Autism with Vicky Westra and honorary Shifter Kimberly Jackson, Esq.A mother's mission creating a new reality for the Autism Community! Join Vicky Westra and Kimberly Jackson, Esq., a leading Advocate for the Autism Community…and an Honorary Shifter Member, in this movement to replace fear and worry with hope and joy! Join the Shift Today: www.AutismShifts.org/become-a-member #AutismShifts #JoinTheShift #BecomeAShifterMember #GreenZoneLife #ShiftersShapeFutures #Autism #ASD #AutismSpectrum #AutismSpectrumDisorder #AutismAwareness
2021-01-1428 minGreen Zone TalksEP 1: Empowering the Autism Community with Vicky WestraYour shift starts here! The knowledge, tools and processes to empower you, all in one place. Learn how you can become a Shifter Member - and create a new reality for the Autism Community! Join the Shift Today: www.AutismShifts.org/become-a-member #AutismShifts #JoinTheShift #BecomeAShifterMember #GreenZoneLife #ShiftersShapeFutures #Autism #ASD #AutismSpectrum #AutismSpectrumDisorder #AutismAwareness
2021-01-1430 min
I KNOW DISABILITIES MENTAL HEALTH ETCVicky Westra / Sean Sullivan: Leaders in the Field of AutismI hope you will take a little bit of time to get to know anyone with a disability...I guarantee you will be floored at what you discover in a very good way!!” says Sean Sullivan, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder and is a leader devoted to helping others with autism to make big strides in their lives. Vicky Vestra, whose daughter was diagnosed with Autism at the age of four, has also taken a leadership role through her Autism Shifts program and Mobile Cafe. You won’t want to miss this very important show! Please join Linda Patten and her sp...
2020-06-0551 min
I KNOW DISABILITIES MENTAL HEALTH ETCVicky Westra / Sean Sullivan: Leaders in the Field of AutismI hope you will take a little bit of time to get to know anyone with a disability...I guarantee you will be floored at what you discover in a very good way!!” says Sean Sullivan, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder and is a leader devoted to helping others with autism to make big strides in their lives. Vicky Vestra, whose daughter was diagnosed with Autism at the age of four, has also taken a leadership role through her Autism Shifts program and Mobile Cafe. You won’t want to miss this very...
2020-06-0551 min
The LaunchPadASs1e4 - Vicky Westra Talks with Jen Msumba founder of Rebranding AutismSend us a textVicky Westra is the Founder of Autism Shifts, a 501(c)3 Non-profit Foundation and Artistas Café, a unique Social Enterprise whose mission is to employ individuals diagnosed with Autism. Prior to her current entrepreneurial role, Vicky worked at Tampa Electric Company for 22 years in various roles. Her last role prior to leaving TECO was Director of Customer Services and Marketing. Vicky has a B.S. in Business Marketing from The University of Tampa. She is married to Pier and has one child, Gabrielle (Gabbi). Gabbi was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) w...
2020-06-0436 min
The LaunchPadS1e3 - Autism Shifts with Vicky WestraSend us a textVicky Westra is the Founder of Autism Shifts, a 501(c)3 Non-profit Foundation and Artistas Café, a unique Social Enterprise whose mission is to employ individuals diagnosed with Autism. Prior to her current entrepreneurial role, Vicky worked at Tampa Electric Company for 22 years in various roles. Her last role prior to leaving TECO was Director of Customer Services and Marketing. Vicky has a B.S. in Business Marketing from The University of Tampa. She is married to Pier and has one child, Gabrielle (Gabbi). Gabbi was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) w...
2020-02-1140 min
The LaunchPadAutism Shifts - Vicky Westra and Working with Special NeedsSend us a textVicky Westra is the Founder of Autism Shifts, a 501(c)3 Non-profit Foundation and Artistas Café, a unique Social Enterprise whose mission is to employ individuals diagnosed with Autism. Prior to her current entrepreneurial role, Vicky worked at Tampa Electric Company for 22 years in various roles. Her last role prior to leaving TECO was Director of Customer Services and Marketing. Vicky has a B.S. in Business Marketing from The University of Tampa. She is married to Pier and has one child, Gabrielle (Gabbi). Gabbi was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) w...
2020-01-3035 min
The ShiftShapers PodcastEp #289: Finding Outstanding Employees From New Communities – with Vicky Westra In this episode of the ShiftShapers Podcast, David talks to Vicky Westra. Vicky is the Founder and Chief Executive of Artistas Café and Javamo Art for Autism, both social enterprises supporting individuals diagnosed with Autism. She’s a board member of Autism Shifts, a program and community of parents, educators and employers dedicated to understanding autism on multiple levels.David and Vicky talk about understanding autism and its diagnosis. They discuss how people with varying degrees of autism can integrate into the typical society. Vicky explains how normal people and people with autism can learn from...
2019-10-2822 min
The LaunchPadUnderstanding Autism; A New Path Towards The WorkforceSend us a textVicky Westra is the mother of Gabbi, a young adult with Autism who was diagnosed with autism at the age of four. Because of the dismal outcomes Vicky was seeing for her daughter and the broader Autism community, she started a Non-Profit organization with a mission to create a new world for autism. Vicky and her organization believe that those in the autism community have to join together to create opportunities and the necessary changes those on the autism spectrum to lead their lives on purpose. This includes employment that matches their unique tal...
2019-09-2731 min
Special Needs Family Hour2019-09-22 Vicky Westra the founder of Autism Shifts and Artistas Café. Two organizations that together provide training and employment to individuals with autism.We discuss various topics related to Autism including the biggest factors in changing the outcome for individuals with Autism; typical misconceptions of those with Autism, and things parents should do to support their child with Autism. Vicky Westra shares insights gained from having a child with Autism and working with individuals who have autism. Autism Shifts and Artistas Cafe work together to provide training and employment to individuals with autism. To learn more click here http://www.artistascafe.com/about See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2019-09-2244 min
The LaunchPadUnderstanding Disabilities in The Workplace With Autism Shifts Founder Vicky WestraSend us a textVICKY WESTRA Vicky Westra is the Founder of Autism Shifts, a 501(c)3 Non-profit Foundation and Artistas Café, a unique Social Enterprise whose mission is to employ individuals diagnosed with Autism. Prior to her current entrepreneurial role, Vicky worked at Tampa Electric Company for 22 years in various roles. Her last role prior to leaving TECO was Director of Customer Services and Marketing. Vicky has a B.S. in Business Marketing from The University of Tampa. She is married to Pier and has one child, Gabrielle (Gabbi). Gabbi was diagnosed with A...
2019-07-0237 minSpecial Needs Family Hour2018-12-02 Vicky Westra the founder of Autism Shifts and Artistas Café. Two organizations that together provide training and employment to individuals with autism.We discuss various topics related to Autism including the biggest factors in changing the outcome for individuals with Autism; typical misconceptions of those with Autism, and things parents should do to support their child with Autism. Vicky Westra shares insights gained from having a child with Autism and working with individuals who have autism. Autism Shifts and Artistas Cafe work together to provide training and employment to individuals with autism. To learn more click here http://www.artistascafe.com/aboutSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2018-12-0244 min
Leadership StarsVicky Westra / Sean Sullivan: Leaders in the Field of AutismI hope you will take a little bit of time to get to know anyone with a disability...I guarantee you will be floored at what you discover in a very good way!!” says Sean Sullivan, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder and is a leader devoted to helping others with autism to make big strides in their lives. Vicky Vestra, whose daughter was diagnosed with Autism at the age of four, has also taken a leadership role through her Autism Shifts program and Mobile Cafe. You won’t want to miss this very important show!
Please join Linda Patten and her...
2018-10-0851 min
NSV Online RadioTalking with Vicky Westra!Join us tonight as we talk with Vicky Westra, founder of Autism Shifts! Vicky's experience in customer service & marketing in her journey as a passionate adoptive autism parent became the catalyst for Autism Shifts! This initiative looks to educate communities to support greater inclusion and sustainable employment for adults on the autism spectrum! This is a do not miss show! NSV Online radio...keeping you informed, entertained and enlightened!This show is broadcast live on Wednesday's at 7:00PM ET on W4WN Radio – The Women 4 Women Network (www.w4wn.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (http://ww...
2017-08-0351 min