Shows
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyA Unique, Progressive ApproachElissa is a late-diagnosed autistic ADHD speech-language pathologist, autism expert, and entrepreneur who’s redefining what leadership looks like in the therapy and education world. After years of running a successful in-person practice, Elissa turned her lived experience as a neurodivergent woman into a driving force behind Speech Works By Elissa, an online coaching and parent course membership platform that empowers parents of nonverbal and speech-delayed children to teach their kids to speak and live independently.
Elissa is proudly leading the way for other neurodivergent professionals by breaking down barriers in healthcare, building scalable solutions, and...
2025-08-201h 04
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyMy Life's Purpose is Having an Interesting CareerDiscover how starting small can open up unexpected doors leading to opportunities that fuel your purpose in life with Dr. Temple Grandin.
Dr. Grandin is back for Part 2, sharing invaluable career development advice for young adults. Hear personal stories, reflections, and hopes for the future of autistic individuals and young professionals.
Thanks for celebrating one year of Rising Voices with us!
Thank you Dr. Grandin for your time, and for leaving us with this unforgettable conversation.
2025-07-3040 min
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyIt's a Big World Out there, and It Changes Your PerspectiveRising Voices turns ONE today! In celebration of our podcast anniversary, we are releasing a very special bonus episode featuring our special guest, Dr. Temple Grandin. Join us as we hear her perspectives, as she shares stories from her childhood, adolescence, and beyond! Discover Dr. Gradin's passion, career journey, and personal experiences as an adult diagnosed with Autism in 1950. We welcome you to Part 1 of our Anniversary Special. Thank you for your continued support; we hope to continue to inspire you.
2025-07-2223 min
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyInspiring the Next Generation of LeadersJoin us as we welcome Lara and Maya Hammound, twin sisters, who at 17 have began making a global impact in creating sensory spaces.
To learn more please visit their website, https://www.perceptionfoundation.com/.
2025-07-1555 min
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyBig and Bold and Unapologetic
This month's episode, we're joined by the incredible Dr. Deshanna Reed for a deeply moving and insightful conversation about her personal story and professional journey. Dr. Reed offers a unique perspective, shaped by her experiences as a sibling and an upbringing that truly defied the norm. Now Dr. Reed and siblings carry out their family's spirit to be big, bold and unapologetic in the world in which we live.
Dr. Reed shares what it was like being raised by parents who wrote their own playbook when it came to caring for individuals with higher support needs. As p...
2025-06-171h 09
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyWriting is a Tiny Reminder of HomeStep between the pages as we celebrate NY Times Best Selling American author JD Barker with us! He is best known for incorporating elements of crime, mystery, horror, science fiction, and the supernatural into suspenseful, chilling thrillers.
Diagnosed with ASD at the age of 22, JD opens up about his life's journey, reflecting on his diagnosis, professional relationships, marriage, the twists and turns of his incredible writing career, and more. This special episode is released in May, marking his upcoming third book release of 2025. Follow JD on social media and explore his suspense thrillers by visiting www.jdbarker...
2025-05-2141 min
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyMother's Day 2025Celebrate the incredible mothers within the disability community with us in this special episode of Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism Advocacy. Recognizing the diverse forms motherhood can take, we honor the instrumental role mothers have played in shaping policy, developing vital programs, and leading powerful advocacy efforts across the globe for decades. Their courage and initiative inspire us as they fearlessly tackle obstacles and create new possibilities for their loved ones. This episode also reflects on a special milestone: our podcast journey began on Mother's Day 2024, with our first recording. You will hear a piece of that recording...
2025-05-0612 min
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyI Found a Place Where I BelongWe are excited to welcome our first international guest from South Africa. Dr. Emile Gouws. Dr. Emile Gouws is an Autism and International disability activist. He was the former Vice Chairman Autism South Africa. Member of Commonwealth Disability Forum, representing underrepresented groups. He is the current president of the Board of Directors at the Interdisciplinary Council for Development and Learning (ICDL). He is a Postdoc fellow in the Department of Inclusive Education at the University of South Africa (UNISA). AJ and Dr. Gouws conversation dives into his personal story and how self-advocacy provided him with a sense of belonging.
2025-04-2254 min
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyListen to Them; Meet Them Where They're At
Robert Schmus, MSW, LCSW, serves as a mental health professional, as well as an autistic self advocate. In his practice, Robert supports the neurodiverse community, including autistic individuals, using a variety of therapeutic interventions. His experience as a clinical professional on the autism spectrum places him in a unique role. As a self-advocate, Robert has experience educating communities on topics relating to the autistic and neurodiverse communities, such as employment, relationships, mental health, independence, and self advocacy. He has done this through podcast interviews and speaking at conferences. Such examples include being a keynote speaker at the 44th Annual...
2025-03-1838 min
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyI Just Fell in Love with the ScienceThis episode is beyond inspirational! In honor and celebration of Black History Month, we address isolation in the field of ABA, marginalized communities, mentorship, impostor syndrome and more. To learn more about Jeron Trotman, follow him on Linkedin, and visit the BMBA network, follow along for virtual and in-person events, and listen to the Beyond The Science Podcast.
2025-02-1849 min
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyA Desire For LearningJoin AJ & Danielle on a journey of personal & professional growth.
Explore their global adventures, including Romania & India.
Hear about encounters with world leaders & life-changing experiences. We invite you to share this episode with anyone seeking inspiration, interested in international experiences, or curious about personal & professional development.
2025-01-2253 min
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyLittle Did I Know How Special He Would BeAmy Ursitti, cofounder & secretary of Profound Autism Alliance, advocates for individuals with profound autism & ID. Driven by her brother Jack's diagnosis, she leads the Sibling Action Network, empowering siblings to support each other & improve lives. As a rising M1 at Weill Cornell, she aims to enhance the quality of life for those with profound autism as a physician. Outside of medicine, she enjoys running (training for her 4th marathon!) and spending time with loved ones.
2024-12-1837 min
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyBut the Trajectory Changed AgainDr. Stephen Shore, an autistic advocate with decades of experience, shares his inspiring journey. From his childhood to adulthood, he discusses his challenges, triumphs, and the opportunities that arose from his unique perspective. Dr. Shore, a best-selling author and consultant, offers valuable insights into autism, education, career development, and embracing transitions.
2024-11-2046 min
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyRe-Imagining SuccessWe are excited to introduce you to Sam Mitchell, who joins us for Disability Employment Month.
Sam is an entrepreneur, public speaker, and host of the "Autism Rocks and Rolls" podcast. He is a self-described high-functioning autistic individual, uses his platform to celebrate neurodiversity and success on the spectrum.
You can learn more about Sam by visiting www.autismrocksandrolls.com
2024-10-1438 min
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyIf not me, then who?Christina Cairoli is a passionate director, special education teacher, and BCBA, with over 10 years of experience in cultivating and supervising teams, as well as directly overseeing the implementation of services in fast-paced client-centered organizations. Christina is the founder of Splendid Torch Consulting and is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance.
*Please excuse some of the audio quality, we are still learning! Thank you for your support!*
2024-09-2425 min
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyI've been wanting to do this since I was a little girl...We are thrilled to share that our co-host AJ is embarking on a new academic journey! Listen to this special announcement episode brought to you by your hosts AJ & Danielle. Join us to find out how this decision was influenced, and how it will impact AJ's future career and the autism community!
2024-09-0407 min
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyAccess and Adventure: Advocacy in Travel with a Service DogAspen Sage Baxter, a 24-year-old paralyzed in 2021, is a travel-loving role model for the disability community. With her "Guardian Angel" JoJo, she inspires others to live fully, saying "If there's a wheel, there's a way." Follow Aspen's journey on social media as she advocates for Functional Neurological Disorder, Mental Health, Autism, & other disabilities. IG: @accessibility_with_aspen_sage FB: Accessibility with Aspen Sage.
2024-08-2039 min
Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Autism AdvocacyYes, and... Creating Inclusive Communities TogetherJoin us as Katelyn Merold of Playhouse Square, Cleveland, OH shares her inspiring journey, the development of inclusive theater programs, and the importance of community efforts in creating a supportive environment for individuals with disabilities.
Your Career, our Community, connect with Katelyn today! (Katelyn.merold@playhousesquare.org)
2024-07-2252 min