Advocate Like a Mother Podcast
By Advocate Like a Mother™ Podcast
Advocate Like a Mother PodcastApr 07, 2021
Episode 30 - Larkin O'Leary and Harmony Harvell of Common Ground Society
Today on the show we have Larkin O’Leary and Harmony Harvell from the Non Profit, Common Ground Society. They are both former educators and are both raising a child with a disability. We love the work these ladies are doing and we know you will too!
INSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
Episode 29 - Guest Host Amanda Garzon of the Hydrocephalus Association and friends!
Guest host Amanda Garzon, Chief Operations Officer of the Hydrocephalus Association, is joined by Eileen Rodger and Melenie Dailey, mothers of young-adult children living with hydrocephalus. Bringing twenty years of their shared experiences navigating the medical system with their medically complex children, Amanda, Eileen and Melenie share stories and lessons learned on advocating effectively with doctors and in the hospital setting.
CONNECT WITH AMANDA CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
Episode 28 - Down Syndrome and Organ Donation Law with Jayci Dalrymple
Today we have Jayci Dalrymple who is advocating for people with Down Syndrome to be able to receive Organ Transplants. She lives in Montana with her family and on Feb. 8, a bill nicknamed “Griffin’s Law” passed the Montana Senate 50-0. The bill is named for Griffin Dalrymple, whose mom, Jayci, right, campaigned for legislation that would ban physicians from denying an organ transplant based solely on a patient’s disability.
Read More here: https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/push-is-on-for-states-to-ban-organ-transplant-discrimination/article_f481ad1c-6755-5368-a876-73451c4f50df.html
CONNECT WITH JAYCI CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
Episode 27 - IEP Lawyer and Self Advocate Allison Hertog, ESQ
Today on the show we have Allison Hertog, an attorney and former special ed teacher, is passionate about advocating for students with disabilities because she was once one, herself. before becoming a lawyer, she earned a masters degree in special education and taught children with varying special needs. Allison’s experiences as a special needs student and as a teacher make her a highly unique lawyer in the field or special education. She’s won or settled every case she’s filed.
Allison shares about her diagnosis journey, she offers us plenty of advise for navigating assessments whether your child is a part of the public school system or charter homeschool and much more.
Also, California parents can sign up for a free consultation at MakingSchoolWork.com, so check that out.
CONNECT WITH ALLISON CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
Episode 26 - Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and a "Ray-a" Light in the Darkness with Raya Horcher
Today on the show I sit down with Rachel who goes by Raya Horcher. She is a mother of two, a certified holistic resilience coach, and advocate for the rare Elhers-Danlos Syndrome, and her mission is to walk with, educate and provide resources as people journey into and through their vulnerabilities and find their own light and joy to live a life that feels good. You can learn all about her and more at www.rayalife.life
In our conversation we talk about her families rare diagnosis, how she makes herself available as a safe space to process through the dark times and hard seasons, and she reminds us of how life takes place one breath at a time as we navigate the challenges and uncertain when raising a person with a disability.
CONNECT WITH RAYA CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
Episode 25 - Child Abuse Prevention Month with Lindsey Strickland of Worth the Conversation
Lindsey Strickland of Worth the Conversation joins us this month in observation of Child Abuse Awareness month. Lindsey spends her time with us sharing abuse prevention tools and strategies, the type of circumstances we should avoid and be aware of, and the types of questions we should be asking caretakers or organizations when placing our kids in their care.
Lindsey is an adopted mother to her child Ben who has Down Syndrome and raises her family in Washington.
LITTLEST WARRIOR | www.littlestwarrior.comSay it loud with our inclusive Tee’s!
PROMO CODE: ADVOCATE
- CONNECT WITH LINDSEYWORTH THE CONVERSATION WEBSITE
CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
Episode 24 - Getting Cameras in the Classroom with Grammy Nominated Artist, Breggett Rideau
Today we have Breggett Rideau, who is a mom to her son Terrance, grammy nominated vocal Jazz artist, and pioneered legislation in Texas to add cameras to the classroom.
Breggett Rideau had been lobbying the Texas Legislature for several years to require school districts around the state to install and operate video cameras in some special education classrooms if requested by parents, a trustee or a staff member.
Connect with Breggett directly at breggett@yahoo.com. Also, check out the Cameras in Special Needs Classrooms Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/CamerasInSpecialNeedsClassrooms
CONNECT WITH BREGGETT CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
Episode 23 - Advocacy Using Your Body, Noonan Syndrome, and Virtual Community with Elisabeth Parker
Today on the podcast we are joined by mother and advocate, Elisabeth Parker. Elisabeth lives with her family in Portland as a Noonan Syndrome Advocate, she is a yoga instructor, and also the founder of @Move2Advocate that provides Rare Disease Mamas, Advocates and Friends with inspiration, accountability, and empowerment for self-care through all things movement.
CONNECT WITH ELISABETH CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
Episode 22 - Managing Expectations and Business as Advocacy with Ben, Laura, and Jonas Harrison of Jonas Paul Eyewear
Ben and Laura are the founders of Jonas Paul Eyewear and join me for a conversation about raising their son Jonas who was born blind, a result of a rare eye condition called Peters anomaly. We discuss life before and after diagnosis, how community changes with family changes, and they offer some advice if you’re thinking about starting an organization or company in response to your child’s diagnosis. In addition, Jonas himself takes a moment to join us on the show and you don’t want to miss what he has to share with us!
A couple house keeping items, for those of you that have submitted to be guests on the show, hang tight, we are actually still catching up as we’ve received a TON of requests. We will be in contact in the next couple weeks to get you scheduled. IF you are a company or a business who is looking to partner with a podcast to showcase your product or brand, please head over to our website to inquire.
This week's episode is sponsored by Littlest Warrior. Use Promo code: "Advocate" at checkout for a discount! www.littlestwarrior.com
CONNECT WITH BEN & LAURA CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
Episode 21 - Sharing Vulnerability with Guest Hosts Sinead Quinn and Melanie Dimmett
Host of the Finding Happy Podcast, Sinead Quinn and Author of Special, Melanie Dimmett, take over the show today for our Guest Hosted episode this month! They discuss the dynamics of grief, how vulnerability plays a part in the early stages of parenting, and how they continue to find motivation in their ongoing advocacy efforts.
**THIS WEEK'S SPONSOR | MINILAND DOLLS
Children’s toys and products made for a more open, inclusive and diverse world.
CONNECT WITH SINEAD & MELANIE CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
CALL TO ACTION NEEDED with Julie Payne Neward and Marisol Rubio
Today we offer you a special bonus episode that requires your attention. We speak with Julie Payne Neward and Marisol Rubio who have proposed to very important legal resolution for legislative consideration including 1) For increasing Caregiver support and 2) Exposing disability sexual assault history within state and federal funded organizations by means of releases 10 years of secret settlement lawsuit details.
SIGN CAREGIVER RESOLUTION HERE
SIGN SECRET SETTLEMENT TRANSPARENCY RESOLUTION HERE
LEARN MORE or to sign as an elected official or political leader at www.marisolandjulieadvocate.com
Episode 20 - Cerebral Palsy, Shopping Carts, and Pagentry with Nicole La Ha Zwiercan
We’re celebrating Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day this week on March 25th, and we’re so excited to share that occasion this week with Nicole La Ha Zwiercan. Nicole is Mrs. USA Universe 2018, a parent advocate to her daughter with Cerebral Palsy, blogger at Its Simple to Be Kind and more.
In this episode, Ileana De Sosa and Nicole share a conversation about life and mind transition once becoming a parent to a child with Cerebral Palsy, how they celebrate when grocery stores and parks provide proper equipment, and they discuss how every space needs efforts for inclusion and advocacy & much more.
**Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Hertog Education Law at http://www.makeschoolwork.com. Schedule your free consultation if you live in CA. You can also reach out to Allison directly via phone at 213-290-3137**
CONNECT WITH NICOLE CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
Miniland Educational - Dolls and Products made for a more open, inclusive, and diverse world.
Welcome to our first branded content episode, paid for and presented by Miniland Educational.
These episodes are curated and designed by the brand to bring you a conversational experience to hear about their company and products. We invite you to check out what our sponsors are all about, as they keep our show on the airwaves!
Check out Miniland Dolls and their other products at https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/C24D59BB-8CB8-46ED-A7D6-6DD6CA840EC4.
Learn more about sponsoring Advocate Like a Mother Podcast and creating your own branded episode like this one at: www.advocatelikeamother.org/sponsor
Episode 19 - First Woman with Down Syndrome to Run the Austin Half Marathon, Kayleigh Williamson and her mom Sandy
As we approach World Down Syndrome Day at the end of this week (3/21/21), we are joined by the first woman with Down Syndrome to complete the Austin Half Marathon, Kayleigh Williamson and her mother Sandy. Since then, Kayleigh has completed many half marathons and will attempt her first full marathon this year. She is also the author of the children’s book, It’s cool to be me.
In our conversation we discuss her health and life before becoming a running athlete, the people in her life that continue to motivate her toward her goals, and Sandy offers advise for parents supporting and raising their person with Down Syndrome.
**SHOW SPONSORS >>> Allison Hertog, ESQ - Make School Work Schedule your free consultation if you live in CA. You can also reach out to Allison directly via phone at 213-290-3137. http://www.makeschoolwork.com Miniland DollsChildren’s toys and products made for a more open, inclusive and diverse world.
CONNECT WITH KAYLEIGH CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
Episode 18 - Deafness & Raising Teenagers with Cochlear Implants with Author, Valli Gideons.
Today on the show Marine wife and mother, Valli Gideons. Valli Gideons is the author of the children’s book, Now Hear This and writer at MyBattleCall.com and parent to two deaf teenagers. Valli spends her time writing about navigating through the fog of raising kids with cochlear implants and other things from the heart.
We chat about her diagnosis story and experience as a hearing parent to deaf kids, the home dynamics of raising children with cochlear implants, and she offers me (Andy) advise on how to emotional engage language as a parent to a child who is not deaf, but on a lifelong journey to overcoming her speech delay.
**Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Hertog Education Law at http://www.makeschoolwork.com. Schedule your free consultation if you live in CA. You can also reach out to Allison directly via phone at 213-290-3137**
CONNECT WITH VALLI GIDEONS CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
Episode 17 - Self Advocate - Megan DeJarnett
Today we are joined by our friend, Megan DeJarnett. Megan is the founder of No Such Thing, a company with a mission to help others redefine purpose by removing defining labels. As an author, she is currently producing a series of children’s books including No Such Thing as Normal.
Megan was diagnosed at the age of 2 with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). With a tremendous faith in God and the love and support of her family, Megan lives life determined to experience life to the fullest and choose joy over despair.
In addition to being an author, Megan is a speaker, a wife, a mother and was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee.
**Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Hertog Education Law at http://www.makeschoolwork.com. Schedule your free consultation if you live in CA.**
CONNECT WITH MEGAN DEJARNETT CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
Episode 16 - Living and Learning While Raising a Person with Down Syndrome with Guest Host Liz Plachta and Kelle Hampton
We are excited to release our first Guest Hosted Episode! In this episode, our hosts will take a back seat and pass the mic to one of our beloved members of the Down Syndrome community.
On today’s show Liz Plachta, founder of Ruby’s Rainbow, interviews Kelle Hampton, author of New York Time bestseller Bloom: Finding Beauty In the Unexpected and fellow Vice President of Ruby’s Rainbow. They share the touching stories of their experiences on the road together, the transition from surviving as a parent to a child with a disability to advocating in their everyday lives, and they discuss profound simple realities of the small steps they took toward making a difference in their lives, that then effected others in positive and beautiful ways.
Want to become a Guest Host? Sign Up Here
CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
CONNECT WITH LIZ & KELLEEpisode 15 - The Need for Grief and Self Care with Tameka Diaz
Our friend Tameka Diaz spends some time with us on the show sharing about her experiences with grief and how important it is to develop a self care regiment. She goes into detail about a never before shared experience in her own life that stopped her in her tracks before things could have gone terribly wrong. Tameka’s conversation is filled with grace and space for those who've hit rock bottom and need that empathy to cry, scream, and shout out the hurt. And, there’s hope on the other side.
Tameka Diaz is a mother to three girls: Luna, Evely and Skye. At birth Evely was diagnosed with bilateral anophthalmia meaning she was born with no eyes. Evely also has an undiagnosed genetic condition.
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CONNECT WITH TAMEKA CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
PATREON | Patreon.com/advocatelikeamother
Episode 14 - Naturalistic and Relational SLP Therapy with Sarah Dhooge
Today on the show, Sarah Dhooge shares with us about her experience as an SLP and her unique approach to her clients, industry in B.C., and how it effects her day to day life with her 3 boys. Sarah is a paediatric Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in naturalistic developmental interventions to help support the communication development of children with speech and language delays. Currently living in the Okanagan Valley with her Craft Beer enthusiast husband, Sarah is a mother to three {wild} boys and a retired-therapy dog named Bear.
CONNECT WITH SARAH DHOOGE CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
PATREON | Patreon.com/advocatelikeamother
Episode 13 - Beyond Kindness and Inclusive Storytelling with Amy Webb
Amy Webb joins the podcast today and spends some time sharing her journey toward speaking up for inclusion for her daughter "Lamp" (Not her real name) who was born with a condition called microgastria and limb reduction complex. In addition, we revisit some blog content she previously wrote as a way to look at what's changed in her life and how we can observe that as a mirror to see our own prejudice and we talk about the practice of anti-ableism by looking at the work accomplished in advocating against racism.
CONNECT WITH OUR SHOWINSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
CONNECT WITH AMY WEBBEpisode 12 - The Dancing Dad, Positive Parenting, and Keeping it Real with Kenny Clutch
Kenny Clutch joins us on the podcast today to discuss his story as “The Dancing Dad”, thoughts on positive parenting, and he keeps it real sharing with us a bit about his life before his positive reformation and what keeps him inspired.
INSTAGRAM | @advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | @advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
We're Back! - Welcome to the Advocate Like a Mother Podcast™
After a hiatus the show is back and will official return in 2021. Enjoy this trailer episode where we share about some format changes and our new team members! Also head over to Instagram today for a special giveaway, head over to the website and sign up to be a guest or even be a guest co-host on the show!
S01 Episode 11 - Season Finale LIVE Show with Ileana Sosa and Kendall Renee
This has been such an incredible first season, and as I mentioned early on in this journey I really never imagined doing a podcast, but felt so deeply called to share my story and journey with you all. It has been so encouraging to see you support the show and own your advocacy.
Sign up for the email list on the website for news on season 2 and other updates from us along the way. Again, thank you to so many of you that made this show happen. This season's co-host Ashley and entire The Montano family, my husband Eric and my kids for being so supportive, all of our sponsors; The Glory Days, Speech Blubs, Delivering Fancy, and Functional Formulas. And of course, our producer, editor and engineer, Andy Lara with www.andylikeswords.com for making all of the technical things happen.
See you all next time!
- Michelle Sullivan
www.advocatelikeamother.org
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This week's Sponsor is brought to you by Speech Blubs!
SPEECH BLUBS WEBSITE : speechblubs.com
Download the App Here: itunes.apple.com/us/app/speech-blubs-language-therapy/id1239522573?mt=8
S01 Episode 10 - Changing the Face of Beauty with Katie Driscoll
Katie has 6 kids - she had 5 boys and then her daughter Grace came along. Grace has a magical extra chromosome and Grace is also the inspiration behind Changing The Face of Beauty.
Katie shares with us how she stared this amazing organization from the ground up. Katie continues to advocate for change in advertising because 1 out 5 people has a disability, but that number is not represented in ads/media.
Let’s help change that! If you see a company including people of all abilities in their ads, will you let them know you notice and that you appreciate it? If you are a talent agency, please hire people of all abilities so everyone is represented.
S01 Episode 9 Pt. 2- Abuse in the Disability Community with Natalie Weaver
On today's episode we sat down with Natalie Weaver. Natalie's daughter Sophia has a facial difference and has endured an unspeakable amount of hate online. Natalie has even received death threats.
Natalie shares with us how she used to hide at home with Sophia and what happened in her life that turned her into the advocate she is today.
Natalie is a powerhouse advocate and does not back down. She stood up to Twitter along with an army behind her and was able to get them to include disability in their abuse reporting tool, in response to the many hateful and violent comments she has gotten when she posts photos of Sophia.
She is now standing up to Instagram. Natalie said that the abuse she and Sophia has received on Instagram is 3x what she has received on Facebook and Twitter combined. And she's only been on Instagram less than a year. When she reported a comment that said "drown her," Instagram responded that the comment doesn't violate community guidelines.
Will you stand with Natalie? Let's join her in this fight. Follow her on Instagram @nataliecweaver and tag @instagram along with @zuck and @mosseri and ask them to include disabilities in their abuse reporting tool until they can't ignore us any longer.
To any parent who's child has experienced abuse, you are not alone. We are here to help encourage you, and to help find your community.
Michelle
CONNECT WITH OUR SHOW
INSTAGRAM | www.instagram.com/advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | www.twitter.com/advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
PATREON | www.patreon.com/advocatelikeamother
S01 - Episode 8 - Abuse in the Disability Community Pt. 1 with Casey Murphy
S01 Episode 7 - Feeding Therapy Pt. 2 with Jamie Keller of Tiny Mouth
Today’s episode is part two of a two part series all about feeding.
On today’s episode I sat down with my friend Jamie Keller who is a speech and feeding therapist. Jamie shares with us all of her wisdom about what could be causing feeding issues in kids. We discussed nutrition, sensory issues, the social part of eating, talk tools, and what to look for in a feeding therapist, plus tips and tricks for feeding.
CONNECT WITH OUR SHOW
www.instagram.com/advocatelikeamother
twitter.com/advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
PATREON | www.patreon.com/advocatelikeamother
S01 Episode 6 - Feeding Therapy with Singer Songwriter Kendall Renee
Today’s episode is part one of a two part series all about feeding.
On this episode I sat down with recording artist Kendall Renee and her mom Kim Hollinger.
Kendall has had a feeding tube since the age of four. We got Kim’s perspective as her mom and we got Kendall’s perspective on growing up with a feeding tube and feeling different. Kendall explains how her feeding tube became a source of strength for her and how it inspired her song “Original” which she performs for us.
To any parent struggling with any diagnosis, you are not alone. We are here to help encourage you, and to help find your community.
Watch her performance of "Original" on the podcast here: youtu.be/ScpdSi0eG6Y
Michelle
CONNECT WITH OUR SHOW
INSTAGRAM | www.instagram.com/advocatelikeamother
TWITTER | www.twitter.com/advocatelikeamom
EMAIL | Hello@advocatelikeamother.org
PATREON | www.patreon.com/advocatelikeamother
S01 Episode 5 - Diagnosis with Jen Jacob of DSDN
S01 Episode 4 - Inclusive Playgrounds with Rebecca Kuntz
S01 Episode 3 - Preparing you IEP with Child Advocate Sandi Ames | Pt. 2
S01 Episode 2 - IEPs with Child Advocate Sandi Ames | Pt. 1
S01 Episode 1 - American Sign Language with Rachel Coleman of Signing Time
0 - Welcome to the Advocate Like a Mother™ Podcast
In the meantime, sign up for our email list at www.advocatelikeamother.org to get notified when the show launches!
Also, please subscribe on iTunes or Google Play and leave us a review!
Thanks!
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Advocate Like a Mother™ Podcast Trailer
This fall, get excited for our official launch of the show with Michelle Sullivan, owner and CEO of Littlest Warrior and her co-host, Ashley Montano.
We are excited to host stories, education, and in formation around all things advocacy related to people with special needs, disabilities, or different abilities, whichever you prefer. Michelle and Ashley are passionate about helping mothers and parents learn how to find their voice in a social space filled with opposition and inequality.
Join us this fall, and subscribe today!
www.advocatelikeamother.org
instagram.com/advocatelikeamother
Production by Portable Podcast with Andy Lara
www.andylikeswords.com