LIVEfor Empowering Kids

Join us as we talk to a school Occupational Therapist, Diana Amend, as she shares how play is the best thing you can do with your kids to get them ready for 4K and Kindergarten. Worried your 4 or 5 yo is not writing or getting dressed on their own? Is this normal? What can you do to help? Listen in and find out the best ways to help prepare your kids for school in the fall.

This month, we continue to spread stories of inspiration through connection with individuals who have overcome unexpected obstacles and challenges in their lives. Today, we are so lucky to have Megan Hufton join us and share her story.
She is a single mom, parenting 2 boys, aged 9 and 10, with nonverbal autism and hypotonia. Megan is currently in grad school to receive her Autism Specialist Certification. She is an Advocacy Ambassador for the state of WI and Madison Walk Chair, both of which are with the Autism Organization.
I have been so eager to talk with Megan and have her share her story because she truly is an advocate for her children in all areas of life. She demonstrates constant gratitude and chooses kindness even in the toughest of situations. Her ability to support her kids while pushing them to be the very best versions of themselves, and maintain her grace and kindness while doing it as as a working mom and student, makes her such an inspiring role model for so many, including myself.

John Boie is an athlete at the highest level. He is a member of the US Men's National Wheelchair Basketball team and has his eye set on the 2021 Paralympics in Tokyo this August. A native of WI, he grew up on a farm, but when he was involved in a tractor accident at the age of 2 resulting in an incomplete spinal cord injury, it didn’t mean his parents would go easy on him. Join us, as John talks about how he got to where he is today, the obstacles he continues to overcome, and how to not be afraid of failing.

Today, I am talking with Jeff Mason on gaining kids trust in times of uncertainty. Jeff is a father to two wonderful boys, and is a pediatric physical therapist who has been working his dream job at Children’s Minnesota for the last 10 years. His work integrates his love for mental health, working with pediatric cancer patients and a growing interest in hospice care. Over the last 8 years, he has been meeting kids and their families shortly after their initial cancer diagnosis and is working almost exclusively in the pediatric oncology inpatient department. Jeff’s super power is the true connection he makes with kids and their families and finding creative ways to empower kids in challenging times.

Today, I am extremely thankful to be talking to Michelle and Rachelle Skarr. Not only are they long time friends of mine, but they are amazing working mamas to twin toddlers. Michelle is now a Senior Systems Engineer at Centauri and Rachelle is a Satellite Systems Engineer at Boeing. Like most of us, they are learning to transition to working from home while raising their littles and finding a way to make the most of it. Listen in and find your inspiration to taking care of yourself, your kids, your neighbors, and your local businesses. Want even more inspiration? Follow them on Facebook as Michelle Skarr and Rachelle Skarr.

LIVEfor...was created in 2011 by a pediatric physical therapist with a dream to help all kids with a physical disability maximize their potential, regardless of their ability to pay for treatment. This podcast is an extension of that dream where we connect with parents, caregivers, kids, physicians and entrepreneurs who share a vision that no one is limited by any disability, condition or societal pressure. We talk about how physical therapy can be incorporated into any setting, especially the outdoors, but more importantly how movement is vital for development self efficacy.