Navigating Adulthood and IDD

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 In this episode, I interview Jen and Jocelyn from The Wayfaring Band! The Wayfaring Band offers road trips, far-flung adventures, and a fellowship program for emerging social leaders for adults with disabilities. We dive into the services The Wayfaring Band provides as well as the inclusive, supportive community it has built.

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 In this episode, the supervision mini-series comes to an end with an interview with Jen Hicks, where we discuss supervision further as well as self-care for professionals.

"Jennifer Hicks, MMT, MT-BC, E-RYT (she/her/hers) is a board-certified music therapist, a licensed  music educator, an experienced registered yoga teacher, and the owner of Joyful Noises LLC.  Jennifer specializes in working with groups of adults with mental health and substance use disorders and in mentoring music therapy students and professionals through her MT Mentor membership  group and podcast. Her vision is to create courageous communities that encourage cultural humility,  lifelong learning, gratitude, and living in the AND* to inspire joy and wholistic wellness. Her  mission is to use her foundation of music therapy and mindfulness-based principles to: • Inspire and empower students, professionals, and clients to experience and create joy in their  lives through living in the AND* and through prioritizing wholistic wellness, • Create courageous communities built on cultural humility, where ALL are welcomed and  encouraged to grow and where cultural intersectionalities are explored and honored, and • Support the music therapy community as we seek to move our profession forward through  guest lectures, presentations, supervision, and service. More on website!

Resources and links from this episode:

What a year! I had amazing guests come on the podcast and share their experience, expertise, and resources. Three main themes appeared: creativity, accessibility, and supervision. What was your favorite episode of 2021? *Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23

Links (previous episodes):

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 In this episode, I interview Kate Shannon, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, and Board Certified Music Therapist, of Creative Therapy Umbrella in Part 2 of the supervision series. Kate shares her experience in supervision and as a supervisor and gives advices to both those seeking and those providing supervision.

Links from the episode:

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 In this solo episode, I discuss my experiences with supervision as well as how a lack of supervision led to burnout early in my career. I further explore supervision accessibility for new professionals and offer a couple of ideas of how to find accessible supervision. Lots of resources below!

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In this solo episode, I discuss 5 tips for working with adults with IDD in-person in groups. I also highlight different employment clips from previous episodes to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

Links from this episode:

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 In this episode I interview yoga therapist, Christine Devereaux, again! We discuss our new ebook "Music + Mudras" and what mudras are. Christine discusses further more how mudras have positively impacted her adults students with disabilities' lives.

Links from this episode:

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 In this episode, I interview Joanna Holden, the co-founder of Primitive Reflex Integration Plus, all about her work and primitive reflexes. We cover what they are, what they look like, how to treat them, and how they impact children and adults. Lots of great resources are in this episode!

Links from the episode:

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 In this minisode, I discuss the Olympic options for disabled athletes and a little bit of the history of the Paralympics. I also discuss how the Olympics tend to get more coverage and viewership than the Paralympics and how we can bring the same energy to the Paralympics that we do to the Olympics to celebrate disabled athletes. The Paralympics start on August 24th!

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*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 Who doesn't like to travel? The Traveling Gnomes is an organization that takes neurodiverse travelers on accessible adventures, creating a model of community and inclusion. I got to sit down with the CEO, Jenna, and the outreach ambassador, LK to learn all about the fun trips that they have gotten to experience and plan with the Traveling Gnomes.

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Check out my first solo episode! I dive into my review of the documentary Crip Camp, which I very much enjoyed, and then go into accessibility online, in our communities, and at the Oscars. 

I also go over the June Music Therapy Session Plan Outline.

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 Links:

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 Listen to this conversation between me and board-certified music therapist, Amanda Brigham. In this episode, we discuss the concept of design thinking and how we can apply it to our work as clinicians. There are so many great takeaways in how we can do creative problem solving in our work and life.

Message from our sponsor Creative Remedies, LLC:

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 In this episode, I talk with Alyssa Stone, a music therapist and owner of Dynamic Lynks. We discuss the use of neuroaffirming techniques in Dynamic Lynk's practice as well as staff education in day program settings and using and coaching how to use prompts with intention. 

Message from our sponsor Dynamic Lynks:

"Dynamic Lynks is excited to announce the launch of their Dynamic Community, a monthly subscription for neuro affirming and inclusive therapy strategies delivered to your inbox every month! The Dynamic Community is open to clinical professionals, teachers, parents and anyone who supports someone who identifies as neurodiverse. Make session and lesson planning a cinch with adaptable interventions for all ages, areas of need and a variety of clinical populations.

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 In this interview, I speak with Danny Combs, the founder and CEO of TACT, which stands for "Teaching the Autism Community Trades." We discuss TACT's work in the community, their programs, and their approach of focusing on strengths and nurturing careers. Also, Happy Autism Acceptance Month! Check out more about TACT below and consider donating to them to further support their programs. 

Message from our sponsor:

"Dynamic Lynks is excited to announce the launch of their Dynamic Community, a monthly subscription for neuro affirming and inclusive therapy strategies delivered to your inbox every month! The Dynamic Community is open to clinical professionals, teachers, parents and anyone who supports someone who identifies as neurodiverse. Make session and lesson planning a cinch with adaptable interventions for all ages, areas of need and a variety of clinical populations.

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 In this episode, I interview Gabby Banzon, MA, LPMT, MT-BC, a music therapist in Atlanta, GA who provides services to adults with IDD and TBI in a residential community. We discuss her work on campus during the pandemic, the use of technology in sessions that is not necessarily telehealth, and all of the amazing projects and resources that Gabby creates and shares. (Check out the links below!)

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 In this interview, I talk with Kathleen Martins, a yoga instructor and mental health specialist about yoga, mental health, and mindfulness. Check out her bio below! We emphasize in this interview how all bodies are different, and Kathleen discusses her work in adapting yoga for adults with disabilities. At the end there is grounding exercise at end that can be adapted for an individual's need and what is best for their body! 

"My name is Kathleen Martins and I am the face behind Beyond Mental Space. I have a Masters in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and am a 200hr RYT and accessible yoga certified. I am passionate about supporting individuals in living fulfilling lives. I specialize in sensory/ motor disorders and mental health services and enjoy finding ways for individuals to complete daily living tasks despite challenges they may face. Yoga and self-care have become a huge part of my life throughout the years, and I have seen how meaningful it has been to bring this into my workspace. My goal is to help others continue to learn about themselves and their bodies to help them live to their fullest potential possible. I have worked with a variety of individuals including children and adults with Intellectual and/ or Developmental Disabilities and continue to expand my knowledge in the community. I also support caregivers, professionals, parents, or anyone seeking knowledge and support of the mind and body. When I see someone, I do not see them for their limitations but for their abilities. Everyone's mental health is important."

-Kathleen's email: kathleen@beyondmentalspace.com

In this episode, I recap and feature all of the interviews of 2020 and highlight five themes that occurred: Resources, Employment, Strengths, Neurodiversity, Experts/Person-Centered Therapy. A great episode for someone interested in the podcast, getting a little bit from each episode! Special thanks to every guest who has been on! Find their information below and make sure to check out their episodes and show notes for more information.

I also discuss a new Winter online session plan outline for adults with IDD. *Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23

Show notes:

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 In this episode, I have a discussion with Anastasia Canfield, MM, MT-BC, NLC, a board certified music therapist in Denver, CO. We discuss disability culture as well as identity, accessibility, and using cultural humility in music therapy practice. 

Check out Anastasia here:

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 In this episode, I interviewed Lauren Burgess and Robby Chaney from Dirt Coffee Bar, a non-profit in Littleton, Colorado that makes quality crafted coffee, food & drink while employing & empowering individuals with autism. Our conversation includes the journey of Dirt Coffee and their experience and community there as well as how they have pivoted during the pandemic. There are also takeaways for employers who are interested in making their employment more inclusive! 

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*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 In this episode, Jessica and I discuss an essay she wrote for the Neurodiversity Reader including topics such as neuroqueering, neurodiversity, neuroqueering in music therapy, and radical individualized client-centered work.

"Jessica Leza is a board certified music therapist originally from Houston, Texas, USA. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from the University of North Texas and a Master of Arts in Music Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Jessica completed a music therapy internship at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ and has received additional training in Neurological Music Therapy (NMT). Jessica provides music therapy for developmentally disabled students in north Texas public schools, addressing the skills described on their IEPs through singing, instrument playing, movement to music, and familiar songs played on guitar. In addition to her work in music therapy, Jessica enjoys canoeing, spending time with her spouse, and pursuing special interests such as ducks, permaculture, or the visual arts."

Links and Resources from this episode 🤯:

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 In this episode, I speak with another board certified music therapist, Hannah Gallagher, about her work with adults with disabilities, how she has creatively pivoted to provide virtual and phone call sessions to clients, and her position as a person centered planning coordinator where goals are developed from this person centered approach that takes into consideration what the clients want. 

"Hannah Gallagher is a board certified music therapist residing in Daly City, California. She is currently employed as the music therapist and person centered planning coordinator at AbilityPath, a nonprofit organization that provides services for children through adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  She received her master's degree in music therapy from the University of Iowa in 2017, moved out to the Bay Area for her music therapy internship, and has remained there since. Hannah's music therapy experience has been primarily focused around serving adults with IDD and she has a passion for educating others on the importance of person-centered planning and person-centered goals for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities."

Contact Hannah at hannah.gallagher08@gmail.com

I also discuss a new Fall online session plan outline for adults with IDD. *Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23

In this episode, I am joined by my fiancé, Josh, leading to a more casual episode. I quiz Josh on questions about IDD, which leads to more discussion and relevant questions. *Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23

Links from this episode:

Check out this conversation with Brent and Jenny Anderson of Celebrate EDU. Brent is also the creator of the Unintentional Humor series, a business he has owned for 10 years. In our conversation, we discuss employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including how entrepreneurship is an option for individuals with disabilities and can allow them to follow their passions. We also discuss how the community can work to continue to provide more, inclusive opportunities. I end the episode going over the July music therapy session plan. *Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23

Links from this episode: 

In this episode I speak with Olivia McGuire of Starting from Scratch about her cooking services, community, strengths of individuals with idd, and inclusion: "Olivia is the Executive Director/Founder of Starting from Scratch, currently located in the surrounding Denver/Metro area. Starting from Scratch empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to discover their untapped talent and passion by developing independent living and workplace readiness skills modeled through cooking. Olivia is a strong advocate for inclusion.

With several years' experience as a Significant Support Needs Program Teacher, Career Advocate and Job Coach, she began Starting from Scratch in 2019 to support inclusion on a wider scale. Her passion and expertise showcase individualization and encompasses the outcome of Independence at Your Best. Olivia believes in fostering a community where individuals talents and capabilities are valued and celebrated.

She received her undergraduate degree in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado- Greeley and her Master's in Special Education with a concentration in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education from Colorado University- Denver. Olivia has served in numerous volunteer roles throughout the Colorado communities, including the Foundation Fighting Blindness and Best Buddies. In 2015, she volunteered her time to teach Information and Communication Technology to over 600 learners and 40 staff in Namibia, Africa.

In her spare time, and as a Colorado native, Olivia loves to hike, snowboard, camp and travel with her husband, family and friends.

Olivia's favorite quote: "Diversity is a reality, Inclusion is a choice" - Stephen Frost"

*Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23 Links from this episode:

This episode includes an interview with Christine Devereaux: "Christine Devereaux is a mom of a tiny, sassy toddler and founder of Spectrum Yoga. She has worked with kids and adults with various needs since 2007 as a Recreation Therapist in both community and clinical settings, specializing in individualized wellness and independence. She is also an Advanced Teacher of Therapeutic Yoga and receiving training in yoga therapy through the Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga Therapy. With more than 13 years experience in implementing adaptive, goal-based services including life skills, cooking, fitness/sports, and yoga/mindfulness she considers herself a “forever student,” more than a “teacher” and loves connecting with and building community with fellow yoga teachers, therapists, and parents in order to empower everyone we work with through the practices of yoga therapy and related fields."

Hear us discuss Christine's work, differences between working with adults and children, the difficulties the pandemic presents for our adult clients and how to support them, and the lack of resources for working with adults with disabilities across fields, a discussion we feel needs to happen more in our fields, as well as discussion on possible solutions. The episode ends going over a music therapy session plan for adults with idd. *Patreon is no longer available as of 11/1/23

Resources from Christine:

Hello new listeners! I promise my audio gets better after the first couple of episodes. This first one is near and dear to my heart as I interview my older sister, Sarah, an adult with autism! Sarah shares her perspective of being an adult with autism, including advice for working with people with autism, by expressing what she would want people to know if they are working with her. We also discuss her art, supports for adults with disabilities, the topic of age appropriate music, how autism is a spectrum, and, of course, Frozen II. Can you catch the Frozen II joke in the episode? 

Meet your host Bonnie Houpt, MT-BC as she explains her idea for this podcast and what to expect in the future.