Month: September 2025

LPHS03E08: Reclaiming Your Space and Your Power: Angela O’Brien’s Story

LPHS03E08: Reclaiming Your Space and Your Power: Angela O’Brien’s Story

How do you know when to trust your gut over everyone else’s advice about your special needs child?

On this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, Angela O’Brien’s story will resonate with every special needs parent who’s ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or told their child “doesn’t belong.” When Casey was born with Down syndrome 21 years ago, Angela had no roadmap and no community. But through connecting with other families and trusting her instincts, she became a trailblazer who literally changed her school district’s policies. Angela fought to get Casey into their neighborhood school when administrators said it was impossible – and won. But her story doesn’t end there.

Years later, Angela made one of the hardest decisions a parent can make: admitting that what she fought so hard for wasn’t working anymore. When Casey developed anxiety in fifth grade, Angela had to set aside her pride and find a different path. Now, with Casey thriving at 21, Angela channels her experiences into helping other families through her organizing business “Your Space Reclaimed” and her podcast “Especially Organized,” both designed specifically for special needs families. This episode is packed with practical advice about advocacy, building community, and knowing when to change course – even when it goes against everything you thought you believed.

LPHS03E07: Finding Peace After the Storm: John Goralski on Co-Parenting His Autistic Son After Divorce

LPHS03E07: Finding Peace After the Storm: John Goralski on Co-Parenting His Autistic Son After Divorce

How do you co-parent your special needs child after divorce?

John Goralski’s son Jack was diagnosed with autism, it didn’t just change their understanding of Jack—it changed everything. The stress of navigating specialists, therapies, and an uncertain future contributed to John and Jack’s mom divorcing when Jack was young. But instead of letting that fracture destroy their family, John discovered something powerful: the difference between calling someone “my ex” and calling them “Jack’s mom.” This simple shift in perspective became the foundation for one of the most beautiful co-parenting stories you’ll ever hear.

In this episode, John shares how he learned to help his nonverbal son process complex emotions, the moment he realized his child was trying to protect his sick mother, and how they became true partners in navigating life together. Now, with Jack at 22 and transitioning out of school, John has written “Parenting in Crisis: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Special Needs Home” to help other families find their way through the darkness. This conversation will give you hope, practical strategies, and remind you that sometimes our biggest challenges become our greatest growth opportunities.

LPHS03E06: From Daily Meltdowns to Calm and Self-Advocacy: Jordan Hendrix Tells Her Family’s Story

LPHS03E06: From Daily Meltdowns to Calm and Self-Advocacy: Jordan Hendrix Tells Her Family’s Story

What would you do if your child was being sent out of the classroom every single day in kindergarten?

On this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, I talk with Jordan Hendrix about her family’s transformative autism journey—what began with daily classroom removals and judgment from others evolved into a powerful story of discovery, advocacy, and hope. From the early signs they missed as new parents to eventually finding the perfect micro school where her 8-year-old son Asher can thrive, Jordan shares it all. She also opens up about her own experience as a neurodivergent adult with ADHD and the sense of relief that came with Asher’s Level 1 autism diagnosis, which opened the door to life-changing resources and therapies.

This episode is packed with practical tips—from ABA and equestrian therapy to surprising tools like chiropractic care. Jordan’s insights on self-advocacy, sensory-friendly spaces, and building community offer real hope and guidance for families navigating autism.