Month: July 2026

LPH63: Nancy Burrows on Music, Autism, and Connection

LPH63: Nancy Burrows on Music, Autism, and Connection

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What if the path to connecting with your child runs through a song instead of a script?

Nancy Burrows joins Let’s Plant Houses to share her family’s journey raising her son James, who received an autism diagnosis at two and a half. A former Nickelodeon writer and producer, Nancy discovered that music and early intervention were the keys that unlocked engagement, learning, and joy in their home. She talks openly about advocacy, wait lists, the well-meaning advice that did not sit right, and the slow shift from chasing “normal” to celebrating who James actually is.

This conversation moves through grief, ingenuity, and the quiet victories that come from leading with a child’s strengths. Nancy also shares what life looks like now that James is a young adult living independently, and offers honest advice for parents and caregivers just starting this path.

More about the show…
Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/
Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com.
Thank you for leaving a review and rating for the show today!

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LPH62: Jennifer VanSkiver on Helping Her Daughter Shine

LPH62: Jennifer VanSkiver on Helping Her Daughter Shine

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What happens when a child finds a community that truly believes in them?

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, Jennifer VanSkiver shares her family’s journey raising her daughter CJ, who has an intellectual disability. Jen talks about early therapy appointments, navigating school systems, building friendships, and learning to trust her instincts as a mom. She also shares how programs like Special Olympics opened doors to confidence, connection, work, and independence.

From a packed gym cheering for CJ during her first basketball game to seeing her thrive in a career she loves, this episode is about trusting the journey, building support that truly works, and never underestimating what is possible.

More about the show…
Learn more about the Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org/
Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen.
Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/
Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com.
Thank you for leaving a review and rating for LPH today!

 

 

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LPH61: Liz Fiordalisi on Unlocking Her Son’s Hidden Voice

LPH61: Liz Fiordalisi on Unlocking Her Son’s Hidden Voice

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What if your child understood far more than the world ever realized?

Autism, non-speaking communication, spelling to communicate, apraxia, and caregiving are all part of this powerful conversation with Liz Fiordalisi. Liz shares the story of raising triplets, navigating a high-risk pregnancy, and watching her son Christopher slowly lose spoken language after meeting early developmental milestones. For years, their family searched for ways to better understand him while balancing therapies, school supports, and everyday life.

Everything changed when Christopher began using Spelling to Communicate recently. Through letter boards, he started sharing thoughts, memories, humor, and insight that had been hidden beneath the challenges of autism and apraxia. Liz’s story is a powerful reminder to never give up, to always presume competence, and that every person deserves the chance to be understood.

More about the show…
Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/
Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com.
Thank you for leaving a review and rating for the show today!

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LPH60: Bill Cushing Never Accepted “No” for Gabriel

LPH60: Bill Cushing Never Accepted “No” for Gabriel

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What does it take to raise a child with multiple rare genetic conditions while fighting systems that constantly underestimate what your child needs?

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, Bill Cushing shares his family’s journey raising his son Gabriel, who was born with rare genetic disorders, developmental disabilities, strokes before birth, and physical challenges that required years of therapy and support. This conversation explores disability parenting, caregiving, medical advocacy, accessibility, and life after aging out of the school system. Bill opens up about adapting their home, navigating insurance battles, planning for Gabriel’s future, and learning how to push back when systems say no.

But this story is also about joy, resilience, and seeing the whole person beyond a diagnosis. Bill shares Gabriel’s love of music, art museums, the symphony, and volunteering in the community. It’s a powerful reminder that caregiving requires creativity, persistence, and a willingness to keep showing up, even when the path forward is uncertain.

More about the show…
Find Bill Cushing’s book of poems, A Former Life: https://finishinglinepress.com/product/a-former-life-by-bill-cushing/
Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen.
Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/
Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com.
Thank you for leaving a review and rating for the show today!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More