Category: Uncategorized

LPH18: Christa Andrews Makes Travel and Dream Trips Possible for Special Needs Families

LPH18: Christa Andrews Makes Travel and Dream Trips Possible for Special Needs Families

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In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about autism friendly travel, special needs vacation planning, and Disney trips as I sit down with Christa Andrews from Practically Perfect Vacations. Christa is a Certified Autism Travel Professional and a specialist in Disney and Universal resorts. She explains how she helps families plan the vacations they dream about, even when special needs make travel feel out of reach.

Christa shares how her training helps her support individuals on the autism spectrum so they can enjoy a magical, low stress vacation. Tune in to learn how your next family getaway can be easier, more enjoyable, and possible for everyone.

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LPH17: Mireya Martinez Creates a Place of Belonging for Young Adults With Disabilities

LPH17: Mireya Martinez Creates a Place of Belonging for Young Adults With Disabilities

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In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about autism support, special needs community building, and family advocacy as I sit down with Mireya Martinez, a single mother raising two children, including her daughter Bianca who has autism. Mireya shares how she turned her love and dedication into a mission to help others. Her nonprofit, Just 4 Me, was created to make sure no young adult with special needs or disabilities is left behind.

Mireya explains how she built a space where friendships can grow, social skills can improve, and every person can feel like they belong. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about creating community, finding purpose, and supporting young adults with special needs through connection and care.

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LPH16: Kim Cascardo Shares Enzo’s Rare Medical Journey

LPH16: Kim Cascardo Shares Enzo’s Rare Medical Journey

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In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about special needs parenting, medical challenges in children, and family support as Kim Cascardo shares her son Enzo’s story. Enzo has faced serious health issues since infancy, and although he does not have a formal diagnosis, his symptoms are similar to Leigh Syndrome. Kim explains how their family has learned to face each new challenge with courage, love, and steady support for Enzo’s ongoing medical needs.

Kim shares the wisdom she has gained along the way and the strength that holds their family together. Tune in for a powerful conversation about hope, resilience, and caring for a child with complex health needs.

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LPH15: David Buckley Shares His Family’s Down Syndrome Journey

LPH15: David Buckley Shares His Family’s Down Syndrome Journey

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In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about Down syndrome support, family advocacy, and community inclusion as David Buckley joins us to share his family’s story. David opens up about his son Jack’s Down syndrome diagnosis and the new world it brought into their lives. He explains how their family learned, grew, and found strong support through groups like the Miracle League, Gigi’s Playhouse, and Angel’s Place.

David reflects on how their mission to build a good life for Jack has also helped many others in the disability community. Join us for the last episode of the season as we hear their inspiring journey and the impact these organizations have had on their family.

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LPH14: Joel and Debbie Pearlman Simplify Caregiving and Special Needs Planning with the Dani Plan

LPH14: Joel and Debbie Pearlman Simplify Caregiving and Special Needs Planning with the Dani Plan

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In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about special needs planning, autism support, and caregiver tools as we sit down with Joel and Debbie Pearlman, the creators of the Dani Plan. Their idea grew from the needs of their eldest daughter, Dani, who has autism. The Dani Plan gives families a secure and organized way to store all the important information needed to care for a loved one with special needs, making daily caregiving and long term planning easier.

Joel and Debbie share their family’s journey, the challenges they faced, and why they felt called to build a tool that brings peace of mind to other families. Tune in to hear their mission to simplify caregiving and help parents plan for the future with confidence.

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LPH13: Rachelle Vartanian, a Visionary Building Community Inclusion for People With Disabilities

LPH13: Rachelle Vartanian, a Visionary Building Community Inclusion for People With Disabilities

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In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, we talk about autism support, autism resources, disability services, and community inclusion as I sit down with Rachelle Vartanian, the founder of the Living and Learning Center in Northville, Michigan. Rachelle shares how her journey began when her son received an autism diagnosis and she saw the lack of strong autism programs and family support. Using her training in special education and her passion for helping people with disabilities, she worked to create new options for her son and for many families in need of meaningful services.

She explains how small social skills sessions at a public library grew into the Living and Learning Center, a unique space offering therapy, social programs, work based learning, and community engagement for people with disabilities. Tune in to hear Rachelle’s inspiring story, her focus on autism employment and life skills, and her vision for the future.

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LPH12: Janice Fialka and her son Micah, Trailblazers Changing the world For Disabilities

LPH12: Janice Fialka and her son Micah, Trailblazers Changing the world For Disabilities

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In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, we talk about disability advocacy, full inclusion, and family support as I sit down with Janice Fialka, a nationally recognized lecturer and author. Janice shares her family’s origin story and the early dreams of her son Micah, who was born with a cognitive impairment. She explains how Micah followed a pioneering path toward complete inclusion through school, college, work, and community life.

Janice reflects on the challenges they faced, the breakthroughs they celebrated, and the deep impact Micah’s journey has had on the disability community. Their story shows the power of strong advocacy, high expectations, and believing in every person’s right to belong.

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LPH11: Benji and Sarah, inspired by Ellah, are shining a light on CSS and ACC

LPH11: Benji and Sarah, inspired by Ellah, are shining a light on CSS and ACC

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Join me on Let’s Plant Houses for a heartfelt conversation with Benji and Sarah as they reflect on their family’s extraordinary journey with their daughter, Ellah. Born with Coffin-Siris Syndrome (CSS) as well as a rare defect, Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC), Ellah faces unique health and developmental hurdles. Yet her resilience and push to be understood has created remarkable communication breakthroughs. Benji and Sarah delve into this story and more as well as their own incredible advocacy that has brought awareness of this rare condition to our local communities and beyond.

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LPH10: What’s available in our local community for families with IDD? A resource roundup with Wendy Ernzen

LPH10: What’s available in our local community for families with IDD? A resource roundup with Wendy Ernzen

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We covered a lot of ground with the first nine episodes of Let’s Plant Houses. On this 10th episode, I am a sharing a Top 10 List of resources mentioned in our stories in just 15 minutes. This episode is perfect for parents, caregivers, and professionals who are looking to learn about what’s available in our local area and why they might want to reach out to learn more.

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LPH09: Tracie Kelly’s story about autism, ingenuity, and soap

LPH09: Tracie Kelly’s story about autism, ingenuity, and soap

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Join us on Let’s Plant Houses when I sit down with Tracie Kelly, a savvy and resourceful mother and entrepreneur. Tracie discusses pivotal moments including her son’s diagnosis of autism to the creation of his thriving business Expedition Soaps, the completion of his college degree, his well traveled passport, and his future just beginning. In turn, Tracie has used her own lived experience to launch the IEP Advantage, a groundbreaking resource that equips parents with the knowledge and confidence to advocate effectively for their children and special education needs.

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