In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, we talk about autism employment, disability entrepreneurship, and family resilience as we sit down with Rhonda Gelstein to hear her powerful story. After her son Tyler finished high school and a trade program, he still could not find a job, even with his advanced degree. Instead of giving up, Rhonda helped Tyler turn his simple chore of returning bottles into Tyler’s Bottle Service, a small business that now serves all of Oakland County and has been running for 12 years.

Rhonda shares the challenges they faced, the wins that kept them going, and the lessons they learned along the way. Their journey is a hopeful example of creativity, hard work, and autism employment done with dignity and purpose.

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Join us on this episode of Let’s Plant Houses when we sit down with Lisa. Lisa talks about Shay, her daughter with complex special needs who passed away and the amazing legacy she has left. Come learn about Shay’s extraordinary life, the remarkable imprint she left on others, and the inspiring work Lisa is now doing in our communities.

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In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, we talk about special needs and higher education as we sit down with Julie, a remarkable parent walking through a unique journey. She shares how her family faced a special needs diagnosis while her son was working toward his college degree. Julie explains the challenges, the learning curve, and the push to make sure her son had the support he needed for a successful college experience.

Her story shows the power of courage, family advocacy, and steady commitment. It is a hopeful look at what is possible when families and schools work together to build an inclusive path through higher education.

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In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, we talk about inclusion, IDD employment, and disability advocacy as we sit down with Kelly Rockwell, a passionate parent and community leader. She shares how her journey with her daughter who has Down syndrome inspired her to use creativity and ingenuity to build a coffee shop that hires people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Kelly explains how this idea grew into a social enterprise that brings real opportunity and dignity to adults with IDD.

Her story shows the power of inclusion, family love, and community support. It is a hopeful look at what can happen when parents and advocates work to build a better future for people with disabilities.

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Join us on this episode of Let’s Plant Houses as we sit down with Star, an amazing parent who shares her deeply personal journey of navigating a special needs diagnosis and the pursuit of finding the right special education environment for her daughter. Through an honest conversation about her daughter’s needs, Star’s advocacy, special education and IEPs, she illuminates the challenges faced, the pivotal moments of discovery, and the transformative power of the right educational placement place for her child.

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Join us on this episode of Let’s Plant Houses as we sit down with Jenni, an extraordinary parent who shares the inspiring story of their autistic son’s employment journey in securing a job. Through candid and uplifting conversation, her family exemplifies the powerful impact of perseverance.

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Join us on this episode of Let’s Plant Houses as we sit down with Tom, a remarkable parent who shares his family’s journey of raising his son with special needs. Listen in as our guest opens up about the strength, resilience, and unwavering love that has shaped their family’s story. He also offers invaluable advice for other parents navigating similar paths.

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In this first episode of Let’s Plant Houses, my husband Bill and I talk about autism, autism parenting, and the mental health crises our daughter Nicola faced. These challenges with meltdowns, crisis care, IDD support, and special needs housing pushed us deep into the healthcare system and the mental health system. We share how we tried to help Nicola while feeling like we were drowning in the stress and confusion of complex care.

We also talk about the hardest crisis we have ever faced with Nicola, who has profound autism and bipolar disorder. Our hope is that our story brings comfort, guidance, and support to anyone caring for a child with complex needs. You are not alone, and there is always a path forward.

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