LPH16: Kim Cascardo Shares Enzo’s Rare Medical Journey

LPH16: Kim Cascardo Shares Enzo’s Rare Medical Journey

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 …

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

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

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 …

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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

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 …

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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

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 …

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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

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 …

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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

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 …

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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

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 …

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

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

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 …

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LPH08: Rhonda Gelstein and the Story Behind Tyler’s Bottle Service, disability entrepreneurship, and IDD

LPH08: Rhonda Gelstein and the Story Behind Tyler’s Bottle Service, disability entrepreneurship, and IDD

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 …

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LPH07: Lisa’s Story About Her Daughter’s Extraordinary Life and Legacy

LPH07: Lisa’s Story About Her Daughter’s Extraordinary Life and Legacy

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 …

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