Complex Kids, Simple Solutions

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In this conversation, Michelle sits down with Maxwell Ivey—better known online as The Blind Blogger—to explore what true adaptability looks like when you’re navigating life without sight and without excuses.

Max shares:

• Growing up on a Texas carnival lot and how makeshift kick-ball rules, “find-the-positive” scavenger hunts, and a family ethos of just get open laid the foundation for a can-do mindset.
• The surprising DNA test that upended his original diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa and revealed Bardet–Biedl Syndrome—and why the label ultimately matters less than his outlook.
• Practical hacks for cultivating optimism (think “find the TV remote” but for daily wins) and why packing a positive attitude is the first thing he does before boarding any flight.
• The quote every parent of a complex kid needs to tape on the fridge:
• “When you refuse to ask, you rob the other person of the joy they would have received from helping you.”
• Lessons from decades of teaching companies (and podcasters!) to build accessibility in from the start—and how that same mindset can help moms design environments that truly fit their kids.

Whether you’re wrestling with a new diagnosis, battling “label fatigue,” or just need a shot of courage to ask for support, Max’s humor and hard-won wisdom will remind you that everyone’s blind about something—he just carries the white cane.

👤 About Maxwell Ivey

A serial entrepreneur, speaker, and award-winning accessibility advocate, Max has been demystifying digital inclusion since hand-coding his first website in 2007. He writes on accessibility for AudioEye, PHP Architect, and the USA TODAY network, and serves as Accessibility Advisor to PodMatch.

🔗 Connect with Max

Website & booking: theblindblogger.net
Twitter / X: @theblindblogger

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In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, host Michelle Choairy sits down with Barbara Ann Mojica—historian, retired special-education administrator, and award-winning creator of the Little Miss History® children’s book series—for a lively discussion on why history (and curiosity!) matter for every learner, especially kids with complex needs.

Drawing on 40+ years as a teacher, special-education principal, and district administrator, Barbara shares:

• How multisensory, theme-based lessons help diverse brains retain information and build real-world skills
• Simple ways parents can weave “Who? What? When? Where? Why?” questions into car rides, doctor visits, and everyday play
• Why critical-thinking habits start in preschool—and what happens when schools drop cursive, social studies, or science in favor of test prep
• Tips for adapting any curriculum at home (or in an IEP meeting) so a child’s strengths lead the way
• The origin story of Little Miss History—and how an adventurous cartoon guide turns museums, monuments, and national parks into interactive learning adventures

Whether you’re homeschooling, navigating an IEP, or just looking for fresh ways to spark your child’s curiosity, Barbara’s practical wisdom will help you mentor kids to be kind, compassionate, and endlessly inquisitive.

👤 About the Guest

Barbara Ann Mojica is a retired educator whose career spans more than four decades as a classroom teacher, special-education specialist, principal, and school-district administrator. A lifelong historian, she now writes the award-winning Little Miss History® picture-book series, using a whimsical cartoon alter-ego to make learning about people, places, and events a fun-filled adventure. Barbara’s mission: equip families and teachers with tools that “inspire, entertain, and educate”—because, as she says, “If you don’t know your history, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

🔗 Connect with Barbara Ann Mojica

• Website & blog: https://www.LittleMissHistory.com
• YouTube mini-lessons: Little Miss History Channel
• Pinterest resource boards: Little Miss History
• Email: [email protected]

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In Episode 14 of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, host Michelle Choairy is joined by Dr. Betsy Holmberg—clinical psychologist and author of Unkind Mind—for an eye-opening conversation on what’s really going on inside our heads when we feel overwhelmed, self-critical, or stuck in the spiral of “I’m a bad mom.”

Betsy introduces us to the Default Mode Network (DMN)—the part of the brain responsible for all that internal chatter—and shares groundbreaking tools to help parents stop believing the lies their brains tell them. From late-night guilt to comparison traps, Betsy breaks down the neuroscience behind our thoughts and offers compassionate, research-backed ways to reclaim peace.

Together, Michelle and Betsy discuss why parenting complex or neurodivergent kids activates our deepest self-doubt, how community can rewire our brain’s harshest narratives, and how moms can start to shift from shame to self-trust—without needing to fix everything first.

👤 About the Guest
Dr. Betsy Holmberg is a psychologist and researcher specializing in neuroplasticity and the Default Mode Network. A graduate of Princeton and holder of a Ph.D. from Duke, Betsy spent years in clinical settings before focusing on how the brain’s internal dialogue affects mental health. She’s the author of Unkind Mind: How to Stop Believing the Lies Our Brain Tells Us, and she empowers people—especially parents—to quiet their inner critic and live from a place of truth and love.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Betsy Holmberg
Website: betsyholmberg.com
Instagram: @betsyholmberg

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In Episode 13 of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle Choairy welcomes Katie Jones—Christian financial counselor, foster mom, and founder of Redeeming Your Finances—for a refreshing conversation about money, motherhood, and living with purpose.

Katie shares how faith and stewardship can bring clarity to even the most chaotic family budgets, especially for families raising complex or neurodivergent kids. From navigating tight financial seasons to learning how to prioritize what truly matters, Katie offers grace-filled guidance for moms who feel overwhelmed or stretched too thin.

Together, Michelle and Katie discuss how money impacts access to care, how financial stress intersects with advocacy, and how to build financial habits that are realistic, sustainable, and spiritually grounded.

👤 About the Guest

Katie Jones is a certified Christian financial counselor, real estate investor, foster mom, and founder of Redeeming Your Finances—an online school helping believers align their money with their values. With a background in ministry and a passion for helping others steward their resources wisely, Katie empowers families to manage money with confidence and peace.

🔗 Connect with Katie Jones

Website: https://www.redeemingyourfinances.com
Instagram: @faithfulwithfinances
Email: [email protected]

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In Episode 12 of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle Choairy welcomes Sam Mitchell, the dynamic host of Autism Rocks and Rolls and a proud self-advocate on the autism spectrum. Diagnosed at age four, Sam has gone from receiving speech therapy and IEP support in school to building a podcast empire, giving TED Talks, and inspiring others to embrace who they are.

Together, Michelle and Sam explore what it’s like growing up with autism from the inside out—touching on school challenges, social struggles, parent advocacy, and the moment Sam realized he had to become his own voice. It’s a raw, funny, and insightful conversation between a mom who advocates daily for her complex child and a young man who’s lived it and found his purpose in the process.

Whether you're a parent wondering if your efforts are making a difference or someone on the spectrum trying to find your place in the world, this episode is full of honest reflections and uplifting truths.

👤 About the Guest
Sam Mitchell is a podcast host, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and the President of Autism Rocks and Rolls Corporation. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Sam has dedicated his career to proving that people with autism are not broken—they’re powerful. Through his podcast and speaking engagements, he inspires neurodivergent individuals to own their uniqueness and educates the world on acceptance and inclusion.

🔗 Connect with Sam Mitchell
Website: https://www.autismrocksandrolls.com
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @autismrocksandrollspodcast
TED Talk: Souled Structure
📞 812-699-7811

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In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle welcomes back Elissa Green Kaustinen, FAST Director at Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute and a trusted expert on navigating IEPs and special education systems. Elissa brings a rare, deeply collaborative perspective—bridging the often disconnected worlds of healthcare and education for families raising neurodivergent and complex kids.

Michelle and Elissa dive into why parents so often feel shut out of the IEP process, what’s really happening behind the scenes in school meetings, and how caregivers can confidently advocate without needing a law degree. They also share the powerful role medical information can (and should) play in shaping school supports—and how Elissa supported Drake through some of his most challenging school transitions.

This episode is packed with practical insight, vulnerable storytelling, and a refreshing reminder: you don’t have to navigate these systems alone.

👤 About the Guest:
Elissa Green Kaustinen is the FAST Director (Families, Agencies, and Schools Together) at Chapman University's Thompson Policy Institute and is based at the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center. With a background as a school psychologist and district-level specialist, Elissa helps families bridge medical and educational systems to advocate effectively for their child's needs. She brings over two decades of experience in special education systems, program development, and inclusive advocacy—working directly with doctors, educators, and parents to align support plans that truly serve each child.

🔗 Connect with Elissa:
Website: Chapman University - Thompson Policy Institute
Center: Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center

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In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle welcomes Yvette Holmes, a devoted mother and rare disease advocate based in the Netherlands, whose son Jack was one of the first individuals diagnosed with the genetic disorder TBR1.

Yvette shares the emotional and isolating road that followed Jack’s diagnosis, and how that journey led her to create a powerful online community through the TBR1 Facebook group, now a global lifeline for families navigating similar rare paths.

Together, Michelle and Yvette talk about the challenges of raising a child with an ultra-rare condition, what it means to step into advocacy as a parent, and how Yvette’s shift from a 20+ year career in finance to disability care reflects a deeper calling to serve families like her own.

This episode is about courage, connection, and the power of creating what doesn’t yet exist—for your child, and for others. Whether your child has a known diagnosis or not, Yvette’s story reminds us of the strength that grows from community.

👤 About the Guest:
Yvette Holmes is the mother of Jack, one of the first children diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder TBR1. She is the founder of the TBR1 Facebook group, a global support network for families impacted by this rare condition. Yvette left a 20+ year career in financial services to work in disability care, where she now blends personal experience with professional purpose to support children with high needs in the Netherlands.

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In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle welcomes Madeline "Maddy" Sober, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) who brings deep expertise—and heart—to supporting complex kids and their families.

As Director of Operations and Clinical Supervisor at Mind Health Institute, Orange County, Maddy shares why finding the right mental health professional is critical, what parents should really look for when building their child’s care team, and how to navigate the challenges (and emotions) that often come with it.

Together, Michelle and Maddy dive into the real behind-the-scenes process—what it takes to advocate for your child, why mental health support should extend to the entire family, and how early, individualized intervention can change everything.

This conversation will leave you feeling more equipped, more empowered, and most importantly, less alone on the complex kid journey.

👤 About the Guest:
Madeline "Maddy" Sober is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, and a Certified CBT Therapist. She provides individual psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and young adults and supervises clinicians at Mind Health Institute, Orange County. Maddy is passionate about tailoring her approach to each child’s unique needs and is active in leadership, advocacy, and research at national, regional, and county levels. She is currently completing a Ph.D. focused on educating and training therapists in child mental health.

🔗 Connect with Maddy:
Website: Mind Health Institute, Orange County
Educational Resources: Mental Health Resources
Instagram: @mhiorangecounty
LinkedIn: Mind Health Institute OC
Facebook: Mind Health Institute OC on Facebook

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In Episode 8 of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle Choairy sits down with Michelle Kennedy, a licensed clinical social worker who’s spent over a decade navigating pediatric healthcare systems alongside families of medically complex kids. From hospitals to home care, Michelle K. has seen it all—and she’s here to share what really goes on behind the scenes.

They talk about the essential role social workers play in advocating for children, coordinating care, and guiding parents through the emotional and logistical overwhelm of complex diagnoses. If you’ve ever wondered what support is available inside the healthcare system—and how to access it—this episode is your roadmap.

Expect real talk, insider tips, and powerful moments of advocacy you won’t want to miss.

👤 About the Guest
Michelle Kennedy, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with over ten years of experience in healthcare. She specializes in pediatric care for medically complex patients and is deeply committed to improving access, communication, and support for families. Michelle works at the intersection of clinical care and advocacy, helping parents feel confident as they navigate healthcare systems.

 🔗 Connect with Michelle Kennedy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msimeskennedy/

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In this powerful episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle sits down with Amanda Preston, a mom to eight neurodivergent children, a late-diagnosed ADHD adult, and a fierce advocate for families navigating complex needs.

Amanda brings a rare blend of personal insight and professional expertise. As a registered social worker, author, and CEO of Deer Creek Family Support & Therapy, she specializes in Autism and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and leads a national nonprofit serving foster and adoptive families. Her coaching business, Amanda Preston Co., helps parents feel seen, supported, and equipped to lead their families with compassion and clarity.

Michelle and Amanda dive into what it really looks like to parent multiple neurodivergent kids, how to recognize PDA when typical parenting approaches fall short, and why traditional behavior models often do more harm than good. Amanda shares hard-won wisdom, a refreshing sense of humor, and the belief that thriving is possible—even in the chaos.

This is an episode you’ll want to share with every parent who feels like they’re doing it alone.

👤 About the Guest
Amanda Preston is a mom to eight neurodivergent kids and a late-diagnosed ADHD adult. She’s an author, social worker, founder of a national nonprofit supporting foster/adoptive families, and CEO of Deer Creek Family Support & Therapy, a practice that supports neurodivergent families and specializes in Autism and PDA. Amanda also runs a coaching business offering courses and support for parents through Amanda Preston Co.

🔗 Connect with Amanda
Website: www.amandaprestonco.com
Therapy Practice: www.deercreektherapy.ca
Instagram: @the_neurodivergent_bunch
Instagram: @thefostermomsocialworker