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In this episode, Ellie sits down with Stephanie McCulley, founder of the nonprofit WillPowered Autism, to talk about her unpredictable, fun and chaotic days, and her mission to empower families navigating autism. Stephanie opens up about her son’s journey with spelling to communicate, how her identity is shifting after seven years as a stay-at-home mom, and the daily routines that keep her grounded.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to become a morning person: How Stephanie became a morning person with 5 AM wake-ups, workout classes, journaling, and quiet time before the chaos begins.
• Big moves: Moving from Chicago to coastal Florida for a slower pace and better support for her autistic son, William.
• Launching WillPowered Autism: Helping families afford therapies and access life-changing communication tools like spelling to communicate.
• Finding balance: Managing two school schedules, therapies, and after-school activities while carving out time for herself.
• Support systems that matter: Using a “mother’s helper,” nearby family, and outsourcing guilt-free to make room for what matters most.
• Self-care that sticks: From dry brushing and skincare to reading before bed and sauna/cold plunges—her realistic rituals that help her recharge.

Stephanie’s story is a reminder that routines can evolve, community can grow in unexpected places, and purpose can come from even the hardest seasons.

Follow Stephanie

@stephaniejanemcculley

@willpoweredautism

References

Melissa Wood Health

Will Powered Autism

Spellers Documentary

Taylor Dukes Bone Broth Protein Powder

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Episode Music - For Days - Tom Deis via Shutterstock