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Meet Natalie Karras, who is a passionate advocate for children on the spectrum and their families. With 24 years of experience across industries like travel, recruitment, and marketing, she holds a Master Practitioner of Coaching and is the CEO and founder of You Are Seen. Natalie’s personal journey began when her son was diagnosed with autism at age 2, and she now dedicates herself to guiding mums through the challenges of autism, helping them move from feeling helpless to empowered. Fun fact: She's also an avid baker, creating gluten, dairy, and sugar-free treats! Natalie also introduces her SING method, a powerful tool she created to help moms break free from negative thought patterns. 

This episode offers valuable insights, strategies, and hope for moms walking the challenging, yet beautiful, journey of raising children with special needs.

Key Takeaways:

• The pressure moms feel to "do it all" and appear as though they have everything under control is real, but we don’t have to shoulder it alone.
• It’s important to ask for help and to share with others how they can support us—people want to help but often don’t know how.
• We don’t need to apologize for our children’s behaviors. Let's celebrate who they are instead of conforming to societal expectations.
• The SING Method (Stop, Inhale, Notice your thoughts, and Gain clarity) helps moms break out of negative thought loops and be more present with their children.
• We must distinguish between fear-based thoughts and reality, and not let anxiety drive how we advocate for or view our child’s future.
• Moms of children with special needs are not alone, and reaching out for support can make a world of difference.

Connect with Natalie Karras:

• Website: www.youareseen.com.au
• Facebook: You Are Seen
• Instagram: You_Are_Seen_
• LinkedIn: Natalie Karras

Free Resource from Natalie:

• Download Natalie’s free guide: My Child Was Diagnosed with Autism: Hop over to Natalie’s website to access

Words of Encouragement from Natalie: "I know that you feel like you’re in a dark place right now, and that this isn't what you signed up for. But your child will teach you so many lessons along the way, and you will emerge wiser and stronger. It’s okay to cry, curse, and get angry—but don’t walk this journey alone. There are people and resources ready to help; you just have to reach out."

Connect with me:

Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

Editor: Scott Arbeau


Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (US)

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Carolyn Gardner is a solo mom by choice through adoption. She's been parenting her amazing son with chronic medical issues for ten years. Five years ago she left her teaching career to create a life that works better for her and her son. Carolyn is a digital product expert and it’s Carolyn’s passion to support other women - especially special needs moms - who need to create lifestyles that work better for them and their families. Carolyn helps business owners and fellow moms turn their trials into digital products and income streams from their passions to support their families and find empowerment.

Key Topics:
- Carolyn’s transition from teaching to freelancing while caring for her special needs child.
- Emotional resilience, adaptability, and mindset shifts for special needs moms.
- Practical steps to create digital products that are both fulfilling and profitable.
- Encouraging moms to leverage their passions and expertise to support others.
- The importance of community and emotional wellness.

Words of Encouragement:
“Every day is a new day. Don’t let today’s challenges overwhelm you. Remember that there’s a larger community here for support. And tomorrow brings new hope and opportunities—you’re not alone.”

Connect with Carolyn:

Website: Carolyn Gardner Consulting

https://www.instagram.com/carolyngardnerconsulting/, https://www.facebook.com/designinglearningllc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynagardner/

Download Carolyn’s 5-Step Guide to Starting a Digital Product Income Stream 

https://carolyn-gardner-consulting.ck.page/90eddc789c

Connect with me:

Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

Editor: Scott Arbeau


Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX   (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Episode Summary:

Jenn Fredericks, a Pro-sillience Coach and Personal Resilience Practitioner shares her deeply personal journey as a special needs mom. Jenn talks about navigating the challenges of raising a child with a brain tumor diagnosis, how it impacted her mental, emotional, and physical health, and how she found her way to life coaching. She offers insights on how special needs moms can cultivate resilience, manage their energy, and practice the pause to be more present in their lives and for their families.

Key Takeaways:

• Jenn’s journey from struggling with physical and emotional exhaustion to becoming a life coach and resilience practitioner.
• The importance of "practicing the pause" and being mindful in both personal and caregiving roles.
• Strategies for managing personal energy to build resilience as a special needs mom or caregiver.
• How the simple, small acts of self-care can be more impactful than we realize, helping replenish our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energy.
• Jenn's personal story about learning to grieve the life she envisioned for her children, creating space for acceptance, and using proactive resilience strategies to adapt to ongoing challenges.
• A reminder that caregivers are not alone, and there are tools and resources available to help navigate the marathon of caregiving.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Be where your feet are." — Jenn’s daughter, sharing her wisdom from a hospital stay.
• "Resilience is maintaining high levels of effectiveness and well-being while dealing with high levels of challenge and disruption."
• "We often think of self-care as manicures and massages, but it's really about managing our personal energy so we can preserve our well-being."
• "Who do you want to be for your child? That question has guided me through this journey since my daughter’s diagnosis."

Jenn Fredericks has overcome immense adversity and emerged as a beacon of resilience and hope for others. Her experience as a patient with a life-threatening, chronic illness spanning three decades and caregiver for her daughter with a life-threatening diagnosis speaks volumes about her strength, determination, and compassion. Jenn became an adoptive mom 15 years ago to a daughter.

 
Connect with Jenn Fredericks:

www.prosiliencecoach.com.

FB:https://www.facebook.com/JennFredericksProsilienceCoach 
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jfredwi/ 
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennfredericks/

Resources Mentioned:

• Linda Hoops’ Proresilience Framework

Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey.

Connect with me:

Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk


Editor: Scott Arbeau


Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX   (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Your host Valerie, shares an exciting announcement about an upcoming seminar that’s tailored just for parents of children with disabilities. If you're looking for actionable steps and hands-on tools to plan for your child’s future, you won’t want to miss this episode - or the seminar!!!

Key Takeaways:

Save the date! On September 9th at 4 PM MST, Valerie will be hosting a special seminar titled "Guardians of Tomorrow: Create a Roadmap for Your Child with Disabilities’ Forever Home." This seminar is designed to help parents create a secure and loving future for their children.

Seminar Overview:  
- Long-Term Needs Assessment: Learn how to evaluate and plan for your child’s long-term needs. 
 - Financial Planning Tips: Discover strategies for ensuring your child’s financial security.
 - Legal Considerations: Gain knowledge about legal frameworks like special needs trusts, guardianship, and power of attorney.

Valerie's Personal Journey: Valerie shares her experience in planning for her own children's futures, including the creation of Eden House for her eldest with cerebral palsy, and preparing her youngest, who is a high-functioning autistic person, for greater independence.

Why Attend the Seminar?

- Confidence in Planning: Develop a detailed and actionable plan for your child's future.

- Financial Security: Structure a sustainable financial strategy.

- Legal Preparedness: Understand the necessary legal frameworks to protect your child's future.

How to Register:

- Register through the Show Notes: Click the link [https://bit.ly/4dC8t5J] in the show notes to register for the seminar.

- Text Valerie: Send a text message through the Buzzsprout platform to sign up.

Final Thoughts:

Valerie emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, sharing that the peace of mind it brings is invaluable. This seminar offers a unique opportunity to connect with other parents and gain the guidance and support needed for long-term planning.
 

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with other special needs parents who could benefit from the seminar. Remember, together we can create a secure and loving future for our children.

- Mark Your Calendar: September 9th at 4 PM MST.

- Register Now: https://bit.ly/4dC8t5J

"Until next time, stay strong, stay hopeful, and remember… Live with Intention – Embrace the Journey."

Connect with me:

Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk


Editor: Scott Arbeau


Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX   (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I chat with Wendy Andersen, a passionate advocate for special needs families. Wendy, a mother of three, shares her journey that began with her son's rare diagnosis at six months old and how it shaped her life into one of resilience, advocacy, and redefining what "normal" means for her family.

Key Takeaways:
1. Embracing Unique Challenges: Wendy talks about the importance of embracing your unique journey as a special needs parent and how she finds strength in doing the best she can for her children every day.
2. Redefining Normal: Wendy shares her family's story of normalizing their life, from managing her son Dexter's 36 daily medications to creating a new normal that fits their life, not society's expectations.
3. Becoming an Advocate: Wendy dives into how she became an unexpected advocate, from starting a special needs bowling team to founding Dexter's Dream Foundation, and how parents can start advocating for their children in big and small ways.
4. The Power of Storytelling: Wendy emphasizes the importance of sharing your story with those who have the power to make changes, including state directors and legislators, to ensure your child's needs are met.
5. Tips for Advocacy: Wendy provides practical advice on how to get involved in advocacy, whether it's through small acts like sending an email or larger efforts like joining state councils or attending conferences.

Quote of the Episode: "The only normal in our house is a setting on the washing machine. But even then, what is 'normal'? Our normal is unique to us, and that’s okay." - Wendy Andersen

Actionable Steps:
- Reflect on what "normal" looks like for your family and embrace it.
- Start small with advocacy—whether it's sending an email to your child’s school or joining a PTA meeting to ensure special education needs are considered.
- Research state and federal opportunities to get involved in advocacy efforts that align with your child's needs.
- Share your story with decision-makers to create change and raise awareness.

Closing Remarks: Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey. 
Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Special Needs Moms Circle of Strength. 

Wendy’s bio: Wendy Andersen is a wife and a mom who never meant to become a Force-to-Be-Reckoned-With. In 2009 a rare diagnosis for her 6-month-old son turned her normal life upside down in just 36 hours. Today, Wendy’s mission is to advocate and support families of children who live outside the “box of normal”. As a mother of three children (two of which have disabilities/special needs), Wendy passionately advocates for families by speaking truth to power.

Connect with Wendy:

https://www.facebook.com/RedefineNormalwithWendyAndersen/

https://www.instagram.com/wendyandersenredefinenormal/

Website: www.WendyAndersenPresents.com

Connect with your host:

Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk


Editor: Scott Arbeau


Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX   (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Introduction: Hi there, and welcome to today's episode. We are looking at busting some myths about making time for your goals as a special needs mom. Let's get to it!

Episode Overview: As special needs moms, caregiving is rewarding but also exhausting. It's easy to feel like there's no time left for our own goals and dreams. However, the idea that you must sacrifice your ambitions for caregiving is just a myth. Today, we'll debunk some common myths and provide practical tips to carve out time for your personal aspirations.

Key Takeaways:

Myth 1: I have to dedicate every moment to caregiving.

1. Reality: While caregiving is important, it's not sustainable to dedicate every moment to it. Having time for yourself ensures you can continue to give your best.
2. Tips: Schedule "me time" using a calendar, and combine activities like listening to audiobooks or podcasts while doing household chores.

Myth 2: It's selfish to focus on my own dreams.

1. Reality: Pursuing your goals can set a positive example for your children, teaching them perseverance, self-care, and personal growth.
2. Tips: Set boundaries and communicate your needs. Involve your kids where appropriate in activities like creating vision boards or self-care activities.

Myth 3: There's no time left after caregiving.

1. Reality: Effective time management can reveal hidden opportunities in your day. It's about making intentional choices and prioritizing what truly matters.
2. Tips: Use time blocking to dedicate specific times for different activities and delegate tasks to family members or hired help.

Myth 4: I'll be too tired to pursue my goals.

1. Reality: Focusing on your goals can energize you, providing a mental and emotional boost.
2. Tips: Prioritize self-care to ensure adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise. Break down your goals into small, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Quotes:
L.R. Knost: "Taking care of yourself doesn't mean me first. It means me too."

Katie Reed: "Self-care is giving the world the best of you instead of what's left of you."

 If you're ready to take the first steps towards your goals and let go of the myths that are holding you back, let's chat. I'd love to connect with my listeners who are ready to be in control of their time, let go of guilt and overwhelm, and experience more life balance.

Free Consultation: I'd love to offer you a complimentary call. Check the show notes for the link and let's chat.

Closing Remarks: Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey. 
Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Special Needs Moms Circle of Strength.

Connect with me:

Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk


Editor: Scott Arbeau


Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX   (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Link to Complimentary Call: https://calendly.com/coach-valerieanne/lets_chat

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Dr. Lisa Campbell is the author of Grow With Me, a book in which she shares her journey of resilience and perseverance, and introduces her daughter Jasmine in chapter 3. Dr. Campbell intimately understands the power of resilience firsthand.

• Dr. Campbell's first public discussion on being a special needs mom beyond her book.
• Jasmine was born prematurely in 1992 with profound hearing loss and intellectual disabilities.
• Developmental delays were noticed by her grandmother.
• Dr. Campbell became a mother just before her 19th birthday, relying heavily on her own mother for support.
• Chose a residential facility for Jasmine to ensue specialized care, despite cultural pressures.
• Shared the emotional difficulty of leaving Jasmine at the residential facility, with support from a minister.
• Jasmine has transitioned between multiple facilities, each move made in her best interest.
• Dr. Campbell shared a personal story of finding her voice and realizing her purpose in caring for Jasmine.
• Emphasized the importance of faith and strong advocacy for their children's care and support.
• Jasmine is thriving in her current living situation, participating in a longitudinal autism study.
• Jasmine does not speak but makes sounds, which Dr. Campbell believes indicates a pure connection with God.
• Jasmine had to transition out of her residential facility at 21 and a half due to Illinois state rules, and has lived in her current facility for 10 years.
• The host created a forever home for her daughter, Melody-Anne, due to a lack of wheelchair-accessible facilities.
• Dr. Campbell offers a reading list and shares their COVID story, highlighting perseverance and support.
• During the pandemic, Jasmine stayed home for six months, reinforcing Dr. Campbell's growth and purpose.
• Dr. Campbell emphasizes, "It won't always be like this," encouraging parents to remain hopeful and press forward.

Finding Dr. Campbell:

• Search "The Growth Motivator" or "Dr. Lisa L. Campbell" on social media and Google for more resources and support.

Conclusion: 

• Dr. Campbell's words remind parents that victory is possible if they keep moving forward. 

Connect with Dr. Campbell:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrLisaLCampbell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisalcampbell/ X: https://twitter.com/DrLisalCampbell Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegrowthmotivator?_t=8ei5YRuSCiJ&_r=1 Youtube(The Growth Motivator™️): https://www.youtube.com/@TheGrowthMotivatorLive/featured Youtube(Dr. Lisa L Campbell®): https://www.youtube.com/@drlisalcampbell1922

Grow With Me Book: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLCG99M1QN0YY/checkout/7IAUBIBL7BXO3MN4TRBMJFGE Grow With Me Journal: https://square.link/u/8Zs3pQ3S Grow With Me Book & Journal: https://square.link/u/n7iz3z4A

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk


Editor: Scott Arbeau

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX   (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Title: Strategies for Raising Independent Children

Episode Description:

In this episode, Valerie sits down with Cheryll, a dedicated mother of two sons with Joubert syndrome. They dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of raising children with special needs, discussing the importance of focusing on abilities rather than limitations.
Cheryll passionately shares her philosophy that her sons are not defined by their disability but are definitely limited by it in society. She emphasizes the significance of pushing children to reach their full potential and not settling for the easiest path. Together, they explore the impact of societal limitations, the importance of fostering independence, and the benefits of programs like Special Olympics.     They touch on the mental health struggles faced by children with disabilities, the crucial role of early intervention, and the value of a supportive community. Cheryll and Valerie discuss their personal experiences with launching their children into independent living, highlighting the importance of preparation and planning.

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on Abilities: Cheryll discusses how she keeps her sons focused on their abilities rather than their limitations, fostering a positive environment for growth.
• Importance of Special Olympics: Both Cheryll and Valerie highlight the transformative impact of the Special Olympics in creating meaningful friendships and promoting independence.
• Pushing for Potential: The importance of pushing children to achieve their best and not settling for less, even when it's challenging.
• Mental Health Awareness: Addressing the mental health struggles of children with disabilities and the importance of early and consistent support.
• Launching into Independence: Practical advice and personal stories on preparing special needs children for independent living, including the role of support workers and housing subsidies.
• Self-Care for Moms: Valerie introduces her "Time Out" program, emphasizing the need for moms to take care of themselves to better support their children.

Cheryll Wagner has been riding the entrepreneurial wave since she was 13. Cheryll became a special needs mom at age 21, has two grown sons, both with special needs. Being their mom has taught her more than any MBA program ever could. Cheryll's sons moved out on their own with supports two years ago. Last year, Cheryll and her husband became therapeutic foster parents. Cheryll is the woman behind BYOBusiness Strategy and Consulting. Cheryll focuses on workshops, mentorship, business consulting, and masterminds that are geared towards women in business.

Connect with Cheryll:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllwagner?
• Https://byobusiness.ca
• Instagram & Threads: byobizstrategy

Thank you for tuning in. We hope this episode leaves you inspired and uplifted. See you in two weeks!


Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk


Editor: Scott Arbeau

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX   (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Note to Listeners: If you enjoyed this episode, please share and review

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Creating a Future with Intention

Episode Summary: Welcome to today’s episode where we delve into the power of quotes and personal stories. Your host Valerie shares five impactful quotes, each followed by reflections and personal anecdotes that illustrate their significance.

Quotes Shared:

1. "You can't pour from an empty cup." - Anonymous
   • Emphasis on the importance of self-care and giving yourself permission to take a break.
2. "Alone, we can do so little. Together we can do so much." - Helen Keller
   • The power of community and the importance of accepting help and working together.
3. "The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln
   • The journey of creating a meaningful life for Melody-Anne, despite the challenges faced.
4. "Life doesn't get easier or more forgiving. We get stronger and more resilient." - Steve Maraboli
   • The reality of life's challenges and how we grow stronger and more capable over time.
5. "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight, but no vision." - Helen Keller
   • The importance of having a vision for the future and working towards it.

Main Topics:

• Self-Care: The necessity of taking care of oneself to be able to care for others. The episode begins with a reminder that it's not selfish to prioritize your own well-being.
• Community Support: Encouraging listeners to seek help and support from others. The host shares the importance of community and how specific help can make a significant difference.
• Creating a Future: A powerful story about the host's journey with Melody-Anne, highlighting the importance of proactive planning and vision. The host shares the inspiring tale of creating a thriving living situation for Melody-Anne and her housemates.
• Resilience and Strength: Life's challenges will continue to arise, but our ability to handle them improves as we grow stronger and more resilient. This segment is underscored with a quote from Steve Maraboli.
• Vision and Intention: The final quote from Helen Keller wraps up the episode with a reminder of the importance of having a vision for the future and the fulfillment that comes from realizing it.

Special Announcement: During July and August, the podcast will be on a bi-weekly schedule. Episodes will be uploaded every other week, so stay tuned for more inspiring content.

Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to reach out if they want to learn more about how the host created a future for Melody-Anne. The episode closes with a heartfelt message to "Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey."

Thank you for tuning in. We hope this episode leaves you inspired and uplifted. See you in two weeks!


Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk


Editor: Scott Arbeau

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX   (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Note to Listeners: If you enjoyed this episode, please share and review the podcast. Your support helps us bring more inspiring stories and val

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Show Notes:

Shelley Guess is a Licensed Professional Counselor and PhD-Candidate in Las Colinas, TX. She has been working as a therapist for over a decade, and is the owner and founder of Hope Connects Counseling, PLLC, a mental health group private practice. She is also the owner of Hope Connects Consulting, a mental health consulting firm. Shelley is the younger sister of Brian Guess, an amazing man diagnosed with IDD.

Overview: We are joined by Shelley Guess, a licensed professional counselor and the founder of both Hope Connect Counseling and Hope Connect Consulting. Shelley shares her personal journey growing up with a brother with special needs. Her story is a powerful testament to the love, challenges, and unique dynamics within families of individuals with disabilities.

1. Personal Journey:
   • Shelley recounts significant moments from her childhood and early adulthood, reflecting on her relationship with her brother, Brian, who has special needs.
   • She shares poignant stories, including a moment when Brian expressed his sadness about not being able to become an astronaut and how he feels about being treated differently due to his disability.
2. Family Dynamics:
   • Shelley discusses the emotional and relational aspects of growing up with a sibling with special needs.
   • She emphasizes the importance of honesty, compassion, and understanding within the family unit.
3. Future Planning:
   • Shelley delves into her thoughts and concerns about Brian's future, especially after their parents are no longer able to provide care.
   • She considers various options, such as creating a supportive living environment and facilitating social connections for Brian.
4. Career Impact:
   • Shelley reflects on how her experiences with her brother and whether it has influenced her professional life.
5. Heartwarming Stories:
   • Shelley shares a touching story about Brian's passion for collecting stuffed animals from claw machines and donating them to homeless shelters for children.
6. Advice and Encouragement:
   • Shelley offers words of encouragement to parents raising children with special needs, reminding them of their incredible efforts and the importance of authenticity in their parenting.
7. Professional Insights:
   • Shelley provides an overview of her work at Hope Connects Counseling and Hope Connects Consulting, emphasizing her commitment to making mental health resources accessible to the community.

Connect with Shelley:

https://www.hopeconnectscounseling.

https://www.hopeconnectsconsulting.com

Instagram: @shelleyguess 

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

Editor: Scott Arbeau

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX   (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Note to Listeners: If you enjoyed this episode, please share and review the podcast. Your support helps us bring more inspiring stories and valuable insights to our audience. Thank you for listening!

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/