Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Military Service to Autism Advocacy: Maureen’s Confession


Listen Later

"I suffered from caregiver fatigue." - Maureen Elias

Maureen shares her journey from a structured military career to the unpredictable world of caregiving. As a mother of children on the autism spectrum, she opens up about the challenges and triumphs of parenting, the impact of military life on family dynamics, and the importance of advocacy and community support. Through personal stories of resilience, she highlights the need for understanding, resources, and the power of acceptance in the face of adversity. 

Maureen Elias, a former U.S. Army counterintelligence agent, transitioned from military service to a life dedicated to advocacy and caregiving. After a medical separation in 2006, she spent 11 years as a stay-at-home mom while her husband, a 21-year Army veteran, served overseas. 

Raising three children on the autism spectrum, Maureen pursued a master’s in mental health counseling, leading to roles in top veteran service organizations, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. She also teaches storytelling to veterans and has recently embraced off-roading as a newfound passion.

Social Media

Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/maureenelias

Twitter: @maureenelias2

Instagram: @maureenelias2


Highlights:

🔹 Parenting & Autism – Insights into raising children on the autism spectrum and the triumphs along the way.
 🔹 Military Life & Family Dynamics – How structured service life shaped her approach to caregiving.
 🔹 Challenges & Resilience – Overcoming obstacles with strength, understanding, and support.
 🔹 The Power of Community – Why caregivers need advocacy, resources, and a strong support system.
 🔹 Acceptance & Education – How awareness and compassion transform lives.

** Caregiver Action Network Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answers, resources, support group info, or a listening ear. Visit www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/ or call 855-277-3640.**

💡 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on caregiving, resilience, and making a difference!

This heartfelt conversation is a must-watch for caregivers, military families, and anyone passionate about autism awareness.

#AutismAwareness #Caregiving #MilitaryFamilies #Parenting #Advocacy



Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

Like us on Facebook!

Tweet with us on Twitter!

Follow us on Instagram!

Watch us on Youtube!

Pin us on Pinterest!

Link us on LinkedIn!

Tune in on Whole Care Network

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Confessions of a Reluctant CaregiverBy Natalie Elliott Handy and JJ Elliott Hill

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

37 ratings


More shows like Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

View all
This American Life by This American Life

This American Life

90,537 Listeners

Fresh Air by NPR

Fresh Air

37,825 Listeners

The Moth by The Moth

The Moth

27,151 Listeners

Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel by Esther Perel Global Media

Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

14,933 Listeners

Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist by Willie Geist, Sunday TODAY

Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist

4,172 Listeners

On Purpose with Jay Shetty by iHeartPodcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

26,891 Listeners

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos by Pushkin Industries

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

14,309 Listeners

The Jann Arden Podcast by Jann Arden

The Jann Arden Podcast

123 Listeners

Best Laid Plans by Sarah Hart-Unger

Best Laid Plans

784 Listeners

The Caregiver Cup Podcast by Cathy VandenHeuvel

The Caregiver Cup Podcast

35 Listeners

The Ezra Klein Show by New York Times Opinion

The Ezra Klein Show

15,529 Listeners

A Slight Change of Plans by Pushkin Industries

A Slight Change of Plans

2,045 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

19,518 Listeners

I've Had It by Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan

I've Had It

14,998 Listeners

The Best People with Nicolle Wallace by MSNBC

The Best People with Nicolle Wallace

4,348 Listeners