Tina Underwood knows what it means to raise a child while navigating systems that don’t always come with a roadmap.

In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Tina shares her journey raising her son, Kevin, who has an intellectual and developmental disability, and the reality of working through schools, therapies, and service systems along the way. What begins as a parent trying to do what’s best for their child often becomes something more—learning how to advocate, speak up, and push for the support their child deserves.

Those experiences shape not only the path forward, but the role a parent is asked to step into.

Through honesty and reflection, Tina shares the emotional weight of becoming an advocate while still wanting to simply be a parent. She speaks to the challenges, the learning curve, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up—for your child, and for others walking a similar path.

This conversation is for every parent navigating systems that feel overwhelming. Every family learning how to find their voice. Every advocate working to make those systems better for the next.

Walk with us.

🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives

🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: lsahomes.org

💛 Support our mission: lsahomes.org/donate

Meet Mimi Giannini, a mother navigating one of the most complex and deeply personal parts of parenting — guiding her daughter into adulthood.

In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Mimi reflects on what it means to raise her daughter, Morgan, who has an intellectual and developmental disability, while supporting her growth and independence in a world that doesn’t always make space for families like theirs. She shares the balance between protecting and letting go, and the ongoing journey of advocating for inclusion, understanding, and belonging.

Those experiences shape how she approaches each stage of life.

Through honesty and reflection, Mimi shares what it means to grow alongside your child, to navigate uncertainty with love, and to continue showing up—not just as a parent, but as an advocate.

This conversation is for every parent thinking about the future. Every family seeking understanding. Every community learning what true inclusion really means.

Walk with us.

🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives

🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: lsahomes.org

💛 Support our mission: lsahomes.org/donate

Meet Ramaswamy “Ranga” Ranganathan, a father whose journey began with a moment many parents know all too well — the day his child received a diagnosis.

In this first episode of Mountain Climbers, Ranga reflects on what it means to be a literal mountain trekker and how that experience mirrors his family’s journey raising their daughter, Sitara, who has an intellectual and developmental disability. He shares the emotions and uncertainty that followed her diagnosis, and the moment they realized the road ahead would require strength, resilience, and unwavering love.

Those early moments shaped everything that followed.

Through honesty and reflection, Ranga shares what he learned about advocacy, perseverance, and the responsibility parents carry to be a voice for their children.

This conversation is for every parent who remembers that moment. Every family learning to find their footing. Every advocate climbing their own mountain.

Walk with us.

📚 Read Madhu Ranganathan's Book to learn more about their story, The Child Who Never Knew: https://bit.ly/3P58d8j

🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story.

🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: lsahomes.org

💛 Support our mission: lsahomes.org/donate

Before the interviews, before the stories.

Meet Hadiyah Fain, host of the Mountain Climbers Podcast and Vice President of Marketing & Development at Life Services Alternatives. Four years ago, Hadiyah gave birth to her son, Elijah Joshua Fain. He had I/DD. Three days later, he passed away.

Those three days changed everything.

In this short but powerful introduction, Hadiyah shares the personal story behind her mission — and why she is committed to telling the stories of parents, siblings, and individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in a way that is honest, hopeful, and true.

This podcast is for every family searching for answers. Every parent who feels alone. Every individual with I/DD who deserves to be seen and heard.

Walk with us.

🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story.

🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: lsahomes.org

💛 Support our mission: lsahomes.com/donate

Welcome to the Mountain Climbers Podcast, a storytelling series from Life Services Alternatives. This trailer gives you a glimpse into the series, which shares real stories from parents, siblings, and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

Each season, we explore the joys, challenges, and everyday experiences of the IDD community, offering practical resources, listener questions, and ways to support inclusion and lifelong supports.

Subscribe now to hear inspiring stories, connect with a supportive community, and learn how you can make a difference through LSA.