Taryn and Jess each bring their unique abilities and talents to the table to create a space where parents of special needs children can relate through the sharing of their own personal experiences. Both Taryn and Jess have beautiful baby girls with down syndrome that they brought into this world in 2020. They have come together to create @extraluckymoms. They sell apparel as well as work to normalize disabilities through their inclusive online platform. 

These two women are both engaging, intelligent, real and so much fun. Take a listen and enjoy!

Laura Smith, M.A. CCC-SLP is a 2014 graduate of Apraxia Kids Boot Camp, has completed the PROMPT Level 1 training, and the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol (K-SLP). She is the author of Overcoming Apraxia and has lectured throughout the United States on CAS (childhood apraxia of speech) and related issues. Currently, Laura is a practicing SLP specializing in apraxia at her clinic A Mile High Speech Therapy in Aurora, Colorado. 

Laura takes the time to explain apraxia on a professional level as well as share some of her daughter's experiences with apraxia. She is knowledgeable, highly intelligent, and easily approachable. Take a listen!

Wendy Thomas is a wife and mother of two boys. Her oldest son, Jack, is autistic. Together we discuss how Wendy has worked tirelessly to advocate for the educational needs of her oldest son. It all began when their family lived in Brazil for a time and it has continued after a move to San Francisco and now to Park City. Wendy has a special gift for finding local resources for her son Jack, no matter where they live. Wendy posed the question, "Is a roadblock something that stops you, or is it just something that needs to get resolved and solved?" 

Wendy Thomas is not only my cousin, but she is also a wife, mother of two, a gifted baker and cook, and a lover of cycling. Wendy's oldest son, Jack, is autistic and Wendy shares their story of how she had to advocate and show up for her son while he was attending school in Brazil. Wendy also shares multiple ideas on how we can advocate for our children in social settings, as well as for ourselves. She is motivating, intelligent, funny, and full of meaningful ideas for us as parents. Take a listen!

S2, E 37 is with Adeena Jacobson. Adeena is a wife and mother to four children. Her own personal experiences led her to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. And she shares those experiences with us in this podcast. Adeena earned her Master's in Special Education and is a licensed and board-certified behavior analyst. She is also the Chief Clinical Operator for BK Ventures. You can find BK Ventures at bkbehavior.com.

Adeena is intelligent, hard-working, dedicated, and passionate about what she does. 

S2, E36 with Jeff Silber is heartwarming and inspiring. Jeff is a 66-year-old single father who left the corporate world to earn his Masters in Special Education. He is currently completely another Masters in ABA therapy. He made these educational decisions in order to become the best version of himself as a father and also to help other children and parents within the autism and special needs community. 

S2, E35 with Larissa Packer is a true lesson in how to manage your life while raising multiple autistic children with their unique needs. Larissa is a wife and mother of two autistic children. She is a technical editor and when she takes time for herself, she enjoys spending it with a good book. Larissa is insightful, real, and a strong example of learning how to navigate autism as a parent. Take a listen!

Teva Johnstone is a social worker, psychotherapist, children's mental health consultant, and mother. You can follow her on Instagram at @neurocurioustherapist. Following Teva will be well worth your time. Her education, true heart, and wisdom all combine to create a beautiful and enlightening platform. She is also the owner of Blossom Child Therapy. 

Together we discuss some of the traumas experienced by neurodivergent individuals as well as those that love neurodivergent individuals. One of my favorite Teva quotes from our podcast is when she said, "Try to be that enlightened witness." Meaning, be the one that shows up with love, compassion, understanding, and zero judgment. Take a listen. And enjoy the journey. 

Amanda is a mother of two, her son is autistic. Amanda is an assistant principal, author of The Clouds that Chase Us: A Journey into Autism, founder of Emocet (bracelets that help children identify emotion), and she also started an organization called Autism Appititude where she helps parents through coaching. She is a single mom and very much down-to-earth and full of insight. Take a listen for yourself. 

Episode 32 with Yulika is informative and heart-felt. Because Yulika Forman approaches autism with a kind heart and an intelligent mind. Yulika specializes in autism and co-occurring conditions as well as IEPs, parent coaching, and the coaching of neurodiverse adults. You can find Yulika on Instagram at @theexpertally. She is a solid resource. So follow along and decide for yourself.