Quillo Pod

This week on QuilloPod, John Dickerson and Cynthia Morraz talk with Teresa Anderson, executive director of the California Policy Center on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (CPCIDD). Teresa started her career as a DSP close to 40 years ago. 

Listen to this episode to learn how the workforce shortage impacts the lives of people with disabilities, families, service coordinators, and the economy. Did you know many DSPs work second jobs just so they can keep doing the work they love? Cynthia and John ask Teresa about the future of the DSP workforce.

Episode Transcript

Report: The Impact of Direct Support Professionals Workforce Shortage 

Learn more about DSP.CAFE

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Want to share stories with us? Email us at [email protected] To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

In this week's episode, Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson continue the conversation about What’s Next, Quillo’s national community survey for people with IDD and their families.

John walks through the survey’s three questions: what a really good day looks like (at school, at work, at home, with friends), what supports would make that day possible, and what needs to be accessible in your community. The conversation explains why this matters now, when many IDD families feel uncertain about the future. The project’s goal is to gather a shared vision for the future, not to debate budgets and rates.

🔗 Take the survey and download the flyer: MyQuillo.com/whats-next

Episode Transcript

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In this week's episode, John and Cynthia introduce the What's Next community survey. The survey invites the IDD community (self-advocates, families) to describe the life they want. Calls out community members to share the survey and help spread the word.

Participate in the survey: What's Next 

To Learn More Visit: myquillo.com/Whats-next

Episode Transcript 

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Want to share stories with us? Email us at [email protected] To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia discuss mental health and the importance of staying connected. 

Resources mentioned in the episode:

CDC: The Mental Health of People with Disabilities 

Suicide Prevention Hotline 

Episode Transcript 

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To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

In this episode of Quillo Pod, Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson shed light on the often-overlooked intersection of mental health and the IDD community during Mental Health Awareness Month. They discuss the persistent stigma surrounding mental health challenges, share personal stories that illustrate the importance of being an ally, and offer practical guidance on supporting those experiencing difficulties. The importance of creating spaces where it's "okay not to be okay," and how small acts of kindness and connection can make a meaningful difference in someone's journey.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Prevention Line at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org

Episode Transcript 

Want to share stories with us? Email us at [email protected] To learn more about Quillo Connect, visit MyQuillo.com

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia review a powerful new report from the California Policy Center for IDD on the direct support workforce shortage, and what it really means for individuals, families, case managers, and providers. "It feels like death to me. I feel like I'm mourning a death because I know I will never get to see them again." That's how one person described losing a DSP. Listen to this episode to understand the DSP workforce and gain a deeper understanding on their impact on daily lives. 

Review the Report:

The Impact of Direct Support Professional Workforce Shortage on Individuals and Families Served by Regional Center Systems in California.

Episode Transcript 

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Want to share stories with us? Email us at [email protected] To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia discuss ways to practice gratitude and how to make it a daily habit to improve your life.

Episode Transcript 

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This month, John and Cynthia interviewed Michael Mecozzi, a licensed clinical psychologist, author, and speaker. He shares how we can tap into our community to develop a new relationship with our anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed to experience more hope in our lives. During the conversation they discuss how to overcome the feeling of being overwhelmed and tools to use, as well as the importance of building a team to encourage and support each one another.

Resources mentioned: Hope With Me 

Episode Transcript

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If your loved one is on a Medicaid waiver, it's time to get informed and get involved. In this episode, Cynthia and John break down what's actually in a waiver budget, why understanding it matters more than ever, and the three steps families can take right now to prepare. In this conversation, they explore why a good life isn't just about dollars and services,  it's about community and connection. 

Episode Transcript 

To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at [email protected] To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

This QuilloPod episode previously aired in August 2025

In this episode of Quillo Pod, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson explore the importance of listening deeply and seeing people beyond their labels or diagnoses. They discuss the practice of sharing “birth stories” as a powerful way to understand identity, build connection, and uncover common ground. Through personal reflections and real-life examples, the conversation highlights how asking meaningful questions—and truly listening—helps us discover what people really need and value in their lives.

Episode Transcript

Want to share stories with us? Email us at [email protected]

To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com