In this episode of Secured Steps, host Jeff Llewellyn speaks with author Catherine Zoratti about her journey as a parent of two boys, one neurotypical and one neurodiverse. They discuss the inspiration behind her book 'Hello Saturday', the importance of finding joy in unexpected places, and the challenges of defining 'typical' in parenting. Catherine shares insights on building connections with like-minded families, the significance of advocacy for neurodiverse children, and the balancing act of meeting the needs of siblings. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-care for parents and the value of children's literature in shaping perspectives.

You can purchase Hello Saturday here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJN14NJD/

Connect here:

https://nonverbalkids.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nonverbalkids/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/920212136370668117/

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn interviews Jennifer Gasner, an author and advocate for changing perceptions of people with disabilities. Jennifer shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease at 17 and how it transformed her life. She discusses her memoir, 'My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis,' and the importance of representation and understanding in the disability community. The conversation also touches on the writing process, the challenges of sharing personal stories, and advice for parents and caregivers of individuals with disabilities.

Check out her book at https://www.amazon.com/My-Unexpected-Life-Finding-Diagnosis/dp/B0CCCPG1ZJ

In this episode of Secured Steps, we dive into one of the most important — and often overwhelming — parts of planning for a loved one with disabilities: housing. Whether you’re just beginning to explore options or deep into decision-making, this conversation will give you clarity on the categories of housing, how funding works, and where to turn for trusted resources in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

What You’ll Learn:

• The different categories of housing available for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities — from group homes and supported apartments to private pay and transitional options.
• How public benefits like Medicaid, Social Security, and state programs interact with housing choices.
• The role of private funding, insurance, and creative planning strategies.
• Key resources for parents and caregivers in PA and NJ.

Resources Mentioned:

• Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP): https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs
  
  
• New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD): https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/
  
  
• The Arc of Pennsylvania: https://thearcpa.org
  
  
• The Arc of New Jersey: https://arcnj.org
  
  
• PA Housing Finance Agency: https://www.phfa.org
  
  
• NJ Housing Resource Center: https://www.njhrc.gov
  
  
• National Council on Independent Living: https://ncil.org

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn sits down with Jeaneen Tang, a speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience helping children find their voice. They explore the power of early intervention tips and language development for kids, the impact of speech therapy, and why starting early can make all the difference.

Jeaneen opens up about her personal journey as a speech-language pathologist and shares practical parent coaching strategies to help boost communication skills for kids—from everyday play to structured exercises. The conversation also touches on her book, Play Dumb & Sabotage, a hands-on guide for parents and caregivers looking to support child speech development at home.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode offers special needs parenting tips, insights for autism parenting, and actionable ideas for building your child’s language skills.

You can get your copy of Play Dumb & Sabotage here: https://a.co/d/8J7v5yc

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn speaks with John Fela, a national disability advocate and parent of a child on the autism spectrum. They discuss John's journey through disability advocacy, the challenges of raising a special needs child, the importance of community support, and the resources available for families. John shares insights on navigating housing and employment options for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the need for belonging and connection within the community.

Connect with John:
www.johnfela.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/john-fela-0b839920
X: x.com/jfelageller74
Appearances: https://johnfela.com/featured/#podcast-features

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn discusses the critical concept of anchoring in special needs financial planning. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a solid foundation for future planning by taking inventory of emotional and financial needs. The conversation covers tools like the Letter of Intent, the significance of vision casting, and the necessity of assessing one's starting point in financial planning. Jeff encourages listeners to shift from a reactive mindset to a leadership role in their family's financial journey, ultimately guiding them toward a secure future for their loved ones.

Connect with his team by visiting www.rockwoodwealth.com/snfp. 

In this episode, Dr. Christopher Scott Wyatt shares his personal journey as an autistic self-advocate and father of neurodiverse daughters. He discusses the impact of teachers on neurodiverse students, the implications of labeling, and the challenges of group work in education. Dr. Wyatt emphasizes the importance of diverse communication styles and the need for educators to listen to their students. He also provides insights for parents navigating the education system and highlights the significance of understanding and listening to children.

Consider inviting Dr. Wyatt to speak to your organization or to appear as a guest on your podcast.

https://linktr.ee/cswyatt

The Autistic Me:
Blog: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/
Podcast: https://autisticme.libsyn.com/
 https://autisticme.libsyn.com/neurodiversity 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisticme/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/autisticme
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CSWyatt
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autisticme

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn speaks with April Ratchford, an occupational therapist and advocate for autistic individuals. They discuss the challenges of parenting an autistic child, the importance of occupational and speech therapy, and the transition to adulthood for autistic individuals. April shares her insights on the role of play in learning, the need for community support, and the advocacy efforts in Kentucky to improve resources for autistic individuals and their families.

Check her out at: https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism
Apparel available at: https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/all

In this episode of Secured Steps, host Jeff Llewellyn sits down with Ryann M. Siclari, Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and recipient of the Joseph B. Young Excellence in Legal Advocacy Award from Disability Rights New Jersey.

Ryann brings deep insight into the world of special needs and elder law, covering critical topics including:
• The differences between guardianship and less restrictive alternatives
• When and how to use ABLE accounts
• How to design special needs trusts that work in real life
• The importance of a personalized, family-centered legal strategy

Whether you're supporting a loved one with a disability or caring for aging parents, this episode is full of valuable guidance from one of the field’s most compassionate and skilled attorneys.

Learn more about Ryann's practice at www.porzioplanning.com. 

You can connect with Jeff Llewellyn at www.rockwoodwealth.com/snfp

Choosing a trustee for a Special Needs Trust is one of the most important decisions a family can make—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Secured Steps, we break down the key differences between bundled and unbundled trustee arrangements. You’ll learn how each model works, who’s responsible for what, and the pros and cons of each structure. Whether you're considering a corporate trustee, a family member, or a hybrid approach, this conversation will help you make an informed decision that protects your loved one and aligns with your planning goals.