TALK Down Syndrome

It took 7 months for Brandy to respond to my message on Facebook when I reached out to her to be a guest. Little did I know during that time, Brandy was embarking on her own journey of being a brand new mother to Brayden (who is diagnosed with Down Syndrome) but also learning about her own neurodiversity. Brandy shares with us how she maneuvers through social media taking down “trolls” and shining her own light of advocating for her two children.

This episode we do have just one special guest but TWO :) Dey, a mother to Adam who has Autism and Seleste, a mother to Genesis who has a dual diagnosis of Autism and Down Syndrome. Us three moms collaborate on what our diagnosis’ mean, how we maneuver through the struggles and triumphs in motherhood, and share our personal experiences of being super moms to our babies, and we learn something more about one another’s special child. It’s so wonderful to be able to share World Down Syndrome Day with the Autistic community. Because at the end of the day, no matter what diagnosis (or no diagnosis) we are all moms just trying to do our best and we can’t be our best without this kind of support, right? (This episode is dedicated to Everett Molino (15) who passed 3/15/23. Everett has Autism & we want to sincerely send our condolences to his family during this tragic time. 💙 May his beautiful soul rest peacefully.)

No special guest but just your host Chantele discussing certain instances in her journey that made her have a change in mind set. One, being told that as a parent of a child with Down syndrome we must always “fight” the school system. That is not always the case. Sometimes as parents we stand in the way of our own child’s happiness and growth. It’s important to see the whole picture. What a beautiful thing it is to know the truth, speak the truth, and grow from these experiences.

Azaiah, only 5 months old, has much to say to the world and much to poop! Come listen to Janelle's story of her son, Azaiah, and his struggles he had with Hirschsprung's disease which effects the baby passing stool, and just overcame surgery. Azaiah, born at 3 pounds 5 ounces brings inspiration to any other families out there that may be experiencing this disease or other struggles. This tiny baby has such a huge fight and I can’t wait for you to listen to his journey.

We kick off Down Syndrome awareness month by interviewing Lulu who is a mom to a fun energetic girl named Maya. Lulu spends time talking to us about her journey as Maya’s mother and helps us out on ways we can navigate through the IEP process & things she did that can make your educational plan better :)

Today we TALK Autism! We are switching it up a bit with today's episode. It is important to not only raise awareness on Down syndrome but to be aware of other special needs diagnosis, such as Autism. This is why I invited a friend of mine, Vanessa Gonzales (who's daughter Chloe is Autistic) to be a special guest on this episode. Vanessa shares a bit of insight on what it is like to have a child with Autism and the importance of listening to your inner mommy hunch by investigating signs that you may suspect your child may be different than other children.

This episode we have the beautiful, the strong, the boss babe herself Vanessa Delagarza of Amorcita Clothing. Vanessa joins us today to discuss her journey with her daughter, Amor, who has Down syndrome and shares how Amor gave her the inspiration to create her own clothing line. Amorcita Clothing not only gives an edgy look to our every day attire but contains words of strength and encouragement to parents and loved ones in the special needs community. 

To find Vanessa and Amorcita Clothing go to:

Instagram: Amorcitaofficial

Website: www.amorcitaclothing.com

On this episode we are celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2022 with Tabia Kocks. Many of you know her as "Tabia the Model." Tabia (28 years old) has been interested in modeling since she was in High School and has turned herself in a full-time professional model. Tabia has been named Miss Washington from 2019-2021, been featured in British Vogue, and recently had her own story published by the National Down Syndrome Society. Tabia is all over social media making her mark in the fashion industry and today she joins us in a mini-interview about her life and send her message to the world that "She's Got This!" 

You can find Tabia at:

Website: https://www.tabiathemodel.com/

Instagram: TabiatheModel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TabiaTheModel

Subscribe to her Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYanF5ErtmLUpNZLo0nLJVQ

Today is Saint Patrick's Day (2022) and there is no more LUCKIER way than to celebrate with HEATHER AVIS from "The Lucky Few," and " The Lucky Few Podcast." We welcome you to get to know more about Heather and how (along side Micha Boyett and Mercedes Lara) the Lucky Few was created. We also touch on her New York Times Best Seller; "Different - A Great Thing to Be!" which is a children's book she wrote in homage to her daughter Macyn that promotes diversity and inclusion. 

You can find Heather and the Lucky Few Podcast at: 

Website: https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/

Instagram: theluckyfewpod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluckyfewpod/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vyYBz3vcnJrdQleuZLuxE

You can find out more about her book at:

https://www.heatheravis.com/different