The Pause That Connects

This conversation explores Kendra's journey in founding Elliot's Voice, an organization born from personal grief and the need for effective communication tools for children with speech delays. Kendra shares her experiences with AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), the importance of advocacy, and her efforts to raise awareness and accessibility for communication tools in public spaces. The discussion emphasizes the significance of community support, the grieving process for parents, and practical advice for families and educators navigating the challenges of communication for children with special needs.

You can find Kendra and more Elliott's Voice resources on Instagram at @elliotts_voice or Facebook here

You can also e-mail at [email protected]

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Follow us on Instagram: @thepausethatconnects & @shinebehaviorconsulting

Visit our website: www.shinebehaviorconsulting.com

Disclaimer:

The conversations on The Pause That Connects are for informational and discussion purposes only. It is not intended as medical, therapeutic, or behavioral advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation. 

In this engaging podcast episode, Farrin shares her journey from being an educator to founding her travel consulting company, Vacations Worth Melting For. She focuses on creating personalized travel experiences for neurodiverse families, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual needs and providing sensory guides to support them. The conversation explores the challenges and strategies for navigating theme parks, the significance of accessibility in travel, and the success stories of families who have benefited from her services. Farrin's insights and personal experiences underscore the transformative power of tailored travel planning for families with members who are neurodiverse.

Visit Farrin's website here

Follow Farrin on Instagram at @vacationsworthmeltingfor

Learn more about accessibility and travel here

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Let's stay connected! 

Follow us on Instagram: @thepausethatconnects & @shinebehaviorconsulting

Visit our website: www.shinebehaviorconsulting.com

Disclaimer:

The conversations on The Pause That Connects are for informational and discussion purposes only. It is not intended as medical, therapeutic, or behavioral advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation. 

In this episode, we sit down with therapist Mim Kempson to explore the beauty and complexity of neurodivergent relationships and therapy. Mim shares her journey into the field, her own experiences with ADHD and Autism, and how narrative therapy shaped her approach to helping others.

Together, we explore the power of relatability in therapy and understanding individual needs. Mim also reframes conflict as an opportunity for connection and highlights the incredible strengths that come from neurodivergent relationships.

We close with an honest conversation about embracing both strengths and challenges—and how to find a therapist who truly fits your needs.

Follow Mim on Instagram: @mimkempsonofficial

Visit Mim's website at www.mimkempson.com

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Let's stay connected! 

Follow us on Instagram: @thepausethatconnects & @shinebehaviorconsulting

Visit our website: www.shinebehaviorconsulting.com

Disclaimer:

The conversations on The Pause That Connects are for informational and discussion purposes only. It is not intended as medical, therapeutic, or behavioral advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation. 

In this conversation, Melissia from Austin Special Needs Planning shares her personal journey as a mother of a special needs child and how it shaped her career in special needs planning. She discusses the importance of understanding long-term planning for children with special needs, including misconceptions about guardianship, the significance of special needs trusts, and the value of community support. Melissa emphasizes the need for parents to advocate for their children and to seek out resources and professional guidance to navigate the complexities of special needs planning.

You can find Melissia by visiting her website!

NALA: https://nala.org/

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Let's stay connected! 

Follow us on Instagram: @thepausethatconnects & @shinebehaviorconsulting

Visit our website: www.shinebehaviorconsulting.com

Disclaimer:

The conversations on The Pause That Connects are for informational and discussion purposes only. It is not intended as medical, therapeutic, or behavioral advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation. 

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Gabby Cornelio to explore her journey as a mother, author, and advocate. Gabby begins by sharing her family’s story and the moment she first received her son’s Williams syndrome diagnosis. She reflects on the challenges and growth that came with navigating early intervention, as well as the importance of building community and surrounding herself with support networks.

We also dive into the emotional journey of parenting a child with Williams syndrome, where Gabby opens up about both the difficult and deeply rewarding moments. She speaks about advocacy, resilience, and hope—values that guide her family’s path forward. A highlight of our conversation is Gabby’s children’s book, Williams syndrome story: My Brother Doesn’t Speak, But His Heart Does, which beautifully captures the power of love, empathy, and storytelling.

The episode closes with Gabby’s reflections on parenting, family, and the unexpected ways her son has shaped her perspective on life.

Connect with Gabby

• Books: gabbycornelio.com/en/books-2
  
  
• Website: gabbycornelio.com/en/child-with-a-disability/
  
  
• Instagram: @gabby.cornelio

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Let's stay connected! 

Follow us on Instagram: @thepausethatconnects & @shinebehaviorconsulting

Visit our website: www.shinebehaviorconsulting.com

Disclaimer:

The conversations on The Pause That Connects are for informational and discussion purposes only. It is not intended as medical, therapeutic, or behavioral advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation. 

In this episode, Dr. Nancy Krenek from ROCK shares her journey into physical and equine therapy and the powerful impact these programs have on individuals with special needs. She highlights the healing role of horses, the importance of community, and the support offered to both participants and caregivers. Dr. Krenek also shares inspiring success stories and ways to get involved with ROCK’s mission.

While we didn’t talk about it in this conversation, we also want to highlight the documentary Where the Horses Heal the Soul, commissioned by George and Barbara Brightwell, longtime supporters of ROCK. Produced by Twila LaBar, this full-length film follows the journeys of two adaptive riders and two veterans as they find hope and healing through equine therapy. The documentary is still touring festivals worldwide, with its next showing at the Georgetown Film Festival on September 27, and will be available to stream in the near future. You can view the trailer here and learn more on the official website.

Learn more about ROCK (Ride on Center for Kids) here

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Let's stay connected! 

Follow us on Instagram: @thepausethatconnects & @shinebehaviorconsulting

Visit our website: www.shinebehaviorconsulting.com

Disclaimer:

The conversations on The Pause That Connects are for informational and discussion purposes only. It is not intended as medical, therapeutic, or behavioral advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation. 

In this uplifting conversation, Kaci and Amanda from Rising Tide Specialized Therapies share their inspiring journey into the world of recreation therapy. With passion and purpose, they talk about what drew them to the field, the experiences that have shaped their practice, and the meaningful impact their work has on neurodivergent individuals. They dive into the importance of community involvement and how understanding the Medicaid waiver system can open doors to essential services. Their excitement for helping others shines through as they describe the flexibility and creativity that recreation therapy allows.

Kaci and Amanda also speak about the deep fulfillment they find in working with adults and building strong, trusting relationships with both clients and families. Their advice for aspiring recreation therapists is filled with heart and wisdom, and they offer encouragement to families seeking supportive, adaptive therapy options. With a strong emphasis on patience, understanding, and genuine connection, their message is clear: therapy can—and should—be both effective and joyful. Want to learn more or get in touch? You can find them on Instagram at @risingtidetherapiestx or visit their website at www.risingtidetherapies.com.

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Let's stay connected! 

Follow us on Instagram: @thepausethatconnects & @shinebehaviorconsulting

Visit our website: www.shinebehaviorconsulting.com

Disclaimer:

The conversations on The Pause That Connects are for informational and discussion purposes only. It is not intended as medical, therapeutic, or behavioral advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation. 

In this episode of The Pause That Connects podcast, Crystal Herrington opens up about her meaningful journey into financial planning, with a special focus on supporting families who have loved ones with special needs. She shares insights into the emotional and practical aspects of this path, including the often-overlooked grieving process families may experience. Crystal explains the differences between tools like special needs trusts and ABLE accounts, helping to demystify financial planning in a space that can feel overwhelming. Her approach is rooted in empathy, education, and empowerment.

Crystal emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community and reminds families that they are not alone—there are resources and professionals ready to help. To explore some of the tools she mentions, check out the ABLE account comparison tool, this helpful resource on government benefits, or find a qualified attorney through the Special Needs Alliance. You can connect directly with Crystal via email at [email protected], through her website at Northwestern Mutual, or on Instagram at @crystalherringtonnm.

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Let's stay connected! 

Follow us on Instagram: @thepausethatconnects & @shinebehaviorconsulting

Visit our website: www.shinebehaviorconsulting.com

Disclaimer:

The conversations on The Pause That Connects are for informational and discussion purposes only. It is not intended as medical, therapeutic, or behavioral advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation. 

In this inspiring conversation, LeeAnna shares the heartfelt journey behind starting Sensory Style, a company dedicated to creating supportive and empowering environments for families. With a deep understanding of family dynamics and the challenges many face, she highlights the importance of intentional planning and collaboration with other professionals to design spaces that truly meet each family’s unique needs. Her approach goes beyond aesthetics—it's about building environments that foster independence, boost engagement, and promote a sense of calm and belonging.

LeeAnna also dives into the vital role mental health and community play in the process, offering thoughtful organizational strategies and encouraging families every step of the way. Her passion for making a difference shines through in every aspect of her work. Want to learn more or connect with LeeAnna? You can find her on Instagram at @sensorystylecompany, visit her website at www.sensorystylecompany.com, or reach out via email at [email protected].

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Let's stay connected! 

Follow us on Instagram: @thepausethatconnects & @shinebehaviorconsulting

Visit our website: www.shinebehaviorconsulting.com

Disclaimer:

The conversations on The Pause That Connects are for informational and discussion purposes only. It is not intended as medical, therapeutic, or behavioral advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation. 

In this inspiring conversation, Neta shares her incredible journey to becoming a devoted practitioner, working alongside her business partner Hagit to support children and families through emotional regulation and the wisdom of the Chinese five elements. She speaks passionately about the importance of creating inclusive tools for children and the need to understand emotional dynamics in both kids and adults. Together, Neta and Hagit are committed to meeting each child with compassion and care, creating a supportive space for growth and connection.

The conversation also explores essential topics like sensory processing, ADHD, and the transformative role of art and storytelling in helping children and parents thrive. Neta emphasizes the importance of individualized approaches in parenting and highlights how vital self-care is for caregivers. Her insights, combined with Hagit's collaboration, offer a heartfelt and refreshing perspective that encourages empathy, creativity, and holistic family support.

You can find Mistake and Friends online at www.mistakeandfriends.com, on Instagram @mistakeandfriends, on YouTube at @mistakeandfriends, and on Etsy at their shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/MistakeAndFriends?msockid=122ebe85bb9166180735a8adbafb673f. 

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Let's stay connected! 

Follow us on Instagram: @thepausethatconnects & @shinebehaviorconsulting

Visit our website: www.shinebehaviorconsulting.com

Disclaimer:

The conversations on The Pause That Connects are for informational and discussion purposes only. It is not intended as medical, therapeutic, or behavioral advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.