Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker

When your child needs support now, “just wait” isn’t good enough. Chris Cipriano, mom and developmental psychologist, helps parents of children with disabilities move from frustration and apology to confident advocacy. She shares with Amy Julia Becker how to: navigate waitlists work with teachers and providers as partners, not opponents see disability as a different vantage point and a source of value Discover how an asset-based mindset can help you advocate for your child and create change that benefits every family. 00:00 Introduction to Chris Cipriano 02:19 The Concept of Being Unapologetically Impatient 06:32 Reframing Disability: A Different Vantage Point 09:37 Navigating Waitlists and Access to Services 14:31 Building Community and Collaboration 21:07 From Reaction to Prevention: A Mindset Shift MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Be Unapologetically Impatient by Christina Cipriano, PhD _ SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's weekly Substack newsletter: amyjuliabecker.substack.com WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT: Christina Cipriano, PhD, is the inaugural Joseph W. and Alma W. Keilty Endowed Chair in Education and Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she directs the Education Collaboratory at the College of Education. Drawing on her decade of research at the Yale Child Study Center, where she maintains a secondary appointment, Dr. Cipriano's work advances inclusive and equitable social and emotional learning so all students are seen, served, and safe to learn, in schools worldwide. _ Take the Next Step is a resource from the Hope Heals Network, a collective of thought leaders offering honest and hopeful wisdom to help people flourish in the good and hard parts of their stories. To learn more about the work of Hope Heals, visit hopeheals.com or follow @hopeheals on Instagram. We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

Parenting a child with a disability can feel overwhelming, isolating, and uncertain, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Take the Next Step offers encouragement and practical guidance for navigating disability parenting, finding connection, advocating for your child, and creating more joy at home. Join Amy Julia Becker and fellow parents, therapists, researchers, and disability advocates for short, hope-filled conversations and meaningful, manageable steps toward a thriving future for your whole family. _ SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's weekly Substack newsletter: amyjuliabecker.substack.com WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT: Amy Julia Becker invites people to reimagine the good life through her writing and speaking on disability, faith, and culture. She is the author of To Be Made Well , White Picket Fences , Small Talk , and A Good and Perfect Gift. She is a guest opinion writer for national publications and hosts two podcasts: Take the Next Step and Reimagining the Good Life . Becker is a graduate of Princeton University and Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv). She is a member of the Disability Ministry Network, as well as the Alliance for Disability Justice and Ethics in Reproductive Genetics. She lives with her husband and their three children in western Connecticut. _ Take the Next Step is a resource from the Hope Heals Network, a collective of thought leaders offering honest and hopeful wisdom to help people flourish in the good and hard parts of their stories. To learn more about the work of Hope Heals, visit hopeheals.com or follow @hopeheals on Instagram. We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E25 —What do you do when the child you imagined isn’t the child you have? Pastor Mike Erre experienced the slow dismantling of achievement-based parenting when his son with Down syndrome was born. If you’re exhausted by comparisons and milestones, this conversation invites a different way forward: noticing, delighting, and being with your child as they are. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories 03:06 Connecting with Your Child 06:54 Redefining Success and Celebration 11:40 Navigating Grief and Emotions 16:16 Building Connections and Community 19:01 How Dads Can Help Create a World of Belonging MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Voxology podcast Hope Heals Camp _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Mike Erre is the lead pastor of Journey Church in Tennessee and speaks on faith, culture, and spiritual formation. He is also the author of several books and cohost of the Voxology podcast. He is a dad to three children, including their youngest son who has Down syndrome. _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.camp We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E24 —"I don't know what life can look like for my child." If you've ever felt that, this episode is for you. Sheli Reynolds, PhD, is a leader in disability innovation. She joins Amy Julia Becker to share free, practical tools that support individuals and families experiencing disability in planning for friendship, independence, employment, and joy. 00:00 Dr. Sheli Reynolds and Disability Advocacy 03:40 Understanding the Lifecourse Framework 09:15 Tools for Envisioning a Good Future 12:29 Person-Centered Planning Explained 16:04 The Importance of Life Experiences 21:36 Taking the First Step: Practical Advice for Parents MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: LifeCourse (home page) Charting a LifeCourse Framework LifeCourse Facebook page _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Sheli Reynolds is the lead developer of the Charting the LifeCourse framework and a national leader in person- and family-centered disability innovation. Her passion, knowledge, and experience comes from growing up as a sibling of a brother with developmental disabilities. She has spent her career advancing research, policy, and practices that support individuals and families across the lifespan. She serves as Associate Director at the UMKC Institute for Human Development, where she has worked for 28 years, and has held national leadership roles, including on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. She has her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Rockhurst University and earned her doctorate in Public Administration and Sociology from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. www.lifecoursenexus.org https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifecoursenexus/ https://www.facebook.com/lifecoursenexus/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-sheli-reynolds-phd/ _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.camp We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E23 —The meals stop coming. The texts slow down. And suddenly you feel like you’re navigating disability alone. Friends can be great at showing up in a crisis, but how do you find community for your family when life stays hard day after month after year? Katherine Wolf, stroke survivor, mother, and disability advocate, shares her story with Amy Julia Becker. They consider: Grief Limits of toxic positivity Finding community that helps families survive and flourish 00:00 Introduction and Connection 03:37 Is a Good Future Possible? 08:45 The Role of Community in Healing 13:01 Sustaining Community Connections 18:31 Navigating Disappointment in Community 21:05 Creating Long-Term Connections 25:12 Taking Steps Towards Connection MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Hope Heals Hope Heals Camp GoodHard Story podcast Voxer _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Katherine Wolf is an author, advocate, and co-founder of Hope Heals. After she survived a near-fatal brainstem stroke at age 26, her family’s journey through disability has become a public witness that good and hard can co-exist in the same story. Through caregiving, storytelling, and lived theology, Katherine is inviting others into a vision of hope, interdependence, and embodied resilience. She and her husband Jay live in Atlanta with their two sons. Website : https://hopeheals.com/ Instagram accounts: @hopeheals; @opehealscamp; @mendcoffee _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.camp We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E22 —Is having a sibling with a disability hard on kids? Researcher Meghan Burke has spent years studying (and living) this question. Her findings might surprise you. In this episode, she joins Amy Julia Becker to share: what siblings actually say about growing up alongside disability why the "burden" narrative is mostly a myth the one conversation every family needs to have before a crisis hits 00:00 Introduction to Sibling Relationships in Disability 02:48 Research Insights on Sibling Dynamics 05:57 Understanding the Myths and Realities 09:34 The Experience of Being Overlooked as a Sibling 10:59 Common Strengths Among Siblings 12:48 Siblings' Needs and Involvement 16:41 The Normalization of Disability in Sibling Relationships 18:16 Fostering Mutual Care in Families 23:02 Future Planning and Sibling Responsibilities _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Meghan Burke is a professor of special education in Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. Her research interests include advocacy, families (i.e., parents and siblings) of individuals with disabilities, and disability policy. Her research examines how families advocate for services with their family members with disabilities. She also conducts research examining how siblings of individuals with disabilities transition to caregiving roles. Website: https://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/bio/meghan-burke/ Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-burke-4191239/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanbm/ _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.camp We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E21 —As the mom of a daughter with Down syndrome, I have felt my fair share of complicated emotions over these past twenty years. And sometimes, I haven't known what to do with those emotions, especially the ones that seem negative, like grief or fear. I'm talking today with psychiatrist, speaker, and author Curt Thompson about all these things—how we can name our emotions in safe and trusted communities, and the way receiving comfort in the midst of those emotions can also open us up to hope and joy. 00:00 Introduction to Grief 06:15 The Importance of Naming Grief in Community 11:58 Navigating Grief in the Context of Disability 18:32 Connecting to the Fullness of All of Our Emotions 24:12 Practical Steps for Emotional Awareness MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: John 9 The Center for Being Known New Story Behavioral Health Books by Dr. Curt Thompson _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Psychiatrist, speaker and author Curt Thompson connects our intrinsic desire to be known with the need to tell truer stories about ourselves — showing us how to form deep relationships, discover meaning and live integrated, creative lives. www.curtthompsonmd.com IG @curtthompsonmd FB@curtthompsonmd Curt's podcast: Being Known Podcast _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.camp We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E20 —Does your child struggle to understand who they are in a world that sees disability as a deficit? Renee Dollenmayer, founder of Even If Ministries , shares how living with cerebral palsy shapes her joy, sorrow, and purpose—and why every person with a disability needs to know their presence matters. 00:00 Introduction to Renee's Story and Disability 03:15 Joy and Sorrow in the Context of Disability 05:56 Creating Space for Lament and Joy 11:49 Disability and Identity 19:50 Loving and Supporting People with Disabilities 22:23 Practical Next Steps MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Even If Ministries _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Renee is a speaker, coach, and founder and visionary of Even If Ministries. Renee was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of two and has experienced the joy and sorrow of disability. She has a passion to see the disabled transformed by the power of the Gospel. She believes God allowed disability for His glory and her good. Renee has a passion for sharing that suffering is never the end of the story and helping individuals find purpose and freedom in hardship. Furthermore, she finds joy in coming alongside church leaders to make their churches and communities more accessible. Instagram and Facebook: @weareevenif https://www.weareevenif.com/ https://www.reneedollenmayer.com/ Instagram: @reneedollenmayer Facebook: renee.dollenmayer _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.camp We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E19 —Many parents of children with disabilities carry deep spiritual questions and have very little space to process them. Amy Julia Becker talks with Pam Harmon about spiritual direction and why it can be a lifeline for parents navigating caregiving, uncertainty, and burnout. Together they explore practical ways to slow down, notice God in everyday life, and find renewed hope in the middle of disability parenting. 00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Direction 03:48 Experiencing Spiritual Direction in Real Time 05:20 The Hummingbird's Lesson: A Reflection on Action 07:17 Spiritual Needs of Parents of Kids with Disabilities 10:30 Finding Space for Spiritual Direction 12:59 Practical Spiritual Practices for Parents 21:23 Recognizing the Need for Spiritual Direction Ask Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Young Life Capernaum Spiritual Directors International Grafted Life Ministries With Ministries Pam’s email: pharmonyl@comcast.net _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Pam Harmon is a leader in disability ministry with more than 20 years of experience serving youth with disabilities nationwide. She launched Young Life Capernaum in the Washington, DC region and now serves as a Church Consultant with With Ministries , helping congregations become more inclusive and create spaces of belonging for all. She holds a Master’s degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and is a certified Spiritual Director through Lipscomb University. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withministriesorg/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/withministriesorg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/with-ministries Capernaum Young Life: capernaum.younglife.org • Instagram: @ylcapernaum _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.camp We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E18 —Your child isn’t “misbehaving.” They’re trying to be understood. Many children with disabilities communicate through behavior, especially when spoken words aren’t available in the moment. Behavior analyst Emily Longino shares practical tools for recognizing communication signals before they escalate and helping parents build connection with their kids. Amy Julia Becker and Emily explore: How to look beyond behavior to understand the “why” How parents can recognize communication signals earlier Ways to support alternative communication skills How understanding behavior can reduce crises and build connection 00:00 Introduction to Behavior Analysis 03:31 Understanding the Functions of Behavior 08:31 Functional Communication as a Survival Skill 12:31 Where Parents Can Find Behavior Support 16:00 Practical Examples of Functional Communication 22:15 It’s Never Too Late to Change Behavior Questions: Have a question for Emily or for Amy Julia? Record (or email) your questions, and we’ll do our best to respond to them in an upcoming episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Hope Heals Camp FREE RBT TRAINING - Autism Partnership Foundation _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Emily Longino is a Senior Board-Certified Behavior Analyst at Glenwood, a residential facility and specialized school serving children and adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities. She has seven years of experience assessing and treating severe maladaptive behaviors, providing staff training on crisis management, and supporting functional communication. Emily’s work is grounded in compassionate care and trauma-informed practices. She has published in Behavior Analysis in Practice , presented at state and national conferences, and shared her expertise on supporting transition-aged individuals with autism. _ Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow on Instagram @hopeheals. We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E17 —Is your family welcome at church? If Sunday mornings leave you more exhausted than encouraged, you’re not alone. Rebecca Wall, Executive Director of With Ministries , joins Amy Julia Becker to explore why so many disability families are leaving church—and the small, practical changes that can create real belonging. Find (or help build) a community where people with disabilities aren’t just accommodated, but welcomed. Ask Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/ 00:00 Creating Welcoming Church Communities 04:43 Models of Disability Ministry 07:31 The Role of Church Size in Inclusion 10:28 Separate Programming: When and Why? 13:35 Transitioning to Integration 16:21 Finding the Right Church for Families 19:42 The Heart of Belonging in Churches MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: With Ministries: withministries.org Barriers to Belonging: The Church Experiences of Families of Children with Disabilities | Erik Carter _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: As Executive Director of With Ministries, Rebecca has spent more than a decade at the intersection of education and parachurch ministry, equipping leaders to transform their churches into places where every person is known, valued, and truly belongs. Through her vision and catalytic leadership, she has helped congregations across the country move from surface-level inclusion to authentic belonging, reflecting beauty and wholeness. Rebecca’s work continues to inspire a movement toward churches that don’t just welcome but flourish, through the participation of every member of the community. @withministriesorg (instagram), withministries.org (website), With Ministries (FB) _ Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals . Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow on Instagram @hopeheals. We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E16 — Parent and medical caregiver. Many parents of children with disabilities know the complexity of these two full-time roles. Juli Henderson, founder of In Our Arms , was the caregiver for her son Robert, who passed away at eighteen from a rare mitochondrial disease. She joins Amy Julia Becker to explore: Caregiver burnout, guilt, and isolation How to pace yourself Creating community (even when you’re exhausted) Practicing small, sustainable acts of self-care Navigating grief Ask Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/ 00:00 Caregiving, Disability, and Family Dynamics 07:05 The Distinction Between Mom and Caregiver Roles 09:28 Balancing Family Needs with Caregiving Responsibilities 13:47 Self-Care Strategies for Caregivers 17:17 Building a Supportive Community for Caregivers MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: In Our Arms Amy Julia's book: A Good and Perfect Gift _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Juli Henderson is a disability communicator, writer, and advocate who supports families navigating disability, caregiving, and grief. She is the founder of In Our Arms , inspired by her son Robert, who passed away at eighteen from a rare mitochondrial disease. Through her writing, speaking, and nonprofit leadership, Juli offers hope and connection to caregivers around the world. _ Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow on Instagram @hopeheals. We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E15 — Tired of feeling like you have to “fix” your child—or turn their life into an inspiration story? Parents of kids with disabilities are often pushed toward two extremes: tragedy or triumph. But what if both miss the point? In this conversation, Amy Julia Becker and Matthew Mooney (co-founder of 99 Balloons ) offer a healthier way to understand disability—rooted in shared humanity, vulnerability, and real relationships. Plus : simple language shifts you can use at home and with friends starting today. Ask Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/ 00:00 Intro: Understanding Disability 04:52 The Four Myths of Disability 08:01 Theology and Disability 11:21 The Importance of Relationships in Disability 14:39 Defining Disability: A Shared Human Experience 21:18 Practical Language Shifts in Discussing Disability 25:36 Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Joys MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Websites: 99 Balloons Exploring disability as tragedy on Amy Julia’s Reimagining the Good Life podcast: RFK Jr., Autism, and the Story We Need Instead _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: When Matthew Mooney and his wife, Ginny, were 30 weeks pregnant, they learned their son Eliot had trisomy 18. Eliot was born eight weeks later and lived for 99 days. The Mooneys founded 99 Balloons, a nonprofit supporting individuals with disabilities locally and globally. Matt now serves on the 99 Balloons Board and lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with Ginny and their three children—Hazel, Anders, and Lena. A writer, speaker, and consultant on disability and inclusion, Matthew is also an attorney and received his PhD in Theological Ethics at Aberdeen University. His work has taken him to Haiti, Mexico, Ukraine, Uganda, India, and beyond. Websites: 99 Balloons :: matthewlylemooney Social: insta _ Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow on Instagram @hopeheals. We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

Ep 14 — If paperwork and clutter are exhausting you, you’re not alone. Professional organizer Angela O’Brien, mom to a young adult daughter with Down syndrome, talks with Amy Julia Becker about the unique organizing challenges of disability parenting. From managing medical appointments and IEP paperwork to creating a home that works for everyone, Angela shares simple, realistic steps to help you move toward greater peace and presence. 00:00 Organizing for Disability Caregivers 06:22 Challenges Faced by Disability Caregivers 10:39 Starting Small: Practical Steps to Organize Spaces 15:27 Managing Time Effectively 16:49 Organizing Paperwork 21:53 Organizing Tips __ Ask Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/ __ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Your Space Reclaimed: https://yourspacereclaimed.net/ Amy Julia on Angela’s Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms podcast: 90 | Reimagining the Good Life with Kids with Disabilities _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Angela O’Brien is a mom of 2, professional organizer, Enneagram coach, and host of the podcast Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms . As the mom of an amazing young adult daughter with Down Syndrome, Angela is passionate about advocating for and supporting families like hers who are raising kids with disabilities. In fact, after 18 years of sharing her daughter with the world, volunteering her time to support other families and raising money for local Down Syndrome support organizations, Angela took her almost-obsessive passion for home organizing and turned it into a business where she speaks to and coaches fellow caregivers through their clutter so that they can reclaim the space, freedom, and energy to do what they love. She lives in Dallas, TX with her husband and daughter and is constantly trying to find her way to a beach. Links: Website: https://yourspacereclaimed.net/ Instagram: @yourspacereclaimed Facebook: Your Space Reclaimed _ Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow on Instagram @hopeheals. We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

Ep 13 — There's a myth out there that raising a child with disabilities will doom a marriage. But the data tells a different story. In our conversation, authors Todd and Kristin Faith Evans join Amy Julia Becker to offer simple ways for couples to connect in the midst of both the ordinary and the most intense family circumstances. There's a lot of hope in this episode! 00:00 Intro: Marriage and parenting a child with a disability 05:52 Challenges and possibilities parents face 09:28 The power of vulnerability in relationships 12:02 Marriage Triage: What to do when your marriage is in crisis 16:36 Alone Time, Together Time: Why both matter Mentioned: www.DisabilityParenting.com How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities by Kristin Faith Evans, MA, MS, LMSW and Todd Evans, PhD, MA Ask Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/ _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Dr. Todd and Kristin Faith Evans are celebrating twenty-four years of marriage. They are award-winning authors, national speakers, and disability parents. They are passionate about empowering other parents of children with additional needs with the skills to thrive at www.DisabilityParenting.com . They co-wrote their multi award-winning book, How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities (Baker Books). They both earned their MA in Christian Spiritual Formation at Wheaton College in Illinois and have served together in full-time ministry in church, camping, and retreat settings. Todd received his PhD from Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering and currently manages his own businesses, and Kristin earned her MSW from the University of Tennessee and is a licensed master social worker experienced in couples, child and family, substance abuse, and crisis counseling. They enjoy traveling and the outdoors together. Website and social media links: https://disabilityparenting.com/ https://www.instagram.com/disabilityparenting/ https://www.facebook.com/kristin.evans.5895/ _ Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals. We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

Ep 12 — What if inclusion in schools didn’t have to be a constant fight? Adrian Wood, PhD, shares what actually helped her son with autism thrive in their public school system. Adrian and Amy Julia Becker explore: Building trust with educators Collaboration and creativity Navigating IEPs and transitions Small changes that make a big difference 03:36 Navigating Public School for Children with Disabilities 05:59 Creative Thinking and Working Together as a Team 15:01 Strategies for Success 22:01 Preparing for Transitions in Education Ask Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/ __ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: VLOG: Tales of an Educated Debutante _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT: Adrian Wood is the creator of the vlog Tales of an Educated Debutante . She has a PhD in Educational Research and contributes to Today Parents, The Today Show, and the Love What Matters blog. She lives in rural eastern North Carolina with her family. She is the co-author of Autism Out Loud . CONNECT with Adrian on her website ( talesofaneducateddebutante.com ), Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . __ Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow on Instagram @hopeheals. We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

Feeling alone in the hard parts of parenting a child with a disability? Hear how other families are finding support, encouragement, and practical ways to navigate the challenges while celebrating the joys. Plus, a quick review is the perfect Christmas gift to help more families discover Take the Next Step! Mentioned: Niro Feliciano's Take the Next Step episode 00:00 Intro 00:31 Your Feedback 03:33 Backstory and Future Reimagining _ SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals. We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E11 — Feeling the holiday overwhelm creep in already? Psychotherapist Niro Feliciano, author of All is CALMish , unpacks why disability families carry extra emotional weight this time of year—and how small, doable shifts can bring more peace. We explore: realistic expectations micro-moments of delight asking for help building a holiday season that fits your family, not Instagram MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: All is CALMish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays by Niro Feliciano Subscribe to Amy Julia’s Substack newsletter: amyjuliabecker.com/subscribe __ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST : Niro Feliciano is a psychotherapist and an expert on anxiety, stress, and relationships. She holds a master's degree from Columbia University and is the author of This Book Won't Make You Happy and All is CALMish . She is a frequent guest on the TODAY show and her column, "Is This Normal?" appears on Today.com. Her work has appeared in publications such as Real Simple , Oprah Daily , the New York Times , HuffPost , and Psychology Today . Niro is a first-generation Sri Lankan American and lives with her family in Connecticut. Web: nirofeliciano.com Instagram: @niro_feliciano Facebook: /nirotherapy _ Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals. We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E10 — From Frustration to Connection: If your home feels tense or chaotic, connection might be a missing piece. Recording artist Sho Baraka joins Amy Julia Becker to share how his family moved from daily breakdowns and aggression to a home marked by peace. Sho reflects on his story of parenting two sons with autism and the surprising power of proximity—how simply being with our kids can open doors to communication, trust, and calm. 00:00 Introduction to Sho Baraka 03:07 Navigating Communication with Nonspeaking Children 11:14 The Power of Proximity 13:25 Moving from Aggression to Peace 18:52 Marriage and Family Life 21:55 Practical Tools for Families MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Words, 2006 : https://youtu.be/VImB2ALPQic?si=ej0PI35tdMPCN1RW Sho on the GoodHard Story podcast with Katherine Wolf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=512teMbA_gw Dr Marion Blank: https://dmlearninglab.com/about-us-2/ ASD Reading: https://www.asdreading.com/ _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Sho Baraka has spent the last 18 years traveling the world as a recording artist, consultant, speaker and writer. He is a co-founder of The And Campaign and founding member of the internationally known hip-hop consortium 116 Clique and record label, Reach Records. Sho served as a visiting professor at Wake Forest University & Warner Pacific University and is currently an editorial director at Christianity Today. Sho is also working with MyBLVD to build a community called "Good Culture". A space that will galvanize cultivators around story, art & ideas. Sho lives in Atlanta, GA with Patreece, his wife of 22 years, and their three children. Sho and Patreece have two boys on the autism spectrum and find themselves as ambassadors and advocates in the Autism community. Sho Baraka (@amishobaraka) • Instagram photos and videos https://substack.com/@goodculture https://www.shobaraka.com/ https://www.youtube.com/shobarakashow https://www.facebook.com/shobaraka _ Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals. We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E9 — Awkward questions about disability happen. Here’s how parents can respond. Carrie Hahn, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and mother, joins Amy Julia Becker to share actionable strategies to: navigate conversations and correct misconceptions make disability normal in play help kids feel seen and respected without feeling singled out 00:00 Intro 03:14 Myths About Disability 05:33 Talking About Disability in Public 09:05 Challenging Assumptions of Incompetence 14:32 Making Disability Normal in Play 19:08 Turning Conversation Mistakes into Learning 23:38 Practical Tools for Caregivers MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Beyond Inclusion: Raising Anti-Ableist Kids by Carrie Hahn _ WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/ _ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Carrie Hahn is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and mother. She has served children of a variety of ages in a variety of settings and has taken on additional endeavors of interest, such as an autism support group for caregivers, the distribution of a parent education newsletter, and giving talks at conferences for family advocacy groups. She creates and shares content related to disability and neurodivergence on her website and social media and uses her platform to promote education and advocacy. Hahn is the mother of two neurodivergent children, one of whom also has physical disabilities. Her book Beyond Inclusion: Raising Anti-Ableist Kids came out in July of 2024. Carrie’s professional and personal lives have intensified her passion for making a safer and less ableist world. CONNECT with Carrie Hahn on her website ( informdisability.com ), Facebook ( @informspeechandlanguage ), and Instagram ( @carriecch80 ) _ Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com . Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals. We want to hear from you. Send us a text!