Let's Plant Houses

05/12/2024

It’s been an amazing first year and 20 episodes for Let’s Plant Houses - 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂.

Whether you’re sharing the stories, leaving reviews, or just listening in, you’ve helped build something special. THANK YOU!

What are THREE WAYS you can help keep this going?

1 - 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗣𝗛 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/

2 - 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗟𝗣𝗛 𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/?hl=en

3 - 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/2J8JhQUrkKrXaYxs8JF4Zh?si=5ac96ad842e14bae
APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933

And thanks again for being part of this journey!

04/12/2024

What can you learn about advocacy from a parent who navigated autism during a global pandemic?

In this episode, Lauren Christilaw shares her journey as a mom to Henry, a young boy with autism. From tackling developmental delays during the pandemic to advocating for the right services and school support, from blended classrooms to IEPs, Lauren shares her insights about parenting, advocacy, and standing up for family.

Listen now!

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/

APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000679114431

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0LxSveeobBODvuie5MoRY2?si=a2916455d042414b

13/11/2024

How has someone close to you changed the way you see the world?

I’m lucky enough that Theresa Gutierrez shared her story about this special someone - her brother, Peter.

In this heartwarming episode of Let’s Plant Houses, Theresa Gutierrez shares the beautiful story of growing up with her brother, Peter, who has Down syndrome. With a perfect mix of humor and love, Theresa reflects on the brave choice her parents made to embrace Peter’s life, defying the expert advice of the time.

But that’s just the beginning—Theresa takes us on a tour of their incredible relationship and the joy Peter brings everyone around him. From his moments in the Special Olympics to the incredible community that has rallied around him and his family, this episode is a celebration of family.

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000676690920

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7o1Cdy0YVTIYiHk83yJC1c?si=eu6lzBLpQgOKkOnqrUdOew

08/11/2024

What if you could manage a workplace where every coffee poured and every goal achieved helped create a more inclusive world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

Anastasia and Katie's Coffee Shop and Mi Work Matters has a job opening for an Operations Manager. Please check it out and apply if this role calls to you!

Operations Manager — Mi Work Matters / Anastasia and Katie’s Coffee Shop & Cafe To apply, send a resume to [email protected] and fill out the online application: Apply Job DescriptionPosition: Operations ManagerReports To: Executive DirectorEmployment Type: Salaried, based on 32-36 hours pe...

06/11/2024

Did you see I interviewed Christa Andrews, a certified autism travel professional with Practically Perfect Vacations with Christa, making dream vacations happen for special needs families?

Listen to the conversation now!

LTP: https://lnkd.in/eYEAwYDU

Spotify: https://lnkd.in/djkqVpzj

Apple: https://lnkd.in/eFZq8jAc

04/11/2024

Do you remember hearing about the Dani Plan from their founders, Joel and Debbie Pearlman, on Let’s Plant Houses, Season 1?

Well, Easterseals MORC and the Dani Plan are now offering a FREE webinar so you can learn more about the tool!

Want to flashback to that LPH episode? https://www.letsplanthouses.com/2024/06/12/lph-ep-14-joel-and-debbie-creators-of-the-dani-plan-are-simplifying-caregiving-and-future-planning/

We're offering a free demonstration and webinar for you to learn more about the Dani Plan! Join us on Wednesday, November 20th at 1:00 PM (EST) to learn more about the revolutionary new tool to document, store, and share information about your loved one with special needs.

With the Dani Plan, you can develop a detailed summary of your loved one's life in a single, easy to navigate, online source.

Sign up for this FREE webinar today at: https://daniplan.com/discover-the-dani-plan-easterseals/

29/10/2024

How can travel professionals offer an inclusive and incredible vacation for families with special needs?

Disney vacations have become a childhood rite of passage, but for families with children who have special needs, it can feel out of reach. Enter Christa Andrews from Practically Perfect Vacations, a Certified Autism Travel Professional and a specialist with Disney and Universal resorts. In this episode, she shares how she helps families plan the vacations they’ve dreamed of. Her certification equips her to support individuals on the autism spectrum, ensuring they have a magical and stress-free experience. Tune in to learn how to make your next family getaway possible!

(And check out Christa's fabulous Disney skirt!)

LTP: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/626OHG37PgT0IBq56HmPEW?si=4ab151dce5bd4863

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000674890553

16/10/2024

What if the challenges we face could lead us to create something truly powerful for others?

On this episode of Let's Plant Houses, I sit down with Mireya Martinez, a single mother who has navigated life’s challenges with grace, all while raising her two children—one of whom, Bianca, has autism. Mireya shares her story about how she turned her love and dedication into a powerful force, creating a community of support through her nonprofit, Just 4 Me Non-profit.

With the motto, "No young adult with special needs or disability is left behind," Mireya’s mission is to ensure that every individual finds a place to belong. She opens up about building a space where friendships are forged, social skills are developed, and lives are transformed. Tune in for a conversation about creating community, love, and purpose:

LTP WEBSITE:
https://www.letsplanthouses.com/

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1LkNyT90K5JlAtGVDp23Sj?si=NXKNt7nhSXWeOLZAvJYX4g

APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lphs02e02-no-one-left-behind-mireya-turns-love-into/id1724641933?i=1000673195244

10/10/2024

What's a goosebump moment?

It's that moment when something truly resonates with you, or you experience a profound realization deep within. I got goosebumps when Kim shared her insights during this clip from our interview in Episode 1, Season 2 of Let's Plant Houses.

Want to hear the rest? Link to entire conversation is in bio - please listen, share, and let me know what you think!

- LTP: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/2024/10/01/lphs02e01-kim-a-mother-navigating-her-sons-mysterious-health-journey-with-love-and-strength/

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Ft9U7a62zo4gpuqAatyqd?si=46zOn_SKRDC8_ilvlKlWdQ

- Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lphs02e01-kim-a-mother-navigating-her-sons/id1724641933?i=1000671427274

04/10/2024

Why should kids with IDD and kids without be friends? Friendships can help:

• Foster empathy and reduces stigma around differences
• Teach valuable social and leadership skills
• Create new ways of thinking and problem-solving with peers who have different strengths.

Does your school offer this experience? If not, reach out to Lydia Goff, MSW at [email protected] about creating your own!

01/10/2024

In life, we often face challenges that test not only our strength but also our love and resilience.

In this first epsiside of Let's Plant Houses Season 2, I had the honor of sitting down with Kim Cascardo, who opened up about her son Enzo's profound journey through ongoing medical battles. Though Enzo still doesn’t have a formal diagnosis, his symptoms mirror those of Leigh Syndrome. But this conversation isn’t just about illness—it’s about a mother’s unwavering love, the wisdom she’s gained, and how her family has found strength in each other during uncertain times.

If you need a reminder that even in the face of the unknown, love and hope are always present, then listen in:

Let's Plant Houses podcast: https://www.letsplanthouses.com
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lphs02e01-kim-a-mother-navigating-her-sons/id1724641933?i=1000671427274
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Ft9U7a62zo4gpuqAatyqd?si=Fbyk8ie8T6GazCriPU_Y5w

27/08/2024

What does IDD and tech have in common? Find out in this episode of IT in the D when we talk about Let’s Plant Houses!

Wendy Ernzen joins us to talk about her podcast Let's Plant Houses where she discusses the victories and successes of families whose childrenyoung and adulthave intellectual and developmental disabi

14/08/2024

What emotions might a parent experience after receiving their child's diagnosis?

Initially, there may be shock, disbelief, and a sense of being overwhelmed. As the reality sets in, fear and anxiety about the unknown can creep in. But these aren't the only emotions parents face.

There's also hope and curiosity. After a five-year journey for answers, Bill shares in this clip the unexpected emotion he felt: relief.

Curious to hear the full story? Flashback to Episode 1 and dive into this powerful conversation here: https://rb.gy/soxrbh

13/08/2024

🌱 Exciting News! 🌱 Season 2 of "Let's Plant Houses" is sprouting on Wednesday, October 9th!

🌟 Over the next 8 weeks, I’ll be dropping some gems from Season 1 that you won’t want to miss. Got any thoughts or favorite moments from the first season? I’d love to hear them - drop your comments below!

👇 Let's keep the conversation growing!

18/07/2024

LAST LPH podcast episode of SEASON 1 is here!

💌 Have someone who might want to be a guest on season 2? Email me at: [email protected].

🌟 Special thanks to David Buckley for being our 15th LPH guest and wrapping up season 1 with his inspiring story.

🎙️LISTEN NOW

https://www.letsplanthouses.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/00MQ1JpnmcMQSGt9wOQsDk?si=7957d83a6e364e79

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000662604525

More about this episode...
David Buckley joined us to talk about his son Jack's diagnosis of Down syndrome and the world it opened up for their entire family. Not only are they creating a better life for Jack, but also for others through their involvement with some amazing organizations like the Miracle League, Gigi's Playhouse, and Angel's Place to name a few. Listen now!

12/06/2024

Have you heard of the Dani Plan, a tool that simplifies caregiving and future planning for those with special needs?

On Episode 14 of Let's Plant Houses, I interview Joel and Debbie, the visionary creators of the Dani Plan. This innovative tool was inspired by their eldest daughter, Dani, who has autism, and it serves as a secure, centralized hub that organizes and consolidates all essential information needed to care for an individual with special needs. It makes caregiving more manageable and helps families plan for the future. Tune into this episode to hear about their family’s journey and their mission to make caregiving and future planning for families with loved ones who have special needs easy.

Listen now on Let's Plant Houses: https://www.letsplanthouses.com

Or find Let's Plant Houses on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Learn more about the Dani Plan: https://daniplan.com/

02/06/2024

The first newsletter is now out!

Why sign up for the LPH Community newsletter? Because each new episode comes straight to your inbox making it even easier for you to listen.

If YOU HAVEN'T already, subscribe today! https://mailchi.mp/113d8226ac84/join-the-lets-plant-houses-community

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