Episodes - Water Prairie Chronicles

Episode #62: Creating a Culture of Acceptance: How Inclusive Schools Can Build Stronger Communities

As our understanding of neurodiversity continues to evolve, it’s become increasingly clear that our education system needs to adapt to meet the needs of all learners. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Evisha Ford, the Founding Executive Director of the iCan Dream Center, a therapeutic school that serves neurodiverse learners and their families. Dr. Ford is a leading advocate for inclusive education and has dedicated her career to helping schools create environments where all students can thrive. In this episode, we’ll be discussing how parents can help encourage their children’s schools to become more inclusive, as well as practical strategies that educators can use to support neurodiverse learners. So, whether you’re a parent, an educator, or just interested in learning more about neurodiversity, this episode is not to be missed.

Order Dr. Ford’s Book, Benches in the Bathroom: https://amzn.to/3qgaUrl

Connect with Dr. Evisha Ford:
Instagram: @dr_evisha (https://www.instagram.com/dr_evisha/)
Website: https://www.drevisha.com/
iCan Dream Center Website: https://icandreamcenter.com/
Facebook Private Group: Leading a Socially, Emotionally & Physically Safe School Culture (https://www.facebook.com/groups/6157723637618324/)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drevisha/

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie
Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

Music Used:
“LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Episode #61: Sensory Needs Matter: Empowering Students Through Music

Show Notes:

Discover how an elementary school music teacher from Ohio is revolutionizing education by creating sensory and emotionally inclusive classrooms. Through his personal experiences with ADHD and sensory processing disorder, Bryson Tarbet advocates for removing barriers and empowering students to embrace their unique selves. Join us on this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles as Bryson shares his insights and strategies for incorporating music education to help students with ADHD and SPD develop self-regulation skills that extend beyond the classroom.

In Episode 61 of the Water Prairie Chronicles, Tonya Wollum interviews Bryson Tarbet, an elementary school music teacher from Columbus, Ohio, who is an advocate for creating sensory and emotionally inclusive classrooms. Bryson shares his personal experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD as a child and sensory processing disorder (SPD) in recent years. He embraces his unique way of processing the world and uses his experiences to shape his teaching methods.

In the Two Truths and a Lie game, Bryson reveals three facts about himself: he has been in multiple professional operas, a deer once jumped through his classroom window, and he aspired to be a paramedic when he was younger. Listeners are invited to guess which fact is a lie by posting in the comments.

The conversation then focuses on ADHD and SPD, with Bryson explaining that both are neurological disorders affecting how individuals process the world. He shares how ADHD manifests for him, often resulting in hyper-fixation and forgetfulness. In contrast, his sensory processing disorder is characterized by sound sensitivities, which can lead to overstimulation and mood changes. Bryson embraces these challenges and aims to create a classroom where students can feel comfortable being themselves without conforming to neurotypical standards.

Tonya asks Bryson about the importance of creating sensory-friendly classrooms. He explains that sensory needs are fundamental and meeting those needs helps prevent disruptive behaviors and promotes safety. Bryson emphasizes the significance of removing barriers and providing opportunities for students to regulate their sensory experiences, ensuring they do not feel punished for things beyond their control.

Regarding music education, Bryson highlights how it can help students with ADHD and SPD develop self-regulation skills. As someone who found solace in music, he believes it offers validation and allows hyper-fixations to be channeled into something the world values. Bryson mentions that music education teaches collaboration, teamwork, and understanding individual contributions. He appreciates the flexibility music provides for movement, allowing students to learn in ways that suit their needs.

Tonya and Bryson discuss how music education extends beyond the classroom. Music helps students understand their emotions and how different music can regulate them. By fostering introspection and reflection, music education equips students with tools applicable to various aspects of their lives.

Challenges associated with teaching music in a sensory-friendly manner are also addressed. The music classroom presents distractions such as instruments, bright lights, and sound triggers. Bryson shares strategies he has implemented, including fidget tools and headphones for tactile feedback and sound dampening. These accommodations are available to all students, not just those with sensory needs, to promote inclusivity.

In conclusion, Bryson’s interview sheds light on the importance of creating inclusive classrooms that address the sensory and emotional needs of students. He demonstrates how music education can be a powerful tool for self-regulation and empowerment, allowing students to thrive beyond the classroom.

Connect with Bryson:

Instagram: @ThatMusicTeacher (https://www.instagram.com/thatmusicteacher)

Website: https://www.thatmusicteacher.com/

Podcast: That Music Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-music-podcast/id1489497622)

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Meet Today’s Guest:

Bryson Tarbet is a PreK-6th grade general music teacher just outside of Columbus, Ohio. He received his Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education from Ohio Wesleyan University his Master of Music in Music Education with a Kodály emphasis from Capital University.

Bryson spent his first year out of college as part of an elementary school intervention team and he fell in love with working with students with disabilities. Due to this experience, as well as his personal experience as a neurodiverse individual, Bryson feels very strongly about advocating for sensory and emotionally-inclusive classrooms.

Bryson started That Music Teacher, LLC with the goal of sharing different perspectives on issues pertaining to the lives of music educators across the country. He also hosts That Music Podcast, a podcast for elementary music teachers and is the educator behind the Elementary Music Summit.

More information about Bryson and That Music Teacher can be found at www.ThatMusicTeacher.com. Bryson can also be found on Instagram and Facebook @ThatMusicTeacher.

Episode #60: Breaking Barriers: How to Travel the World with a Wheelchair

Have you ever tried to travel while using a wheelchair? Does the thought of trying to get around while on a vacation cause you anxiety? Today, we have a very special guest on our podcast – Kristin Secor, an adventurous traveler who has explored the world in a wheelchair and while on a ventilator. Kristin’s journey with muscular dystrophy has not blunted her thirst for travel, and she has discovered some amazing tips and tricks for traveling with a disability. From visiting the National Parks to camping in an RV to traveling around the world, Kristin has seen it all, and today she will be sharing her insights and experiences with us. So, grab your travel notebook and get ready to plan your next trip after hearing Kristin’s story.

Connect with Kristin:

WorldOnWheelsBlog.com – http://worldonwheelsblog.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldonwheelsblog/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073853057823

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WorldonWheels6

National Parks Access Pass Information: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/accessibility/interagency-access-pass.htm

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Episode #59: Financial Planning for Special Needs Children

How Families Can Ensure Their Child with Disabilities Has a Secure Financial Future

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles, your host, Tonya Wollum, speaks with financial planner Amit Chawla about the importance of financial planning for families with special needs individuals. Drawing on his personal experience of having a son with a disability, Chawla highlights the need for proactive planning to ensure that parents are adequately prepared for their child’s future financial needs. He provides valuable information on government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, as well as misconceptions about financial planning for individuals with disabilities. Chawla emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and resources from government agencies and nonprofit organizations, and planning for the worst-case scenario. He also suggests finding other ways to fund their child’s needs, such as utilizing resources like nonprofit organizations or community support. Overall, Chawla’s interview underscores the crucial role financial planning plays in ensuring that families with special needs individuals can provide the best care and support possible.

Connect with Amit:

Podcast: https://planningforspecialneeds.podbean.com

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MySpecialFP/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-special-financial-planning/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PlanningForSpecialNeeds

** My Special Financial Planning is a Financial Planning service for the Special Needs community. Pro Bono if you are not earning over $100K/year individually or $125K/year as a family, and have savings of less than $250K.

Waiver programs: https://www.kidswaivers.org/, It provides details of all waiver programs (by state) for children with disabilities or medical needs. Some of these waivers consider family income and some don’t.

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

MOTHERS DAY BOOK BUNDLE GIVEAWAY!

Grab your chance to win 2 signed books about Sofia Sanchez, a teen actress, model, and advocate for Down syndrome!

Go to https://waterprairie.com/giveaway for details!

Get a BONUS entry by answering some questions about this podcast episode: https://forms.gle/9dEy4TxjGvjMybXk6

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Meet Today’s Guest:

Amit Chawla is a Software Product Manager and founder of My Special Financial Planning, a financial planning company that focuses on special needs families. He and his wife, an Estate Planning Attorney, have two boys and reside in Lexington, Massachusetts. Their oldest son is 13 years old and has Autism, which led Amit to become a certified financial planner and chartered special needs consultant. Amit’s goal is to help families with special needs members plan for a better future. He volunteers for a couple of non-profit organizations to provide pro bono financial planning services, and he and his wife moderate a private Facebook group called Planning for Special Needs. Amit shares openly about his experience with raising a son on the severe side of the Autism spectrum and how it led him to become a passionate advocate for special needs financial planning.

Episode #58: From Hunger Games to Children’s Books: The Unstoppable Sofia Sanchez!

Show Notes:

In this inspiring and heartwarming episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast, Tonya interviews Jennifer Varanini Sanchez and her daughter, Sofia Sanchez. Sofia, who has Down Syndrome, is a child model, actress, and voiceover actor. Sofia and Jennifer share about their experience filming the Hunger Games movie, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and some of Sofia’s favorite memories of being on set. The conversation also touches on their experiences traveling to multiple countries and immersing themselves in the local cultures. Sofia’s achievements in modeling and acting have inspired and given hope to many parents of children with disabilities who believe that their children can achieve their dreams.

Jennifer and Sofia talk about how they began working with children’s book author Margaret O’Hare to write four children’s books that promote inclusion, acceptance, and love in families, regardless of what they look like. Jennifer and Sofia’s story is one of resilience, passion, and hard work. Their experiences in modeling, acting, traveling, and writing have shown that anything is possible with determination and support. The episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for inspiration and motivation to pursue their dreams, no matter their circumstances.

Connect with Jennifer and Sofia:

Instagram:

Jennifer: @thesanchezsix

Sofia: @the.sofia.sanchez

Sofia’s website: www.Sofia-Sanchez.com

The Iceland Project Information:

justlikeyoumovement.org

Donate to the Iceland project: https://bit.ly/SofiaIceland

Purchase Sofia’s Books: (* As an Amazon Associate I may earn a commission on sales made by using these links.)

You Are Loved

You Are Enough

Ride the Wave Love Sofia and Haole the Surf Dog

BeYOUtiful Love Sofia

Resources for Down Syndrome Families:

Global Down Syndrome Foundation – https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/

National Down Syndrome Society – http://www.ndss.org/

National Down Syndrome Congress – https://www.ndsccenter.org/

Gigi’s Playhouse – https://gigisplayhouse.org/

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network – https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

MOTHERS DAY BOOK BUNDLE GIVEAWAY!

Grab your chance to win 2 signed books about Sofia Sanchez, a teen actress, model, and advocate for Down syndrome!

Go to https://waterprairie.com/giveaway for details!

Get a BONUS entry by answering some questions about this podcast episode: https://forms.gle/Lwo6B8cH1Drw8dyR8

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Episode #57: Beyond the Diagnosis: The Realities and Myths of Down Syndrome

Show Notes:

What if you were told that Down syndrome is not something to fear, but rather something to celebrate? In this inspiring episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast, host Tonya Wollum welcomes Jennifer Varanini Sanchez and her daughter Sofia Sanchez, who reminds the world that Down syndrome is not scary.

Jennifer and her husband have three sons, the youngest of whom also has Down syndrome. The family adopted Sofia when she was under two years old from an orphanage in Ukraine. Jennifer has since become a Down syndrome and adoption advocate. In this episode, Jennifer shares their experiences with early intervention services, individualized education programs, and inclusive education. Jennifer also provides recommendations for new parents of children with Down syndrome and shares valuable resources for families.

Tune in to learn how Sofia is breaking down stereotypes and thriving as an eighth grader who attends school, plays sports, and is involved in a community theater production. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted by this heartwarming interview!

Connect with Jennifer and Sofia:

Instagram:

Jennifer: @thesanchezsix

Sofia: @the.sofia.sanchez

Sofia’s website: www.Sofia-Sanchez.com

Purchase Sofia’s Books: (* As an Amazon Associate I may earn a commission on sales made by using these links.)

You Are Loved

You Are Enough

Resources Mentioned:

Global Down Syndrome Foundation – https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/

National Down Syndrome Society – http://www.ndss.org/

National Down Syndrome Congress – https://www.ndsccenter.org/

Gigi’s Playhouse – https://gigisplayhouse.org/

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network – https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

MOTHERS DAY BOOK BUNDLE GIVEAWAY!

Grab your chance to win 2 signed books about Sofia Sanchez, a teen actress, model, and advocate for Down syndrome!

Go to https://waterprairie.com/giveaway for details!

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Episode #56: Building a Supportive Community for Individuals with Down Syndrome

Show Notes:

In this episode, we take a tour of the new location for Gigi’s Playhouse Raleigh, a non-profit organization that provides support, resources, and programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. We speak with volunteers and staff to learn more about the impact Gigi’s Playhouse has on the Down syndrome community. Additionally, we sit down with Michelle and Matthew Schwab, advocates for Down syndrome, to discuss a range of topics related to raising a child with Down syndrome, including medical care, education, and social interactions. Join us for an informative and inspiring conversation about the beauty of Down syndrome and the importance of building a supportive community.

Connect with Matthew:

Website: https://www.matthewschwabspeaks.com/

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

MOTHERS DAY BOOK BUNDLE GIVEAWAY!

Grab your chance to win 2 signed books about Sofia Sanchez, a teen actress, model, and advocate for Down syndrome!

Go to https://waterprairie.com/giveaway for details!

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Episode #55: Parenting Autistic Children: Finding Gratitude in the Struggle

Show Notes:

In today’s episode, your host, Tonya Wollum, interviews Amit Chawla, a software product manager and founder of a financial planning company. Chawla has two sons, one of whom is autistic, which led him to become a certified financial planner and chartered special needs consultant.

Throughout the interview, Chawla shares his experiences of raising his son on the severe side of the autism spectrum and the struggles he faced in getting consistent treatment for him. He talks about how this experience led him to send his son to a residential school and how it gave him and his wife time to think about their future. Chawla’s wife was an attorney, but she went back to school to become an estate planning attorney, specializing in special needs and elder law.

During the interview, Chawla also discusses the unique perspective on life that the special needs community has and their ability to find gratitude in things that others may overlook. With his part-time financial planning practice, Chawla plans to continue helping families with special needs for as long as he can.

This episode is an inspiring and eye-opening conversation that sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with special needs.

Connect with Amit:

Podcast: https://planningforspecialneeds.podbean.com

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MySpecialFP/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-special-financial-planning/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PlanningForSpecialNeeds

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Episode #54: What it’s Like to Raise a Medically Fragile Child with CVID

Show Notes:

In this video, we sit down with Stacey Short, a mother who has raised a medically fragile child and found herself losing her sense of self as she took on the responsibility of caring for her son with Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID). Stacey shares her experiences, insights, and struggles as a parent of a medically fragile child, including how she coped with the stress, uncertainty, and emotional toll of caring for a child with complex medical needs.

Stacey now uses her experiences to help other women who may be going through similar struggles. She specializes in helping women aged 35 and above who secretly hate life a little too often and have become the person they never thought they would turn into. These women are having trouble recognizing their reflections, and now find themselves yelling at, resenting, and avoiding their loved ones.

In this interview, Stacey offers valuable advice and support for parents of medically fragile children, as well as for anyone who may be struggling with their own identity and sense of self. She shares practical tips on how to maintain self-care, prioritize your own well-being, and seek out support systems that can help you through challenging times. Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and hope, and her insights will be valuable to anyone who is navigating the challenges of caregiving and parenting.

Interested in working with Stacey? Book a free discovery call and find out if her coaching program is a good fit. Be sure to mention you heard about it on the Water Prairie Chronicles for a discount!

https://calendly.com/afewshortminutes

Stacey loves to connect! Find her at:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afewshortminutes_coaching_/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afewshortminutes/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stacey_coaches

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Episode #53: The Power of Inclusion: Insights from a Children’s Book Author and Non-Profit Founder

Show Notes:

In this episode, Tonya continues her conversation from Episode 52 with Amanda Owen, author of the Owen the Wonderer book series and founder of the non-profit, Puzzle Pieces. Owen is the main character of the children’s book series, which includes real people from Amanda’s life. The series aims to start conversations about inclusion and acceptance of individuals with disabilities, and each book includes questions for parents and teachers to help facilitate these conversations. Amanda started the series to provide a tool for parents and educators who may not know how to approach the topic of disability with children. The books are based on Amanda’s experiences as a special education teacher and the founder of a non-profit organization that advocates for individuals with disabilities.

If you missed the first part of this conversation, be sure to listen to Episode 52 to hear Amanda’s story of growing up as the sibling to a brother with a rare genetic condition. She also gives good suggestions on how parents can prepare for their special needs child’s future care. You can watch Episode 52 at https://youtu.be/sapGfxihznY.

Since recording this podcast episode, Amanda has launched another project! She created a Gratitude Journal for moms raising children with disabilities. With the help of 30 mommas from across the country, Amanda made something that she wished her mom had 41 years ago when she discovered her brother had a rare disability.

This journal is meant to not only help moms find joy in the hard, but also build a village of other moms walking similar paths. You don’t have to be alone. This journal will help you connect and find gratitude in your journey raising your child.

You can order your Gratitude Journal HERE! ➡ piecesofme.org/gratitude-journal

Amanda loves to connect! Find her at:

Website: piecesofme.org

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pieces-of-me/id1547078857

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piecesofmebyamanda/

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

“2 Truths and a Lie” Game:

Can you guess which statements Amanda shared were her truths and which was her lie? Post your best guess in the comments below. We’ll post the correct answer on Instagram next week so be sure to check and see if you were right.

1. Her brother was the 11th person in U.S. with his diagnosis.

2. She is 2 episodes from 100th on podcast.

3. She loves to cook and try new recipes.

Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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