Saturday, July 12, 2025
Water Prairie

advocacy

Episode #120: The Power of Positive Self-Talk for Special Needs Parents

Are you a parent of a special needs child? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the challenges of advocating for your child’s needs? In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast, we talk with Latonya Moore, a well-being coach and advocate for positive self-talk.

Latonya shares her insights on how to overcome negative self-talk and build the confidence you need to be a strong advocate for your child. She also offers practical tips for managing stress and finding joy in your parenting journey.

Whether you’re a new or experienced parent, this episode has something for everyone. Latonya’s message is one of hope and empowerment. She reminds us that we are not alone and that we have the strength to advocate for our children and create a better future for them.

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96. Is Your Child’s Potential Being Limited? How Advocating for a Child With Special Needs Makes a Difference!

In this interview, Tonya Wollum, the host of the Water Prairie Chronicles, chats with Latisha Anderson about the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with a disability. Latisha shares her perspective on how parents can empower their children to overcome limitations and setbacks. Latisha shares some of the setbacks she has faced in her own life in addition to having a learning disability, and she speaks of her role today as the parent of a child with special needs. Here are the key takeaways:
— Don’t perpetuate limitations: Instead of focusing on what a child cannot do, emphasize what they can do.
— View setbacks as learning experiences: When a child encounters a challenge, reframe it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
— Be your child’s advocate: Don’t hesitate to question or challenge professionals if you disagree with their recommendations.
— Collaborate with professionals: Work together with professionals to create the best possible environment for your child’s success.
— Foster a strong and independent mindset: Encourage your child to be their own advocate and to believe in themselves.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This conversation does touch on some mature themes, so please use your discretion if you have little ones listening along.

Connect with Latisha: Website: https://accf.coach/

Order Latisha’s book, Embrace Your UGLY: https://amzn.to/4dwLGJe
(** As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. **)

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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/

Latisha’s Bio:
Latisha Anderson is an experienced Master Mindset Coach who has helped countless individuals, corporations, and groups transform their lives. Her expertise lies in providing her clients with the necessary tools and resources to evolve and achieve their goals. With her guidance, clients can develop a positive mindset and gain the confidence to overcome any obstacle. Latisha was diagnosed in Kindergarten with a Learning Disability, and she was in SLD until she graduated high school.

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Episode #76: Special Needs Sibling Relationships and Disability Awareness

Show Notes:

In this insightful episode, join us as we delve into the complexities of special needs sibling relationships and the challenges of growing up with disabilities. Our guest, Melissa Ortiz, opens up about her personal experiences as a person with a disability and the dynamics she faced with her sister. From childhood memories to adult understanding, Melissa shares candidly about the trials and triumphs that shaped their relationship. She provides valuable advice for parents striving to strike a balance between their non-disabled and disabled children, emphasizing the importance of communication, age-appropriate explanations, and fostering mutual respect. Melissa also discusses her passion for advocacy and her efforts at ABLE Americans, a resource hub aimed at connecting families and providing vital information. Join us for an enlightening conversation that sheds light on the power of support, understanding, and unity within families facing the challenges of disability.

Melissa has been a guest on earlier episodes. To hear her story of growing up with Spina Bifida, check out Episode 72. To learn more about her work with ABLE Americans, be sure to listen to Episode 74.

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Connect with Melissa:

Twitter: @dcbelleonwheels

Instagram: @dcbelleonwheels

Facebook: @melissa.d.ortiz.5

Email: mOrtiz@nationalcenter.org

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/

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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/

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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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Episode #52: Caring for Your Child with Disabilities: How to Plan for the Future

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast, host Tonya Wollum interviews Amanda Owen, founder of the nonprofit organization Puzzle Pieces. Amanda shares her personal journey of growing up as a sibling to a brother with a rare disability and how it has impacted her life. She talks about the emotional impact of having a sibling with a disability, the challenges and joys that come with it, and the importance of emotional intelligence in processing those feelings.

As a special education teacher, Amanda felt called to do more to support people with disabilities and founded Puzzle Pieces, a nonprofit organization that has been serving the community for almost 11 years. Through her own experiences and the work of Puzzle Pieces, Amanda has become a coach for parents and siblings of individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate the emotional and practical aspects of their situations.

In this candid and heartfelt conversation, Amanda shares her perspective on growing up as a sibling to a brother with a disability and the lessons she has learned along the way. Whether you are a parent, sibling, or friend of someone with a disability, this episode will provide valuable insights and inspiration on how to support and advocate for those with disabilities.

Join us next week for the rest of Tonya’s conversation with Amanda. She talks more about her experiences, the books she’s written to help support children with disabilities and spread awareness and acceptance, and her work with her non-profit, Puzzle Pieces.

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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Episode #51: The NC State Fair Access ABILITY Day – Inclusion for Special Needs Families

Show Notes:

Join us on a journey to the heart of the North Carolina State Fair where we witnessed something truly special. In this episode of Water Prairie Chronicles, we explore Access ABILITY Day, an event that’s all about creating a sensory-friendly event that provided inclusion for special needs families. Hear from families who took part in the event and learn about the Chill Out Zone, a special area set up to help families with sensory needs find a quiet space to relax and recharge. If you’re passionate about creating a more inclusive world, this episode is for you.

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/

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