Mama Advocate

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Felipe Garza, whose extraordinary career path exemplifies the power of transformation and advocacy. Felipe takes us through his remarkable journey from his early days as a corrections officer to becoming, along with his wife, dedicated house parents in a group home. His experiences and continuous commitment to serving vulnerable populations paved the way for his role as one of Buckner's Vice Presidents. Felipe shares insightful stories and lessons learned from his years of hands-on experience and training. His passion for preventive work and advocacy shines through as he discusses his role in supporting and empowering families and children who are orphaned or in distress. Join us as Felipe Garza offers a deep dive into the impact of compassion-driven work and the ongoing mission to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Tune in for a compelling conversation about dedication, growth, and the transformative power of service.

I am excited to share my conversation with Denise Kendrick, the Founder and Executive Director of EmbraceTexas.org, a ministry dedicated to supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship care families. Denise and her husband, Bruce, have dedicated over a decade to fostering and have grown their family to include nine children through birth and adoption. Together, the Kendricks have navigated the complex world of foster care and have built a loving, adventurous family life centered around their passion for exploring the great outdoors. Join us as Denise shares her journey from foster parent to advocate, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of fostering and adoption. We’ll discuss the heart of EmbraceTexas.org’s mission, the impact of community support, and how the Kendrick family’s outdoor adventures play a role in their family life and ministry. Whether you’re a current or prospective foster parent, an advocate for children in care, or simply interested in learning more about the power of family and community, this episode is a must-listen. Discover how the Kendricks are making a difference and find inspiration in their remarkable story of love, faith, and resilience.

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Mama Advocate Podcast as we sit down with Heather Gutierrez to explore the life-changing Matthews Protocol. Heather, a passionate advocate from Central Texas, has been deeply involved with the DMDD (Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder) community since 2013. In this episode, she sheds light on how this unique combination of medication is making a significant difference for those grappling with DMDD and FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder). Heather's dedication to helping struggling families is both profound and heartfelt. As a founding member of Revolutionize DMDD, she has seen firsthand the transformative effects of brain-based treatment on hundreds of children. Her empathetic approach and unwavering support have guided many towards greater stability and well-being. When she's not advocating for families, Heather enjoys quality time with friends and family and actively supports her child’s extracurricular activities. Tune in to hear her powerful insights and stories of hope, and learn how the Matthews Protocol could be a game-changer for those in need. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation—subscribe now and be inspired! 🌟 https://www.rdmdd.org/

🎙️ Today on the Mama Advocate Podcast: I am so excited to be back with part two with the Boundaries Queen herself, Victoria Priya! Formerly known as Vicki Tidwell Palmer, Victoria is a renowned Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP). She’s the founder of the Radiant Threefold Path and the brilliant mind behind the Boundaries Queen and Radiant Threefold Path podcasts, as well as the acclaimed Beyond Bitchy: Mastering the Art of Boundaries podcast. Victoria is also the best-selling author of Moving Beyond Betrayal and has honed her expertise through training with leading figures in relationship and trauma work, including Pia Mellody, John and Julie Gottman, and Terry Real, among others. Her spiritual insights have been shaped by her studies with luminaries such as Ram Dass, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Byron Katie. In this two-part episode, Victoria helps us understand the concept of the listening boundary and how we can effectively apply it in our interactions, especially as adoptive and special needs families navigating a complex world. Today’s episode is the heavier of the two, focusing on handling comments and opinions that others close to you have that are more hurtful or can even bring harm to your family. Tune in for a conversation filled with practical advice, wisdom, and strategies to help you navigate boundaries with confidence and grace in your daily life. https://www.victoriapriya.com Find Boundaries for Dummies here. Find Boundaries Queen podcast here: https://www.victoriapriya.com/boundariesqueen/ Expectation vs. agreement

🎙️ Today on the Mama Advocate Podcast: We are thrilled to welcome the Boundaries Queen herself, Victoria Priya! Formerly known as Vicki Tidwell Palmer, Victoria is a renowned Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP). She’s the founder of the Radiant Threefold Path and the brilliant mind behind the Boundaries Queen and Radiant Threefold Path podcasts, as well as the acclaimed Beyond Bitchy: Mastering the Art of Boundaries podcast. Victoria is also the best-selling author of Moving Beyond Betrayal and has honed her expertise through training with leading figures in relationship and trauma work, including Pia Mellody, John and Julie Gottman, and Terry Real, among others. Her spiritual insights have been shaped by her studies with luminaries such as Ram Dass, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Byron Katie. In this two-part episode, Victoria helps us understand the concept of the listening boundary and how we can effectively apply it in our interactions, especially as adoptive and special needs families navigating a complex world. Today’s episode is the lighter of the two, focusing on handling unsolicited comments and managing arguments with others. Tune in for a conversation filled with practical advice, wisdom, and strategies to help you navigate boundaries with confidence and grace in your daily life. https://www.victoriapriya.com Find Boundaries for Dummies here. Find Boundaries Queen podcast here: https://www.victoriapriya.com/boundariesqueen/

In this episode, we’re honored to speak with Leigh Anne McKingsley, the Senior Director of Disability and Justice Initiatives at The Arc of the United States. With 28 years of experience navigating the complex terrain where intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) and criminal justice intersect, Leigh Anne has been a trailblazer in advocating for individuals with IDD. As the founder and director of The Arc’s National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability (NCCJD)—the first national center in the U.S. dedicated to addressing both victim and suspect/defendant issues—Leigh Anne has been at the forefront of transforming how the justice system engages with people with disabilities. She has overseen the creation of NCCJD’s acclaimed training program, Pathways to Justice®, and is dedicated to positioning NCCJD and The Arc’s extensive network as the premier resource for disability and justice information. In this episode, Leigh Anne shares her extensive knowledge on how children with disabilities interact with the justice system. We explore the unique challenges they face, the gaps in current practices, and the innovative solutions that are making a difference. Join us for an insightful conversation about creating a more equitable and informed justice system for individuals with disabilities. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and learn how you can contribute to meaningful change in this critical area. https://thearc.org/our-initiatives/criminal-justice/

In this episode of *Mama Advocate*, Tracey shares her heartfelt story of adoption and the profound challenges she faces in raising two children with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Tracey opens up about her personal journey, offering a raw and honest look into the struggles and triumphs of navigating life with RAD. Her passion for elevating these stories shines through in her podcast, *RAD Talk With Tracey*, where she aims to create a sense of community and support. Join us as Tracey discusses the importance of understanding and empathy, ensuring that others feel less alone in their own journeys with RAD.

In today's episode of the Mama Advocate Podcast, Laura sits down with Kristen, a dedicated advocate for families in the foster care system. Kristen is not only a mother to four children—three biological and one adopted from foster care—but also brings 18 years of experience as a Licensed Speech Language Pathologist specializing in pediatrics and parent coaching. Together with her husband Seth, Kristen has recently launched Hope Spring Community. This organization offers a compassionate environment for family visitations and provides extensive support services to foster care families. Kristen's unique blend of personal and professional insights equips her team to empower families in crisis, aiming to restore dignity and agency within a system often fraught with challenges. Join Laura and Kristen as they discuss how Hope Spring Community is bringing hope and positive change to our foster care system.

Wendy Andersen is a wife and a mom who never meant to become a Force-to-Be-Reckoned-With. In 2009 a rare diagnosis for her 6 month old son turned her normal life upside down in just 36 hours. Today, Wendy’s mission is to advocate and support families of children who live outside the “box of normal”. As a mother of three children (two of which have disabilities/special needs), Wendy passionately advocates for families by speaking truth to power. Find Wendy here: https://wendyandersenpresents.com/ https://www.facebook.com/RedefineNormalwithWendyAndersen/

When acclaimed Life Coach Susanna Peace Lovell’s daughter was born, she brought some unexpected challenges, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and myriad food allergies. Looking for resources and support, Susanna struggled to find a map for the road ahead. After more than 17 years of hard work and triumph, this book is that map: the blueprint for special-needs caregivers that she’d wished for back then.   Filled with hard-won insights and practical advice, Your True Self Is Enough follows Susanna’s story from pregnancy through neonatal care through finding the right learning environments and therapeutic plans for her child. Throughout it all, Susanna came to learn that she and her daughter were both on their own journeys in life, and that they were both whole and complete individuals who did not need to be “fixed.” Her work instead was to advocate for her child to be seen for who she is, in all her glory.   Part memoir, part guidebook, Your True Self Is Enough should be considered required reading for all caregivers.   To learn more, visit https://www.susannapeacelovell.com/    

Katie Keene is the host of the top 1% globally rated podcast Her Home and Heart, and host to a membership community of beautiful Christian homeschooling families on the journey to peace at home and generational family success despite the challenges of raising a special needs child.  Her mission is simple: to ensure that no family breaks apart simply due to lack of tools to create a SOLID, peaceful, and joyful family foundation at home.  Katie is most passionate about helping special needs families create strong bonds and deep roots, so they don’t wake up one day to regret. Learn more about how she teaches moms to build a successful and joyful home, and to grab coupons, freebies, and links to Katie’s best kept secrets go to linktr.ee/FamilySuccess

Jerrod Brown is BACK ! In this episode he teaches us how the brain effects every aspect of behaviors. The brain will never cease to amaze me! 

Today on the Mama Advocate podcast, I am joined by my dear friend, Karindy. We talk all things growth hormone. I learned so much and it gave me so much insight in how my son was able to pull out his grown-up tooth! Karindy Ong is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who graduated from the University of Houston with a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders in May 2015. She has extensive clinical experience in acute, post-acute inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation hospital settings. Karindy has specialized experience working with brain injury, disorders of consciousness, spinal cord injury, infant feeding issues, and orofacial myofunctional disorders. She currently provides therapy to neurologically and medically complex patients from infancy through adulthood with feeding, swallowing, and orofacial myofunctional disorders with MyohackerSLP, PLLC in Katy, Texas. Karindy is passionate about making resources available to families and caregivers and has created courses to help families achieve success at home. Karindy's upcoming course, "Myo Magic at Home" provides parents with information and resources to address concerns related to airway, sleep disordered breathing, ADHD and anxiety due to sleep issues, and so much more. Registration is open until March 31st so sign up today! https://myohackerslp.mykajabi.com/offers/7fou54HQ When not engrossed in therapy, Karindy enjoys being outside and exploring state parks with her family, going to the gym, listening to podcasts and books, and learning more about biohacking.  To learn more about her: MyohackerSLP.com  @MyohackerSLP on Instagram    

Join host Laura and special guest Jerod Brown on the Mama Advocate Podcast as they delve into the fascinating world of parenting neuro-diverse children with a holistic approach. In this episode, Laura and Jerod explore the intricate workings of the brain and nervous system, shedding light on how neuroscience can inform our parenting practices. From understanding the structure of the brain and its various functions to exploring the complex interactions between the nervous system and the gut-brain axis, Jerod provides valuable insights into how we can support our children's development and well-being from a neuroscientific perspective. Learn how incorporating neuroscience into your parenting toolkit can help you better understand and nurture your neuro-diverse child. Get ready to gain new perspectives, practical tips, and empowering strategies for raising resilient, thriving kids.  

In this compelling episode of the Mama Advocate Podcast, join host Laura as she sits down with Brad Levy, a passionate advocate for families navigating the complexities of epilepsy. Brad shares his deeply personal journey of advocating for his daughter, whose life has been impacted by epilepsy, and how his family's experience has ignited a powerful mission to support others facing similar challenges. With unwavering determination and resilience, Brad delves into the highs and lows of advocating for his daughter's needs within the healthcare system, educational institutions, and beyond. Through heartfelt anecdotes and candid reflections, he offers listeners a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster of epilepsy caregiving, highlighting the importance of empowerment, education, and community support. But Brad's story doesn't end there. Inspired by their own journey, Brad and his family have dedicated themselves to a larger cause: advocating for systemic change and support for all families affected by epilepsy. Through their tireless efforts, they have become beacons of hope and resources for those in need, turning their personal struggles into a catalyst for collective action. Join us for a moving conversation as Brad Levy shares his family's journey from adversity to advocacy, reminding us all of the power of love, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of better outcomes for our loved ones and our communities. Tune in to this episode of the Mama Advocate Podcast to be inspired and empowered to make a difference.

Join Katie King on her remarkable journey of resilience and advocacy in the face of adversity. In her deeply personal podcast, Katie opens up about her experiences navigating the world of foster care and adoption, shedding light on the joys, challenges, and complexities of these journeys. But Katie's story doesn't stop there. As a parent of a child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), she delves into the unique trials and triumphs that come with raising a child with this condition. Through candid conversations and heartfelt anecdotes, Katie invites listeners into her world, offering insight, support, and hope to those walking similar paths. Driven by her passion for community and empowerment, Katie is now embarking on a new chapter: returning to school to become a beacon of support and education for others. With each episode, she aims to fill the void in the community, advocating for greater understanding, resources, and compassion for families like hers.

I am so excited to share Lauren Emmett with you today. She is the founder of Little Rebels With a Cause, an apparel company with purpose for little advocates & upstanders who embrace differences, or Little Rebels, as they like to call them. After her son was diagnosed with autism and had a hard time communicating Lauren birthed the idea of tees to promote kindness and inclusion. She seen the value of inclusion for both of our kids, and so many more incredible humans who are a part of this Little Rebel community. She believes words are important, and that we have so much to learn from one another. Their tees spark valuable conversations around kindness + inclusion in communities. Not only that but they are SO cute!  You can find all of these cute tees here.  You can find Lauren on Instagram and Facebook.

Rajesh Miranda, PhD. Rajesh Miranda is a highly accomplished professor of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics at Texas A&M University Health Science Center, School of Medicine. His research is primarily centered around developmental neurobiology, neural stem cells, epigenetics, and drug abuse. One of his specific areas of expertise is in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), where he focuses on understanding the effects of alcohol exposure on the developing brain. With his extensive knowledge and experience, Rajesh Miranda brings a unique perspective to the field of neuroscience and offers valuable insights into the impact of alcohol on brain development.

In today's episode, we have invited Lynn Greenberg. She is the happiest wife, mom, and grandma. A very retired attorney who loves to cook, exercise, and read, she has seen how positivity with feelings and differences can allow children to grow into happy, productive adults. During COVID-19, when many families were living together with an abundance of unscheduled free time, Lynn and her son Jonathan, who has dyslexia, began to work on the concepts and ideas for Robby. As ideas developed, they became increasingly invested in the character, his story, and the impact this endeavor could have on others. You can check her here: Facebook: Creative Cab Co. IG: @creativecabcompany Website: robbythetaxi.comb Book: https://www.amazon.com/Robby-Dyslexic-Taxi-Airport-Adventure/dp/B0BTZT9H8Z/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3LV6ZI0TRJVP5&keywords=robby+the+dyslexic+taxi+and+the+airport+adventure&qid=1696316622&sprefix=robby+t%2Caps%2C71&sr=8-1   You can find Laura in all the nooks of the internet: https://www.mamasystems.net/advocate-like-a-mama instagram.com/fasdmama Instagram.com/mamasystems   If you need help bringing systems to your motherhood journey, then Systems for the Special Needs Mama is for you! 

🎙️ Introducing the powerhouse trio behind the Take Heart Special Moms podcast! Meet Amy J. Brown, Sara Clime, and Carrie M. Holt - three incredible moms who have collectively dedicated over three decades to raising children with special needs. Join us as we tune in to their heartfelt discussions on navigating the unique journey of special needs motherhood. Amy, a mentor to special needs moms, shares her transformative path from guilt to acceptance. Sara, who co-founded and co-directs one of mid-Missouri's pioneering special needs ministries, reveals her personal journey from anger to comfort. And Carrie, a sought-after speaker at conferences, hospitals, and churches, offers her inspiring story of moving from grief to hope. You can check them here: Book: The Other Side of Special: Navigating the Messy, Emotional, Joy-Filled Life of a Special Needs Mom (Revell, May 2023), Website: https://takeheartspecialmoms.com Instagram: @takeheartspecialmoms Facebook: @takeheartspecialmoms Emotion cards link: https://www.amazon.com/Mixed-Emotions-decisions-problems-conflicts/dp/0970164017/ref=sr_1_4?crid=YUCU8132IE5N&keywords=mixed+emotions+card+deck&qid=1700144781&sprefix=mixed+emotions%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-4 https://www.amazon.com/Feelings-Emotional-Intelligence-Flashcard-Activities/dp/B07KPMYPTP/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3D0SU6RZ2R2JO&keywords=feeling+cards&psc=1&qid=1700144481&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&sprefix=feeling+cards,aps,99&sr=8-1-+spons    You can find Laura in all the nooks of the internet: https://www.mamasystems.net/advocate-like-a-mama Instagram.com/fasdmama Instagram.com/mamasystems If you need help bringing systems to your motherhood journey, then Systems for the Special Needs Mama is for you!