Enter the Green Zone Podcast

AnnaLaura Brown is an Health Coach, Author, and Autism Advocate.  She got her diagnosis of Autism later in life, but it has never stopped her from using her unique talents and interests to achieve her purpose in life.  AnnaLaura has had a special interest as it relates to physical health and diets because of her own journey with experiencing a lot of challenges in this area.  Her mission is now to help others achieve better physical well-being.  Listen as she shares her personal journey through employment, independence and physical well-being.

Becca Lory Hector was diagnosed on the autism spectrum as an adult and based on her own journey has become an autism advocate, consultant, speaker, and author.  In this podcast, she talks with Vicky Westra about her challenges with receiving an accurate diagnosis and how she has used her past experience to help so many others understand life on the autism spectrum, and the importance of focusing on creating the life you want.   To learn more about Becca Lory Hector, visit:  www.beccalory.com  

Jim Rathmann is a former Secret Service agent, retired homicide detective, decorated Army Veteran and investigative consultant - but his most important title is Dad. In this podcast, he talks with host Vicky Westra about his son's Autism diagnosis and his family's personal journey. To learn more about Jim Rathmann visit: www.JimRathmannTheCompany.com  

From her title of Miss Tampa to her designation as an Honorary Shifter Member, Rachel Barcellona is making history! Vicky Westra sits down with this beauty queen and activist to talk about how she's working to shift perceptions of Autism! A great example of what it means to be an Autism Shifter, Rachel chooses every day to live in the Green Zone, accepting her Autism diagnosis and celebrating her Uniquabilities.   To learn more about Rachel, visit her website at www.RachelBarcellona.com​ and follow her on social media. For more information about Autism Shifts or to register for our new Shifter Membership Program, visit www.AutismShifts.org or follow @autismshifts on social media.   #AutismShifts​ #BecomeAShifterMember​ #GreenZoneLife​ #ShiftersShapeFutures​ #JointheShift​ #Advocacy​ #Autism​ #ASD​ #AutismSpectrum​ #AutismSpectrumDisorder​ #AutismAwareness

In this episode of Enter the Green Zone, Vicki and Peer explore the powerful impact parents' emotional wellbeing has on their children. They share how modeling calm, resilience, and self-awareness helps kids develop emotional awareness, reduce anxiety, and discover their own path to the "green zone." This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that when we choose peace, our children learn to shine.

In this episode, Vicki and Peer share their journey of moving from emotional overwhelm in the "red zone" to finding balance, resilience, and joy in the "green zone." Through honesty, reflection, and practical shifts, they reveal how choosing inner peace transforms not only their own lives, but also their relationships and the well-being of their daughter. This conversation is an uplifting reminder that even in our hardest seasons, there is always a path back to light, ease, and hope.

Ever feel like you're carrying the weight of your child's diagnosis alone? In this powerful first episode, Vicky and Pier pull back the curtain on their earliest days as parents of a neurodivergent child—days filled with fear, stigma, and a sense of isolation (which they refer to as the "Red Zone") that few truly understand. But what if there's a way to move beyond the red zone of overwhelm? What if the very challenges that threaten to break you could actually become the catalyst for hope, connection, and transformation? Join Vicky and Pier as they reveal the surprising mindset shift that changed everything for their family. Discover the moment they stopped hiding and started advocating—not just for their daughter, but for themselves. Wondering how to find your own Green Zone of possibility? You'll hear the small steps that led to big breakthroughs, and the unexpected sources of strength that helped them rewrite their story. Curious how to break the silence, find your community, and turn fear into fierce advocacy? Press play and step into the Green Zone with us—where your family's journey is seen, celebrated, and never walked alone! Listen now and share with a fellow parent—you never know who might need to hear that hope is just around the corner.**

Think you've heard it all about the challenges of raising a neurodiverse child? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, Vicky and Pier go beyond the familiar hurdles—stigma, isolation, misunderstanding, and financial strain—to reveal four more obstacles that don't get nearly enough attention. Tune in as they share the hard truths about the ongoing scramble for specialized services, and why even the most determined parents can feel lost in a maze of red tape and waiting lists. Ever wondered how other families cope with relentless caregiver burnout? Vicky and Pier open up about the small but powerful rituals that help them reclaim their energy—and sanity. But that's not all. If you've ever felt at a loss during your child's most challenging moments, you'll want to hear their practical, compassion-driven strategies for turning meltdowns into moments of connection. And for anyone worried about the impact on siblings, this episode offers fresh ideas for nurturing every member of your family—even when life feels anything but balanced. Curious how to refill your own cup, support all your children, and find hope in the hard days? Don't miss this episode—where real talk meets real solutions, and every parent is reminded: you are not alone.**  

In this inspiring episode, Vicky and Pier open up about the powerful role that parental perception plays in shaping the future of neurodiverse children. They discuss how a parent's beliefs and expectations about what is possible for their child can significantly influence the opportunities and outcomes that unfold. Drawing from their own journey with their daughter Gabbi, Vicky and Pier share candid stories about the challenges and triumphs they have experienced as a neurodiverse family. They reflect on how maintaining a hopeful and open mindset has helped them support Gabbi's growth and resilience, even in the face of uncertainty. Listeners will discover practical tools and strategies that Vicky and Pier use to stay positive and proactive about Gabbi's future. From reframing limiting beliefs to celebrating small victories, they offer heartfelt advice for other parents navigating similar paths. Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation that highlights the transformative power of optimism, advocacy, and unconditional love in the lives of neurodiverse children and their families.

Finding Our Way: A Journey from Diagnosis to Acceptance In this heartfelt episode, Vicky and Pier share their emotional journey upon receiving an autism diagnosis for their daughter, Gabbi. Through their story, we explore the diverse and deeply personal reactions parents experience when faced with such news. This episode highlights how each family's unique path toward acceptance opens the door to supporting their child and moving beyond the confines of denial. Join us as we navigate the highs and lows of embracing a new reality, discovering that acceptance is not just the destination but the key to truly helping your child thrive.

Vicky Westra is the Founder of Autism Shifts, a 501(c)3 Non-profit Foundation and Artistas Café, a unique Social Enterprise whose mission is to employ individuals diagnosed with Autism. Prior to her current entrepreneurial role, Vicky worked at Tampa Electric Company for 22 years in various roles. Her last role prior to leaving TECO was Director of Customer Services and Marketing. Vicky has a B.S. in Business Marketing from The University of Tampa. She is married to Pier and has one child, Gabrielle (Gabbi). Gabbi was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when she was four years old. Through their journey with her own daughter, as well as her experience providing training and employment for individuals with Autism, Vicky has developed a very comprehensive and unique understanding of the diagnosis. Vicky is now on a mission, through Autism Shifts, to provide greater education and understanding about the diagnosis and help communities re-imagine a new world for Autism. Autism Shifts' programs serve the four groups that are key to making this happen, which include: 1) individuals diagnosed with ASD 2) Parents/Caregivers/Families of those diagnosed 3) Businesses who want to become Autism Employment Ready and 4) the broader population. Vicky believes the timing is right and Tampa Bay is the perfect place to create the first Autism Ready Community model!    

Vicky Westra is the Founder of Autism Shifts, a 501(c)3 Non-profit Foundation and Artistas Café, a unique Social Enterprise whose mission is to employ individuals diagnosed with Autism. Prior to her current entrepreneurial role, Vicky worked at Tampa Electric Company for 22 years in various roles. Her last role prior to leaving TECO was Director of Customer Services and Marketing. Vicky has a B.S. in Business Marketing from The University of Tampa. She is married to Pier and has one child, Gabrielle (Gabbi). Gabbi was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when she was four years old. Through their journey with her own daughter, as well as her experience providing training and employment for individuals with Autism, Vicky has developed a very comprehensive and unique understanding of the diagnosis. Vicky is now on a mission, through Autism Shifts, to provide greater education and understanding about the diagnosis and help communities re-imagine a new world for Autism. Autism Shifts' programs serve the four groups that are key to making this happen, which include: 1) individuals diagnosed with ASD 2) Parents/Caregivers/Families of those diagnosed 3) Businesses who want to become Autism Employment Ready and 4) the broader population. Vicky believes the timing is right and Tampa Bay is the perfect place to create the first Autism Ready Community model! In this show, you will get to learn first hand from Darcy a highly functioning adult with Autism why it's difficult for individuals on the Autism Spectrum to be successfully employed by businesses today.  You will also hear from the founder of Autism Shifts Vicky Westra, what their organization is doing to better prepare businesses to integrate this highly motivated, talented and skilled workforce.  

Vicky Westra is the mother of Gabbi, a young adult with Autism who was diagnosed with autism at the age of four.  Because of the dismal outcomes Vicky was seeing for her daughter and the broader Autism community, she started a Non-Profit organization with a mission to create a new world for autism.  Vicky and her organization believe that those in the autism community have to join together to create opportunities and the necessary changes those on the autism spectrum to lead their lives on purpose.  This includes employment that matches their unique talents and interests.  Find out more about ways to get involved in this world changing mission!

Vicky Westra is the Founder of Autism Shifts, a 501(c)3 Non-profit Foundation and Artistas Café, a unique Social Enterprise whose mission is to employ individuals diagnosed with Autism. Prior to her current entrepreneurial role, Vicky worked at Tampa Electric Company for 22 years in various roles. Her last role prior to leaving TECO was Director of Customer Services and Marketing. Vicky has a B.S. in Business Marketing from The University of Tampa. She is married to Pier and has one child, Gabrielle (Gabbi). Gabbi was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when she was four years old. Through their journey with her own daughter, as well as her experience providing training and employment for individuals with Autism, Vicky has developed a very comprehensive and unique understanding of the diagnosis. Vicky is now on a mission, through Autism Shifts, to provide greater education and understanding about the diagnosis and help communities re-imagine a new world for Autism. Autism Shifts' programs serve the four groups that are key to making this happen, which include: 1) individuals diagnosed with ASD 2) Parents/Caregivers/Families of those diagnosed 3) Businesses who want to become Autism Employment Ready and 4) the broader population. Vicky believes the timing is right and Tampa Bay is the perfect place to create the first Autism Ready Community model! Learn More Here: https://autismshifts.org/about-us/board-of-directors/

A mother's mission creating a new reality for the Autism Community! Join Vicky Westra and Kimberly Jackson, Esq., a leading Advocate for the Autism Community…and an Honorary Shifter Member, in this movement to replace fear and worry with hope and joy! Join the Shift Today: www.AutismShifts.org/become-a-member #AutismShifts #JoinTheShift #BecomeAShifterMember #GreenZoneLife #ShiftersShapeFutures #Autism #ASD #AutismSpectrum #AutismSpectrumDisorder #AutismAwareness

Your shift starts here! The knowledge, tools and processes to empower you, all in one place. Learn how you can become a Shifter Member - and create a new reality for the Autism Community! Join the Shift Today: www.AutismShifts.org/become-a-member #AutismShifts #JoinTheShift #BecomeAShifterMember #GreenZoneLife #ShiftersShapeFutures #Autism #ASD #AutismSpectrum #AutismSpectrumDisorder #AutismAwareness

Haley Moss is a lawyer, neurodiversity expert, and the author of four books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges. She is a consultant to top corporations and nonprofits that seek her guidance in creating a diverse workplace and a sought-after commentator on disability rights issues.  The first openly autistic lawyer in Florida, Haley's books include "Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals'' (ABA Book Publishing; June 2021) and "The Young Autistic Adult's Independence Handbook" (Jessica Kingsley Publishers; November 2021). Her articles have appeared in outlets including the Washington Post, Teen Vogue, and Fast Company.

Alicia Trautwein is a St. Louis-based motivational speaker, founder of The Mom Kind, autism advocate, and autistic mother of three autistic children. Trautwein speaks on topics close to her heart like LGBTQIA+ rights, antibullying, autism acceptance, and mental health advocacy. Here at Neuroshifts we are huge advocates of self-care. We love to bring on special guests who have first hand experiences in the journey through Neurodiversity and who love to promote the importance of self-care.  Join this special episode of GZT where Alicia will be giving you all the insider secrets to creating a self-care routine that actually works.

Gopika is the Author of Beyond the Blue: Love, Life, and Autism.  In this special session, we will be discussing her book and the importance of a mother's self-care.  Beyond the Blue is a book that will inspire you to be a better person. Within its pages,  Gopika Kapoor describes her unique, yet universally shared experiences as the parent of a child with autism. Through the intimate stories of life with her son Vir, she immerses readers in shining moments and dark episodes, brimming with refreshing honesty, sparkling humor, and undaunted courage. Beyond the Blue is an indispensable guide for parents of children with autism, whether they are starting out on this journey or have been traveling this path for several years. It provides a road map for parents to negotiate the pitfalls and through the narration of her own experiences, a point of reference for what they might be going through. Above all, Beyond the Blue demonstrates the power of the human spirit to accept and overcome a seemingly unsurmountable challenge with positivity and love.

Sam Farmer is a neurodiversity community self-advocate, writer/author, public speaker and consultant for Floreo, a company that leverages virtual reality technology in teaching social, communication and other life skills for neurodiverse individuals. Diagnosed later in life as autistic, he writes blogs and articles, records coaching videos and podcasts, and presents at conferences and support groups, sharing stories and thoughts as to how one can achieve greater happiness and success in the face of challenge and adversity. A Long Walk Down a Winding Road - Small Steps, Challenges, & Triumphs Through an Autistic Lens is his first book. From the unique perspective of someone on the autism spectrum comes a book about working to carve out a better life in the face of challenge and adversity. Interwoven with true stories of personal hardships and triumphs, A Long Walk Down a Winding Road offers ideas and insights aimed at inspiring and empowering the reader to enhance the quality of life. It also exposes what it can feel like to be autistic, as told by somebody who actually walks in these shoes. Don't miss this special session where we will discuss Sam's book and his path through what we call the Green Zone.  Sharing inspiring stories such as these is part of our mission to show our community that no matter what challenge we are presented with, there is always a path to happiness, hope, and empowerment!