The Post Secondary Transition Conversation

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) speak with Beth Brady, director of admissions and student services at Sunflower Bakery, about the organization’s programs for young adults with disabilities. Beth explains how students build soft skills and technical expertise through culinary arts, pastry arts, hospitality training, and immersive commercial-kitchen experiences. Drawing on her background in education and behavioral intervention, she also shares how individualized strategies, prog...

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) finish the second part of their discussion with Beth Brady from Sunflower Bakery. Beth explains the individualized support provided to students, including behavioral strategies and progress charts. Drawing from her education background, Beth also highlights the importance of simplifying expectations, providing visual aids for inclusive employment and more. Join the conversation! Episode Keywords: Sunflower Bakery, Beth Brady, IEP, job placement, ...

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss the Sunflower Bakery program with Beth Brady, their director of admissions and student services. Established in 2009, the bakery serves young adults with disabilities through culinary arts, pastry arts, and hospitality programs. With a background in behavioral intervention, Beth walks through the program's structure including the importance of soft skills and technical training, followed by immersive experiences in a commercial kitchen. J...

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) are joined by special needs financial planner Betsy Larson for a discussion on financial and estate planning for families of individuals with disabilities. Betsy explains the importance of planning for a "three-person" retirement, using tax-efficient strategies, trusts, ABLE accounts, and her "bucket plan" to provide long-term financial security while avoiding common planning mistakes. She also discusses individualized approaches to guardianship,...

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) continue their discussion with special needs financial planner Betsy Larson. This weeks discussion focuses on views on guardianship and emphasizing the need for individualized approaches. Betsy stresses the importance of the letter of intent, which includes financial, medical, and personal details, to ease transitions. Betsy also highlights the role of corporate trustees in managing trusts and the necessity of updating estate plans. This and a lo...