Forever Home for our kids with disabilities.
Formerly Special Needs Moms - Circle of Strength.
This podcast has begun a shift in focus...
Hey, I’m Valerie, mom to two with disabilities (one visible, one invisible). We came up with housing solutions for our children.
This space has been created to help you navigate the journey of creating a secure, sustainable forever home for your child.
We’ll chat with parents on this path, realtors, financial planners, and other experts who can make the process easier. We'll be dropping an episode twice a month.
Seeing my eldest thrive living independent of us was a gift I didn’t always know I could give. I'm excited for you to have the opportunity to explore giving that gift to your child.
Keep building your child’s future!
Music acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 29 minutes
- Episodes
- 76
- Years Active
- 2023 - 2025
Interview with Terry Travers founder of Astrolabe Academy and mom to two children on the spectrum
- Terry shares a bit about herself and her unique experience, wearing an eye patch due to a congenital issue.
- Talks about her experience as a special needs mom, initially unaware that her …
Interview with Moon Sade an Autism Success Mentor, who guides young adult autistics on their journey into adulthood. She is a mom to two boys, both on the spectrum.
SHOW NOTES
- Moon shares her love for playing Xbox as a way to connect with her children.
- Moon's journey started almost 24 years ago with her oldest son, diagnosed with high-functioning aut…
Your host reflecting on embracing grace, adapting expectations and finding strength in unexpected challenges.
Show Notes:
Your Host Valerie Arbeau
Contemplating Goals for the New Year
- Planning for success
- Consideration of trips, either with a partner or a girly getaway
Change in Perspective
- Transitio…
Interview with Kate Lynch, a yoga teacher and mindful parent coach utilizing the RAIN framework, who is raising a son with autism.
SHOW NOTES
- Kate shares her nomadic childhood and love for travel.
- Backpacking through Southeast Asia at 30, exploring the uniqueness of her experiences.
Favorite Place in South Asia:
- Kate's…
Interview with Karaleigh Garrison, a motivational speaker, singer/songwriter and podcast host who is mom to 3 autistic children.
Show Notes:
Karaleigh Garrison
- Singer-songwriter since the age of eight
- Studied opera before transitioning to singer-songwriter genre
- Released first album in May
- Hosts a podcast called "Seek…
Dr. Chisato Hotta, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Dr. of Social Work with 8 year old twins on the spectrum.
SHOW NOTES
Special guest: Chisato Hotta, a licensed marriage and family therapist with a doctorate in social work. Who achieved this to demonstrate the importance of education and goal-s…
Boundaries are key to a more fulfilling life - with your host Valerie
Show Notes:
Introduction to Boundaries:
- Definition: Personal limits and guidelines for emotional, physical, and mental space.
- Importance: Vital for mental health, relationships, and overal…
Interview with Cassandra Geter who reversed pre-diabetes and high cholesterol without medication, and now guides moms of autistic children in health and wellness.
Show Notes:
- Getting to Know Cassandra: Valerie asks Cassandra about her uniqueness, Cassandra celebrates her individuality.
- Cassandra's Journey: Discusses challenges from the premature bi…
Interview with Christine Powell an education therapist with a background in special education, sports medicine and education research.
SHOW NOTES:
- Christine's Journey:
- A mom navigating challenges with a special needs child, coping through military deployments without a strong support system, and the daily struggles faced…
Interview with Nilzara Rivera who stepped into step parenting for a special needs child.
Show Notes:
- Nilzara's mission as an Intimate Partner Violence Recovery Coach.
- Connection between her daughter's journey and her role.
- Challenges as a stepmom to a daughter with a traumatic…
Interview with Mary Ann Hughes who turned a major life event into a career path
Mary Ann Hughes shares that she is the only certified divorce coach exclusively focused on helping families with children with special needs.
- Discusses her unique journey and how she tra…
Decompression Zones so you can ace the day!
Episode 5: Your Host - Valerie Arbeau
Challenges of Being a Special Needs Mom:
- Special needs parenting is like running a marathon.
- It's rewarding but also incredibly demanding.
- Sharing exp…
Interview with Maria Groves who is raising a non-binary child
Getting to Know Maria
•Maria introduces herself, sharing that she has two unique jobs as an EMT and a professional organizer.
•Maria explains how she views her roles as forms of life-savi…
Interview with Alisha Jackman Vilela founder of 321 Buddy Fundraising for the Down Syndrome Community
Alisha's Journey as a Special Needs Mom:
- Alisha shares her journey as a special needs mom, which began in 2020 when she found out she was expecting a child. Alisha already had a daughter…
Interview with Jennifer Geigel - Autism Advocate with 24 years of teaching experience.
Show notes:
Jennifer's Unique Aspect:
- Jennifer reveals an intriguing fact about herself – she manages eighteen streams of income and was able to retire her husband at the age of 49, spark…
Meet your host...
Hi, I’m Valerie and I was inspired to start this podcast to showcase the incredible moms who have children with special needs.
I will start with a little about me and share my journey of…