Ever imagined turning your deepest struggles into a beacon of hope for others? Katie Shelby, a paraeducator and a warrior who transformed her narrative from silence to advocacy, joins me to share how she conquered language impairment and learning disabilities. Her story is not just one of personal victory but a blueprint for inspiring resilience in students with similar challenges. Katie's journey from a nonverbal child to an educational advocate underscores the profound impact that supportive teachers and strong self-will can have on shaping a student's destiny.

Navigating the educational system with a disability can feel like a solitary trek, but Katie's experiences illuminate the trail. As we converse, we reveal the pivotal role of self-advocacy and the courage it takes to demand the support needed to thrive. From adjusting workloads to graduating college, Katie's milestones are a testament to the power of perseverance. Her work as a paraeducator stands as a testament to the difference one can make, teaching young learners the importance of standing up for their needs early on in their educational journey.

This episode isn't just a conversation; it's an exploration into the heart of teaching self-advocacy skills in special education settings. We dive into the practicalities, from customizing learning methods to connecting with the community, ensuring no one feels isolated in their struggles. Katie's future aspirations as a motivational speaker and author paint a vision of a world where language impairments and learning disabilities are no longer barriers but pathways to empowerment. Furthermore, we tackle the transformative role of communication devices for children who find verbal articulation a challenge, advocating for a collaborative approach between parents and children that champions autonomy and inquisitive thinking. Join us to celebrate the strength in every voice and the collective progress toward a more empathetic and empowering educational system.

Connect with Katie at the following links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047780778306&mibextid=haYZDX
Instagram: https://instagram.com/collegematerialgirl?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Email: girlnotcollegmaterial@gmail.com

If you enjoy the show, please share with your connections, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. If you want to connect with Amber to be a guest on the show or for any other reason reach out at info@amberhowardinc.com!

When life throws curveballs, some strike out, while others, like Lisa Jo Barr, knock it out of the park. Her incredible saga unfolds in our latest episode, riveting listeners with tales of surviving domestic violence and addiction, and transforming those battles into a legacy of hope and healing. Lisa Jo's openness about her escape into foster care, her struggles with mental health, and the power of writing and speaking her truth, serves as a beacon for anyone seeking to turn their darkest times into a source of light for themselves and others.

Embark on a moving journey of self-discovery alongside Lisa Jo as she recounts her pivotal experiences—from a transformative encounter at a Buddhist temple to her profound work with the Keras Community. The candid discussion of her battles with complex PTSD and bipolar disorder underscores the importance of laughter, connection, and service in the healing process. Listeners are sure to find solace and inspiration in her approach to coaching and entrepreneurship, which radiates with the joy of helping others while navigating personal recovery.

Wrapping up the episode, we take heart in the small victories that pave the way for monumental change. Lisa Jo's candid advice on cultivating self-love and gratitude reminds us all of the courage it takes to be vulnerable and the tremendous impact of embracing one's own narrative. This session is a heartfelt ode to the strength found in our shared humanity and the collective journey towards a deeper connection with the divine and each other. Tune in for a story that doesn't just inspire—it transforms.

Connect with Lisa Jo at the following links:

Company: Lisa Jo Barr, INK. LLC
Website: https://lisajobarr.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/helltohappiness
Twitter: @bylisajobarr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-jo-barr-41b63914/
Email: jetsetlisa@msn.com
Services: lisajobarr.com/helltohappiness

If you enjoy the show, please share with your connections, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. If you want to connect with Amber to be a guest on the show or for any other reason reach out at info@amberhowardinc.com!

Have you ever wondered how intertwining nourishment, rest, and movement can profoundly shape adolescent minds? This week, we sit down with Keri Cooper, a holistic psychotherapist with a treasure trove of insights into the layered world of teen mental health. Her rich experience and perspectives, detailed in her book "Mental Health Uncensored," provide a beacon for parents and guardians navigating the crucial task of building strong mental foundations for the young adults in their lives. Our conversation is a tapestry of personal narratives and professional wisdom, pulling at the threads of diet, sleep, and physical activity as pillars of mental well-being.

Parenting is an art, and throughout our discussion, we uncover the strokes of holistic parenting and empathetic communication. These are not just buzzwords; they're lifelines that can steer families towards healthier, happier dynamics. We dissect the significance of lifestyle choices, the ripple effects of parental modeling, and the roots of self-judgment and worthiness that bind the parent-child bond. As we peel back the layers of childhood experiences and confront the complexities of modern parenting, we aim to embolden listeners with a new lens through which to view and foster mental resilience in their children.

Wrapping up, we grapple with the shadow cast by social media on parenting, the invisible barriers of avoidance behaviors, and the scaffolding necessary to empower our children toward lives replete with freedom and responsibility. Keri's commitment to her field shines through every topic discussed, from the mental gymnastics of adolescent anxiety to the establishment of healthy boundaries. For those seeking a guiding light in these challenging times, join us for an episode that promises to equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to nurture the mental well-being of the next generation.

Connect with Keri at the following links:

Company: Keri Cooper Holistic Therapy
Website: www.kericooperholistictherapy.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kericooperholistictherapy/
Email: keri@kericooperholistictherapy.com
Book: https://a.co/d/6FI5o2e

If you enjoy the show, please share with your connections, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. If you want to connect with Amber to be a guest on the show or for any other reason reach out at info@amberhowardinc.com!

If you enjoy the show, please share with your connections, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. If you want to connect with Amber to be a guest on the show or for any other reason reach out at info@amberhowardinc.com!