RISE & BUILD NEH 2:18 SHARE. COLLABORATE. TEACH.

Creating Joy for Today & Hope for Tomorrow

In today’s episode, Kendra is joined by author and Licensed Professional Counselor, Amber Joy Thaxton, for an honest and encouraging conversation about what it means to create joy for today and hope for tomorrow especially for families feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, and burnout. Together, they explore the growing struggle many adults and families face when anxiety begins to take over daily life. Amber offers a refreshing perspective, reminding listeners that anxiety itself is not inherently bad. In fact, anxiety is our body’s protective response to biological danger, it exists for a reason! The challenge comes when our minds begin perceiving everyday situations as threats, leaving us feeling constantly overwhelmed or stuck in survival mode. Kendra and Amber also discuss the balance between self-care and true personal wellness. In a world that often defines self-care as quick comforts or temporary escapes, Amber shares a deeper perspective: true self-care isn’t simply a manicure or a day off—it’s caring for the whole person. That means prioritizing sleep, healthy rhythms, physical movement, emotional wellness, and spiritual connection. This episode is a reminder that hope is possible, joy can be cultivated, and sometimes the first step forward is simply slowing down and returning to what matters most. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stretched thin, this conversation is for you. 💛

Aha Moments with Kendra- Part 7

What happens when someone challenges you to think bigger than you ever imagined? In Part 7 of AHA Moments with Kendra, Kendra shares about BAC’s very first church partnership, and a challenge from her cousin Justin to dream and pray BIG. Those prayers led to the creation of the very first BAC benefit dinner fundraiser. And in true God-fashion… doors opened in ways she never expected—including a FREE venue and FREE food for the very first event.

Rise & BUILD Through the Unexpected: A Father’s Journey with Brandon Boyd

In this heartfelt episode of Rise & BUILD Through the Unexpected, Kendra sits down with author and father Brandon Boyd to share the deeply personal journey of raising his son, Ben, who is nonverbal and has a disability. Brandon reflects on the early days when Ben began missing developmental milestones around 9 months old and the fears that followed—the uncertainty of a diagnosis, questions about the future, and the emotional weight of not knowing what life would look like for their family. He speaks honestly about the pressure he felt to “fix” things and how, over time, he realized he was so focused on helping Ben catch up that he wasn’t fully enjoying Ben for who he was. Together, Kendra and Brandon discuss the different ways parents often respond to challenges. While Brandon focused on solutions and progress, his wife became the steady force managing therapy appointments, schedules, and the day-to-day rhythms that helped their family move forward. Their story highlights the importance of partnership, grace, and learning how to navigate parenting together—even when processing things differently. The conversation also touches on the financial realities many families face while raising a child with special needs, the importance of connecting with a caseworker early, and how resources like ministry support and SoonerCare helped provide stability during difficult seasons. Brandon also shares about their younger son, Ethan, and the ways growing up alongside Ben shaped him into a patient, empathetic, and compassionate young man. From balancing the unique needs of two very different children to learning how to “divide and conquer” as parents, this episode offers an honest look into the beauty and challenges of family life. Most importantly, Brandon opens up about protecting your marriage while raising a child with disabilities, finding support in community, and recognizing that while the journey may not be easy, families do not have to walk it alone. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t always look the way we imagined—and sometimes the greatest transformation happens when we stop trying to change our children and start fully delighting in who they already are. 🌐 Learn more about Brandon’s story and resources here: Delighting in Ben [https://www.delightinginben.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Aha Moments with Kendra- Part #6

In this episode, Kendra continues sharing the early journey of Building All Children and one of the most unexpected, defining moments along the way. After months of pouring time, energy, and heart into building the website, she found herself hesitating, unsure if it was truly ready to be seen. Like so many moments in the process, there was a tension between wanting everything to be perfect and knowing it might be time to take the next step. But before she could decide… the decision was made for her. In a way she still can’t fully explain, the website went live on its own! Make sure to listen to this entire episode to hear more!

IEPs vs 504s & How to Best Utilize Them

Navigating support within the public school system can feel overwhelming for families—but understanding the difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP is a powerful place to start. In this episode, Kendra sits down with educator Jim Sides to break down what these supports really mean and how they can help children succeed in the classroom. Jim explains that a 504 Plan is often more straightforward, focusing on access and accommodations—like preferential seating or classroom adjustments—to help students fully participate in learning. In contrast, an IEP (Individualized Education Program) is designed for students with a verified disability and provides a more detailed, individualized plan with specific goals, services, and legal protections. Together, they also discuss the challenges families may face within public schools and emphasize one of the most important takeaways: success comes through partnership. When families and schools work together with a shared goal, children are better supported to grow, learn, and thrive.