64 - Understanding Williams Syndrome: Beauty, Humanity & Connection

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Holding Space For The Williams Syndrome Journey In honor of Williams Syndrome Awareness Month, Joanne sits down with Jessica Connor, Dr. Jocelyn Krebs and Dr. Kristin Kouvel for a conversation rooted in compassion, advocacy, and the deeply human experience of raising and supporting individuals with Williams syndrome. Together, they explore the many layers of the diagnosis, from medical complexity and anxiety to the beauty, individuality and emotional depth that lives inside this extraordinary community. This episode gently reminds us that no two journeys ever unfold the same way and that true understanding begins when we move beyond labels and really see the person standing in front of us. The Quiet Knowing Mothers Carry Jessica and Dr. Jocelyn Krebs both reflect on the early moments of motherhood when something inside quietly whispered that their children needed deeper answers. Dr. Jocelyn Krebs shares the surreal experience of being both a genetic researcher studying Williams syndrome and later becoming the mother of a son with the condition herself. Jessica opens up about the long road toward her daughter Ava’s diagnosis and the emotional weight of hearing the words “Williams syndrome” for the very first time. Their stories speak so beautifully to the intuition mothers carry and how inner sense continues to guide even when the path feels uncertain. Finding Hope Through Connection And Care The conversation also moves into Ava’s recent scoliosis journey and the specialized care that surrounded her spinal fusion surgery. Dr. Kristin Kouvel compassionately explains the connective tissue differences tied to Williams syndrome and why scoliosis can become part of the picture for some families. What unfolds throughout this discussion is something deeper than medicine alone. It’s the power of collaboration, advocacy, research and human connection working together in service of a child’s wellbeing. This episode is ultimately a reminder that healing is never just clinical; it’s emotional, communal and rooted in the people willing to walk beside us through it all. Learn More About The Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome at the University of Pennsylvania [https://www.med.upenn.edu/williams-syndrome/] Follow Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aceforws/] Visit Outshine Labels Website [https://outshinelabels.com/] Follow Outshine Labels on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/outshinelabels] Learn more about Dr. Jason Anari | Ava’s Spinal Surgeon [https://www.chop.edu/doctors/anari-jason-b] Make A Gift to the Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome [https://www.med.upenn.edu/williams-syndrome/give-now.html] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Williams Syndrome Awareness Month 02:14 Understanding Williams Syndrome 10:35 Personal Journeys and Advocacy 18:32 Common Misconceptions about Williams Syndrome 26:26 Supporting Families and Individual Needs 26:53 Understanding the Spectrum of Williams Syndrome 27:55 Navigating Unexpected Medical Complexities 32:47 The Role of ACE and CHOP in Care 35:50 Scoliosis in Williams Syndrome: Key Insights 39:46 Ava's Surgery Journey and Recovery 44:53 Final Thoughts and Lifelong Care for Williams Syndrome Let’s chat! podcasts@innersensebeauty.com [podcasts@innersensebeauty.com] Join the Innersense™ Community https://innersensebeauty.com/pages/newsletter-sign-up [https://innersensebeauty.com/pages/newsletter-sign-up] Let’s Stay Connected https://www.instagram.com/joannestarkman [https://www.instagram.com/joannestarkman] https://www.instagram.com/innersenseorganicbeauty/ [https://www.instagram.com/innersenseorganicbeauty/] https://www.instagram.com/innersensepro/ [https://www.instagram.com/innersensepro/] https://www.facebook.com/InnersenseOrganic/ [https://www.facebook.com/InnersenseOrganic/] https://www.youtube.com/c/InnersenseOrganicBeauty [https://www.youtube.com/c/InnersenseOrganicBeauty] Clean hair care & body products Use code JOANNE15 to save 15% on first purchases at https://innersensebeauty.com/ [https://innersensebeauty.com/] Want to elevate your salon? (New Pro Clean Color Line) https://innersensebeauty.com/pages/salons [https://innersensebeauty.com/pages/salons] https://innersensebeauty.com/pages/education [https://innersensebeauty.com/pages/education]

69 - How Allison Evans of Branch Basics Healed Herself | Gut Health, Toxic Load & Clean Living

Healing PCOS By Going Back To Basics When Allison Evans was diagnosed with one of the most severe cases of PCOS her doctor had ever seen, she was told she would likely never conceive naturally and would need medical intervention to have children. Years later, after developing chronic pain, neurological symptoms and finding herself dependent on multiple medications with no real answers, Allison’s search for healing led her to her Aunt Marilee in the Texas Hill Country. Through real food, reducing toxic exposures and creating a healthier home environment, her body began to heal. When she returned to her OB-GYN years later, he was stunned by what he saw. The ovaries once covered in cysts looked completely different, and not long after, Allison experienced her second natural menstrual cycle of her life. Today, after once being told pregnancy wasn't possible, she is the mother of four children. The Power Of A Healthy Home In this eye-opening conversation, Allison shares the remarkable story of her Aunt Marilee's work helping families uncover the hidden impact of environmental toxins. From pesticides to everyday household products, she explains how many of the substances we've normalized may be quietly affecting our health. One of the biggest offenders, she says, is synthetic fragrance, a nearly unavoidable ingredient found in everything from laundry detergent to personal care products. Allison explains how these chemicals can disrupt hormones and contribute to inflammation, while also offering hope: our bodies are constantly working to detoxify and restore balance. Through natural processes like sweating, elimination, and healthy hormonal cycles, the body is continually clearing what doesn't belong. Together, Joanne and Allison explore why healing often begins not by adding more, but by removing what no longer serves us. Turning Personal Healing Into A Mission What started as Allison’s own healing journey eventually grew into Branch Basics, the company she co-founded alongside her best friend Kelly Love and Aunt Marilee. Built on the belief that wellness should be simple, accessible and effective, Branch Basics helps families reduce toxic exposures without sacrificing performance. Allison also shares how these same principles supported her through mold exposure, chronic Lyme symptoms and the many seasons of motherhood. This conversation is a powerful reminder that our bodies are designed to heal, that small changes can create profound shifts, and that sometimes the path back to wellness begins with something as simple as opening a window, choosing real food or removing a hidden toxin from our everyday environment. Connect with Allison Evans on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-evans-23557b15/] Toss the Toxins Free e-Course [https://tossthetoxins.branchbasics.com/?utm_campaign=button_list_TossTheToxinsCourse&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio] Browse Branch Basics Starter Kits | Save 20% on Starter Kits Code: INNERSENSE20 [https://branchbasics.com/INNERSENSE20] Follow Branch Basics on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/BranchBasics/] ‘Follow Branch Basics on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/branchbasics/] Follow Branch Basics on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@branchbasics] Follow Branch Basics on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/branch-basics/posts/?feedView=all] Chapters 00:00 Alison's Journey to Healing 09:03 The Impact of Environment on Health 12:48 The Power of Clean Living 16:08 The Birth of Branch Basics 21:33 Current Health and Family Life 22:41 The Journey to Wellness and Fertility 24:41 The Birth of a Brand: Branch Basics 28:08 The Impact of Synthetic Fragrances 30:13 Rethinking Germs and Cleaning Products 32:06 Laundry: The Hidden Health Hazard 35:53 Innovations in Cleaning: The Branch Basics Approach 38:59 Future Aspirations and Sustainable Practices Let’s chat! podcasts@innersensebeauty.com [podcasts@innersensebeauty.com] Join the Innersense™ Community https://innersensebeauty.com/pages/newsletter-sign-up [https://innersensebeauty.com/pages/newsletter-sign-up] Let’s Stay Connected https://www.instagram.com/joannestarkman [https://www.instagram.com/joannestarkman] https://www.instagram.com/innersenseorganicbeauty/ [https://www.instagram.com/innersenseorganicbeauty/] https://www.instagram.com/innersensepro/ [https://www.instagram.com/innersensepro/] https://www.facebook.com/InnersenseOrganic/ [https://www.facebook.com/InnersenseOrganic/] https://www.youtube.com/c/InnersenseOrganicBeauty [https://www.youtube.com/c/InnersenseOrganicBeauty] Clean hair care & body products Use code JOANNE15 to save 15% on first purchases at https://innersensebeauty.com/ [https://innersensebeauty.com/] Want to elevate your salon? (New Pro Clean Color Line) https://innersensebeauty.com/pages/salons [https://innersensebeauty.com/pages/salons] https://innersensebeauty.com/pages/education [https://innersensebeauty.com/pages/education]

25 de jun de 202645 min

64 - Understanding Williams Syndrome: Beauty, Humanity & Connection

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