Life at EASe

Highest Potential Pathways: Assisting Families Through Their Special Needs Journey

On today’s episode of Life at EASe we are speaking with Pam Beron regarding her coaching business, Highest Potential Pathways, where she focuses on assisting families through their special needs journey. Pam is a veteran special education teacher of 14 years. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Special Education Curriculum and Instruction and Master of Arts in Education specializing in behavior analysis. When her teaching career brought her to a virtual school, she began to fully realize the impact of coaching parents in order to best support their child with a disability at home so they can reach their highest potential. Pam coaches parents through some of the most challenging aspects of parenting a child with a disability: processing a diagnosis, learning about programs and resources available and choosing which ones best fit their family, navigating school systems with referrals and IEP processes, community involvement/inclusion, and home systems of support. Her mission is to empower parents to become their own best advocate for their child. Pam plans to launch a course titled ‘Pathway to Your Best IEP: A Parent's Guide’ in July. Life at EASe listeners may use this link for a promotional offer Course Waitlist [https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/263510/86730784821478940/share] ! If you are interested in working with Pam please visit highestpotentialpathways.com [https://highestpotentialpathways.com/] to book a free 30 minute exploration session. Once you are on her website you may take a look at the different options you have in terms of services. You may also follow Highest Potential Pathways on Instagram @highestpotentialpathways where you’ll find helpful tips and resources.

Spot A Spider: Teaching Children to Recognize and Prevent Abuse

On today’s episode of Life at EASe, we are talking about protecting children from covert and overt abuse with Dr. Amy Saltzman. Amy is a former competitive gymnast, physician, mindfulness coach, author, victim/sur-thrivor of decades of covert emotional abuse, and expert on protecting children from abuse. She has a knack for translating difficult topics into “kid speak.” Dr. Amy is passionate about preventing abuse in sports, schools, music programs, religious settings, and community activities.  She offers individual support, and group workshops on seeing, stopping, and healing from abuse. Visit www.spotaspider.com [http://www.spotaspider.com/] for the How To Spot a Sneaky Spider and How To Spot An Obvious Spider videos. Dr. Amy’s videos are also available for screening for larger groups. You may contact Dr. Amy via email for more details regarding booking her for an in-person or zoom talk - info@spotaspider.com. If you would like to reach out to Early Autism Services with consultation requests please email us at info@earlyautismservices.com [info@earlyautismservices.com].

Creating an Inclusive Worship Community with Rockpointe Community Church, MI

On today’s episode of Life at EASe, we are speaking with Rockpointe Community Church in Sterling Heights MI about the importance of creating an inclusive worship community with Pastor Mickey and Kim Ryder. Mickey Badalamenti comes to Rockpointe via the business world. It was in this environment that he honed his project management and leadership skills. In responding to God’s call to move into full-time ministry, Mickey brings with him these significant assets. He also brings a passionate and articulate zeal for Truth that comes from being a former skeptic himself. Mickey is also the Campus Coordinator for Detroit Bible Institute [https://www.rockpointe.org/dbi], which is sponsored by a consortium of local churches and hosted at Rockpointe. Kimberly Ryder is a busy homeschooling mother of four. She has a bachelor's degree in Interior Design with minors in Teaching and Art. Her passions for learning, education and people have led her to engaging in the Bridges Program at Rockpointe Community Church in Sterling Heights MI, where she has served for the last 7 years. Using both her formal training and personal Homeschool Education experience, she teaches the special needs students in the Bridges Program. While teaching the students planned lessons and engaging with them individually, she shares about God’s love for them and their intrinsic value in a relatable way. You may reach Pastor Mickey at mickey@rockpointe.org [mickey@rockpointe.org] and Kim at marie.ryder@yahoo.com [marie.ryder@yahoo.com] directly about the Bridges Program. Feel free to check out a presentation we at Early Autism Services created outlining how to set up a more inclusive space. Education For Welcoming Families With Children With Autism To A Worship Community [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxSntzpCOoc&list=PLP2oCCgwPNmN25AL_8VCwbpedA6aDEkU1&index=4] If you would like to reach out to us with consultation requests please email us at info@earlyautismservices.com [info@earlyautismservices.com]

Finding Your Strengths with Dyslexia Coach Leddy Glenn

On this episode of Life at EASe, we are speaking with Leddy Glenn, Dyslexia Coach. Leddy was diagnosed with dyslexia in second grade, which started her journey as a student with disabilities. This came with educational support and taunting from classmates. Leddy decided to hide her dyslexia diagnosis, which left her feeling overwhelmed, ashamed, and insecure about who she was. After earning two Master’s Degrees and working for over 20 years with individuals and groups to explore their abilities, Leddy decided to stop hiding and become an advocate for others with invisible disabilities. Leddy works with middle-schoolers through adulthood teaching, and guiding to help find their strengths and supports that work for them to reach their goals and then exceed them. She will guide you to silencing your inner critic and give you tools to find your passions, strengths, and courage. Leddy is a lifelong learner who is a trained special education teacher, business owner, wife, and parent. If you would like to book a consultation with Leddy and find out more about the services she provides please visit her website https://leddyglenn.com [https://leddyglenn.com/] or www.leddyglenncoaching.com [http://www.leddyglenncoaching.com/]. Leddy provides a free e-book on self-sabotage on her website. By reading Leddy’s book, you will learn about ways to overcome your insecurities and struggles and to learn how to be proud of the person you are.

Creating Inclusive Spaces with the All-Access Inclusion Network (AAIN)

On today’s episode, we have Blaire Donnelly-Mason. Blaire is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and works as a Program Manager for Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) in Nashville, Tennessee. Blaire helps lead TRIAD’s Community Engagement Program which includes the All-Access Inclusion Network, an innovative community network of arts, education, athletic, and entertainment organizations that works to promote full inclusion of autistic children and adults and other developmental disabilities. Please contact Blaire-  blaire.donnelly-mason@vumc.org for a consultation or meet and greet if you are needing assistance in creating a more inclusive space. There is no fee for this service. If you are a caregiver and would like more information about Autism resources available in the community, diagnostic information, speaking to a therapist, or any other need please contact the Autism Resource Line at 615 322 7565, or email autismresources@vumc.org.  If you are interested in attending AAIN's biannual meetings (open to community members and providers) in June or December, register on their website https://vkc.vumc.org/vkc/triad/cei-AAIN/ [https://vkc.vumc.org/vkc/triad/cei-AAIN/].