• Erin shares her experiences navigating parenting challenges and raising a son with autism and co-occurring mental health disorders.
• They dive deep into the intersection of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with mental health, highlighting systemic gaps in support.
• Erin offers real-life insights on supporting kids through anxiety, trauma, and social media pressure, both as a parent and former educator.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:00:14 - Realities of parenting struggles

00:05:00 - Mental health in the IDD community

00:08:44 - Hypochondria and anxiety triggers

00:14:27 - Parenting through suicidal ideation

00:23:37 - Cell phone anxiety in schools

00:34:53 - Being a bonus person matters

• David’s lived experience with autism and ADHD, and how it shapes his empathetic approach to supporting clients.
• The unique dynamics of building trust-based relationships with neurodiverse children and families.
• Strategies for navigating daily challenges, emotional regulation, and goal-setting in high-stress support roles.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:04:46 - Meet DSP David

00:07:28 - Navigating social introversion

00:09:28 - Forming client-family relationships

00:14:55 - Responding to emotional dysregulation

00:22:25 - Delayed processing and support

00:32:20 - Understanding PDA in autism

00:42:42 - DSP decompression strategies

• Ashley’s journey integrating personal training with support services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• How Every Body Wellness is redefining inclusive fitness through adaptive, accessible group classes and holistic health resources.
• Practical insights on making movement enjoyable and empowering for underserved and IDD communities.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:01:26 - What is Every Body Wellness?

00:04:00 - Making movement fun

00:06:48 - Community and confidence through fitness

00:11:40 - Every Body Wellness' inclusive mission

00:22:13 - Virtual classes and accessibility

00:29:44 - Adapting workouts in real-time

Click here to learn more about Ashley Olsen and Every Body Wellness.

• The importance of unified sports programs that bring together people with and without disabilities
• How inclusive community events create opportunities for connection and friendship
• Better Together Supports' involvement with the Awesome 3000 event
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:01:32 - Jacob explains the history and community impact of the Awesome 3000 run

00:05:07 - Discussion of Unified sports programs and inclusive activities

00:08:02 - Erin shares her experience with the Best Buddies program

00:14:17 - How events like these help raise awareness for the IDD community

00:18:32 - Challenges finding appropriate sports opportunities for kids with disabilities

00:21:52 - How Better Together Supports will be involved at the Awesome 3000

• The unique family dynamics in households with children who have disabilities
• Navigating the challenges of blending families when a child has autism
• How sibling relationships develop and evolve in mixed-ability households
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:05:06 - Challenges of blending families when a child has autism

00:09:49 - How parents can lose their identity when focused on disability support

00:18:05 - Advice for those starting or blending families with disabilities

00:25:07 - The value of family dinners in strengthening bonds

00:35:03 - Why parents hesitate to seek DSP support and how it can be life-changing

• Early childhood development and how the first five years shape 90% of brain development
• The importance of emotional intelligence and how early experiences impact future capabilities
• Creating a supportive "village" when raising children with disabilities
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:01:36 - The challenge of judgment from those without similar experiences

00:05:00 - Understanding emotional intelligence development in early childhood

00:10:36 - Early intervention services and their lasting impact

00:17:42 - Signs parents should watch for that might indicate additional support is needed

00:25:29 - The rewarding aspects of working with Better Together Supports

00:32:28 - How to check your own biases and see the joy in supporting others

• The critical importance of early intervention for children with developmental disabilities.
• How the first five years of life impact 90% of brain development and emotional intelligence.
• Navigating the challenges of finding support services and creating a community.
• Personal experiences with diagnosis and intervention for autism and communication disorders.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:00:58 - The importance of finding your village when raising a child with disabilities

00:07:05 - Early intervention services and their impact on development

00:13:09 - The journey to diagnosis and accessing support

00:18:21 - Signs parents should watch for that might indicate additional support is needed

00:28:15 - Finding and building community resources for families

00:35:19 - The role of Better Together Supports in connecting families with services

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Erin about:

• The various types of ADHD.
• How ADHD presents differently in women versus men.
• The challenges of living with "invisible disabilities" and why early diagnosis matters for proper support.
• And much more!

00:01:57 - ADHD differences between men and women

00:07:47 - Different types of ADHD explained

00:34:10 - Understanding invisible disabilities

00:21:32 - Music helps ADHD focus

00:28:18 - School accommodations for ADHD

• Her experience as both a parent of a child with autism and ADHD and a learning specialist.
• The Oregon youth work program helping teens with disabilities gain employment skills.
• Understanding the various aspects of special education and learning disabilities.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:01:29 - Work ethic and youth employment programs

00:11:02 - Understanding the role of a learning specialist

00:20:55 - Preparing teens for employment and independence

00:24:16 - Explaining the "spoon theory" of energy management

00:29:03 - Understanding "masking" and autistic burnout

00:39:03 - Need for life skills education in schools

• Her journey creating PIE (Program for Intellectual Empowerment) and supporting creative expression.
• How her cousin's artistic talent inspired her work with the neurodivergent community.
• The importance of art as a universal language for self-expression.
• Creating inclusive spaces where everyone is valued and welcomed.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:02:11 - Origins of Pauline's passion for art and music education

00:05:19 - Her cousin's art reaching the Vatican

00:10:05 - Starting her program

00:26:32 - Teaching financial skills through creative work

00:35:05 - Prioritizing individual expression and interests

• Her experience with Oregon Adaptive Sports and the impact on her son.
• The journey of raising a son with autism and finding community support.
• How her perspective has evolved from the challenging early years.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:02:05 - Oregon Adaptive Sports program origins

00:09:12 - Daily life and activities with her son

00:11:14 - Early parenting journey with autism

00:17:04 - Finding a different approach to parenting

00:20:34 - Unexpected joys of parenthood

00:28:19 - Breaking down autism myths

00:32:36 - How children reveal others' character

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with David Neely about:

• His journey starting as an instructional assistant in a life skills classroom.
• Building a special bond with his first student in the IDD community.
• How that relationship changed his perspective and career path.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:05:05 - David's first experience as an IA

00:13:31 - How the experience changed him

00:17:40 - Finding common ground with clients

00:21:24 - Advice for aspiring DSPs

00:22:31 - Breaking down myths about DSP work

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Claudia Lynne about:

• Her journey raising four children, including two sons on the autism spectrum.
• Getting early diagnoses and finding support systems.
• Navigating challenges with screen time and sensory input.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Claudia Lynne

00:02:32 - Early signs and diagnosis journey

00:09:31 - Myths about autism spectrum

00:13:14 - Managing screen time challenges

00:15:15 - Advice for new special needs parents

00:21:03 - Memorable family moments

00:29:27 - Brothers' relationship dynamics

00:30:42 - School experiences and progress

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Mallea Rofelty about:

• Updates on Salem's Capernaum program and community building.
• Details about the upcoming Capernaum Prom in May.
• Success stories from recent events and activities.
• And much more!

You can email Mallea directly at: [malleaa.yl@gmail.com](mailto:malleaa.yl@gmail.com)

Timestamps:

00:00:50 - Capernaum program updates

00:03:15 - Community building across Oregon

00:04:56 - Connecting participants through activities

00:09:05 - Last year's Capernaum Prom highlights

00:14:14 - Planning this year's prom event

00:17:11 - Impact on parents and caregivers

00:20:28 - Changes for 2025 Capernaum Prom

00:22:06 - How to get involved

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Lisa "LT" Thomas about:

• Living with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and maintaining independence.
• Advocating for changes to disability assistance programs.
• Balancing full-time work with needed daily support.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Lisa "LT" Thomas

00:05:41 - Understanding Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

00:10:18 - Career journey and independence

00:15:01 - Challenges with disability assistance programs

00:21:58 - Current support system challenges

00:25:24 - Maintaining positivity despite obstacles

00:31:35 - Breaking misconceptions about disabilities

00:34:08 - Call to action for program changes

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Josh and Mary Hildebrandt about:

• Their journey raising three boys, including their youngest son Jordan who has Down syndrome.
• Breaking down myths and misconceptions about Down syndrome.
• The special bond within the Down syndrome community.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Hildebrandt family

00:02:03 - Jordan's current phase and personality

00:04:55 - Relationship with siblings

00:10:08 - Myths about Down syndrome

00:17:33 - Special bond in Down syndrome community

00:22:31 - Health challenges and experiences

00:25:40 - Advice for other families

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Kaylee Jolly about:

• Understanding unbalanced translocation and Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome.
• Her journey as a mother of two children with rare genetic conditions.
• Finding accessible places and activities for the family.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Kaylee Jolly

02:17 - Early motherhood experiences

04:29 - Explaining unbalanced translocation

06:57 - Raising Emmett

11:28 - Lizzie's journey

14:38 - Understanding feeding therapy

17:07 - Celebrating progress and inch stones

23:32 - Finding support and resources

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and David Neely speak with Jackson Campbell about:

• His successful YouTube channel and content creation journey.
• Growing up with disabilities and overcoming challenges.
• The importance of treating everyone as people first.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:46 - YouTube channel origins

00:07:33 - Camp experiences

00:17:13 - Growing up

00:21:05 - Support from teachers and family

00:37:14 - YouTube channel goals

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Katy Adams about:

• The Chris and Jill How You Doing Foundation, named in memory of her brother and mother.
• Her new role as developmental disabilities coordinator at the Salem YMCA.
• Creating purpose from tragedy through community service.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:01:17 - Foundation name origin story

00:09:09 - YMCA connection and background

00:11:34 - Foundation's community impact plans

00:13:18 - YMCA's inclusive environment

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Karla and George about:

• How businesses and communities can better support families with autism.
• Navigating family dynamics and cultural perspectives on autism.
• Their journey as parents of a 4-year-old son with level 3 autism.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:01:14 - Introduction to Christian and autism

00:03:55 - Early signs and family acceptance

00:08:33 - Navigating public spaces

00:11:25 - How communities can provide support

00:15:41 - Starting a food business

00:22:46 - Supporting autism awareness globally

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Mallea Anderson about:

• Her new role as Capernaum coordinator for Oregon and Southwest Washington.
• What Capernaum is and how it serves the IDD community.
• Creating spaces where young adults with disabilities can truly belong.
• The growth plans for Salem's Capernaum program.
• And much more!

Click here to learn more about Capernaum Salem.

You can email Mallea directly at: malleaa.yl@gmail.com

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Malia Anderson

00:01:31 - What Young Life Capernaum is

00:03:10 - Favorite Capernaum activities

00:05:24 - Integrated vs specialized programming

00:06:45 - Salem community opportunities

00:09:40 - Training other Capernaum programs

00:12:25 - Leadership development approach

00:17:06 - Salem Capernaum's future plans

• The creation and growth of Capernaum, a Young Life branch for people with disabilities.
• Her personal journey as a mother to Jackson, a charismatic 21-year-old with disabilities.
• The transition challenges from structured school life to adulthood.
• And much more!

You can get in touch with Shannon directly by emailing her: campbelldesigns@mac.com

Click here to learn more about Night to Shine 2025.

Timestamps:

00:01:00 - Explaining Capernaum's origins and purpose

00:04:13 - Activities for young adults

00:07:33 - Jackson's YouTube channel success

00:09:44 - Post-school transition challenges

00:12:59 - Jackson's school experience

00:16:06 - Supporting the IDD community

00:20:03 - Upcoming Salem events and volunteer needs

• What it means to be a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and the impact they have on families.
• Understanding the IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) community and support services.
• How county programs help connect families with essential resources.
• The qualities that make great DSPs and success stories from the field.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Holiday plans and podcast jingles

00:03:30 - Salem Christmas parade discussion

00:06:44 - Explaining the IDD community

00:09:09 - Role of a DSP

00:12:28 - Making an impact as DSP

00:13:43 - Current hiring locations

00:14:24 - Favorite DSP experiences

00:16:58 - Family appreciation and support

For those interested in becoming a DSP, visit bettertogethersupports.com

• Understanding and managing ISP (Individual Service Plan) meetings.
• The emotional journey of parent-teacher conferences over the years.
• How focusing on successes rather than deficits has changed meeting dynamics.
• And much more!

Timestamps

00:00:26 - Jacob's Halloween adventure recap

00:01:19 - Explaining ISP meetings

00:02:51 - Format of support team meetings

00:05:28 - Evolution of parent-teacher conferences

00:07:34 - Current goals and behaviors

00:10:03 - Halloween costumes through the years

00:14:00 - New family holiday traditions

00:15:50 - Understanding Jacob's movie connections

In this episode, David Neely and Jacob Espinoza talk with special guest Monique Ford about:

• Life as a single parent caring for two children with special needs.
• The challenges and planning required for public outings with special needs children.
• Building a support system and the importance of reliable care partners.
• And much more!

Timestamps

00:00:26 - Introduction to Monique Ford

00:02:11 - Overview of family's medical needs

00:03:56 - Managing as first responder parent

00:06:12 - Planning around medical emergencies

00:09:12 - David shares first meeting experience

00:11:45 - Challenges of going out publicly

00:15:13 - Choosing welcoming public spaces

00:19:41 - Making restaurants more accessible

In this episode, hosts Jacob Espinoza and David Neely discuss:

• Making public spaces more welcoming for the IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) community.
• Simple ways businesses and individuals can improve interactions with people with disabilities.
• How being inclusive benefits both the IDD community and businesses.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:01:02 - Discussion on IDD community safety

00:02:15 - Changes in accessibility over time

00:03:39 - Easy wins for inclusive businesses

00:04:50 - Tips - Ask and interact respectfully

00:07:27 - Importance of direct customer interaction

00:09:55 - IDD-friendly places in Salem, Oregon

00:11:38 - Better Together Supports' community focus

00:13:30 - Business case for inclusivity

Ready to join the team? Apply here: https://bettertogethersupports.com/join-our-team/

Rhonda reflects on the success of the first year of the mental health program, highlighting the strong community support, facility upgrades, and significant student achievements. She discusses how the program has provided students with a sense of connection, inspiration, and confidence in their abilities to make a difference. The program's unique approach has not only equipped students with valuable skills but also ensured they understand the importance of mental health in their communities.

Looking ahead, Rhonda expresses excitement for the upcoming second year of the program, which includes hands-on internships in Title I schools and peer-to-peer support opportunities. These real-world experiences will further enhance the students' education and prepare them for their future careers. Rhonda's passion for the program and its impact on the community is evident, and she emphasizes the importance of innovative education in addressing critical needs. Tune in to learn more about how CTEC is revolutionizing education and making a positive impact on students and the community.

Interested in joining the BTS team? Visit https://bettertogethersupports.com/join-our-team/

• Why community integration is a key focus for Better Together Supports
• The challenges IDD individuals and their families face in everyday activities
• How Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) foster community integration
• A inspiring success story of helping an individual build trust in community settings
• Practical ways friends and family can support IDD community members
• The importance of patience, consistency, and trying new experiences

Featuring personal anecdotes, professional insights, and actionable advice, this episode highlights the transformative power of community connections. Whether you're a caregiver, friend, or interested in making a difference, you'll gain valuable perspectives on creating a more inclusive world for individuals with IDD.

Visit bettertogethersupports.com to learn more about how you can get involved.

Our hosts explore how DSPs, drawing from their extensive experience in the IDD community, work tirelessly to help clients not just exist, but truly thrive in their communities. We'll discuss:

1. The unique approach Better Together Supports takes in empowering both clients and DSPs
2. How DSPs assess individual needs and aspirations to create tailored support plans

Strategies for promoting community integration, acceptance, and contributionWhether you're a family member, care provider, or simply interested in inclusive community building, this episode offers valuable insights into the compassionate and skilled work of DSPs. Join us as we celebrate the dedication of these professionals and their vital role in fostering independence and fulfillment for individuals with IDD.

Tune in to learn how Better Together Supports is redefining care and community inclusion, one personalized plan at a time.

Interested in learning more about joining our team? Find out more here: https://bettertogethersupports.com/join-our-team/

David shares his personal connection to the IDD community, having grown up with a mother who was a special education teacher and fostering children with disabilities. This experience drove him to start Better Together Supports, with the goal of empowering individuals with IDD to thrive and be active participants in their communities.

Sarah discusses her journey of joining the company, learning about the IDD community, and the rewarding experience of connecting families with compassionate caregivers. The hosts also delve into the role of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), who are at the heart of Better Together Supports. They emphasize the importance of building relationships and finding common interests between DSPs and clients to provide the best possible care.

David and Sarah share stories of overcoming obstacles, such as finding creative solutions to support a family with technology barriers and ensuring a client's satisfaction by finding the perfect DSP match. Looking to the future, they express their commitment to providing opportunities for people who have never worked with the IDD community before, focusing on equipping high school students and lowering barriers to entry for those who want to make a difference.

The episode concludes with excitement for the upcoming episodes of the Better Together Supports Podcast, which will feature stories from DSPs and families, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the IDD community and the positive impact the company is making.