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EBT 22:  In this episode I talk with Cynthia Rodriguez, amazing mom, grandma, and special needs advocate who loves to reach out and help others.  If you have a child with a disability and happen to  cross Cynthia’s path somewhere out in the world,  more than likely she will strike up a conversation to check in with you to see how things are going.  She’ll offer suggestions and resources and may even accompany you to the right agency to get you the help you may need.   That’s just who she is.

Yet, 24 years ago when her son Victor was born with Down syndrome, Cynthia didn’t even want to hold him for the first few days.   Life took an abrupt turn at that point and it took Cynthia a little while to accept all the changes.  From initial reluctancy to totally embracing her new journey, Cynthia is a source of love and laughter, drawing others in with her joy and making a positive difference for so many.

In addition, Cynthia does Court monitoring visits for people who have guardianships to make sure they are being treated properly and have everything they need.

GHFEDS
http://ghfeds.org/

HCS – Home and Community Based Services
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/home-community-based-services-hcs

Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/health-insurance-premium-payment-hipp-program

Side by Side Parent Support Team: League City
https://www.facebook.com/groups/155613631266509

STAP – Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP)
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/deaf-hard-hearing/stap-services

Swallowing and Speech Services
https://www.swallowingandspeechservices.com/

Texas Medicaid Waivers
https://texasmedicaidwaivers.com/

Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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In this episode I talk with Jennifer Fetter-Matthys about Ecologist School – Houston, an  engaging outdoor learning community that encourages children and families to get out in nature.

Students learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math, Outdoor Skills, Volunteerism and Leadership through hands-on, immersive lessons focused on nature.

With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, multiple years teaching K-5, and experience working with exceptionalities, Jennifer’s  great at modifying and differentiating activities to meet individual needs .  She has experience with autism and ABA and welcomes children with special needs.

In addition to  part time and full time outdoor events for students in K through 5th grade, Jennifer also offers an after school program, special events, camps, workshops and birthday parties.  Ecologist School-Houston workshops can be tailored for scouts, youth, family groups, service projects and any other organization.

Connect with Jennifer Fetter-Matthys

Email: ecologistschoolhouston@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecologistschoolhouston/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecologistschool
Recent Article About Ecologist  School – Houston:
https://leaguecity.macaronikid.com/articles/62190bb8be5c2c2bdf149db9/the-ecologist-school—houston%3A-taking-education-outdoors

Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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In this episode I talk with Angela Bishop, owner of Brewed Blessings, a community coffee shop where special needs adults can gain meaningful employment and education in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.  Angela sees everybody as an individual.  Since God loves us all she believes we should love each other for who we are no matter what our differences are.

Five years ago, Angela had a dream of opening a coffee shop that employs individuals with special needs.   She knows God definitely called her to this.  No matter how many times she tried to ignore it, the dreams kept coming back.

It wasn’t until she had the same dream multiple times that Angela decided it was time to act on it.   With encouragement and support from her husband Jim, Angela moved forward, filing the necessary paperwork for a non profit business.   God is working out all the details and sending the right people to help Angela make Brewed Blessings a reality.

Angela knows that anyone who works at, volunteers at, or visits Brewed Blessings will walk out blessed and walk away knowing they are making a difference in someone’s life.

Brewed Blessings
https://www.brewedblessings.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070764337143
IG: https://www.instagram.com/brewedblessings/

Connect with Angela Bishop
Email: angela@brewedblessings.com

Dr. Grilli ~ Pediatric and Family Dentistry
https://www.dcadentist.com/

Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Ashley Bennett, boy mom of 3 and amazing Special Education teacher.  Her oldest son, Ashton was born when Ashley was  just 19 years old.  He  was diagnosed with Autism at age 1.  As a teen mom,  taking college classes in addition to working, Ashley had to come to terms with the unexpected discovery that her baby boy had developmental delays.  When Autism was mentioned, Ashley didn’t even fully comprehend what that meant for Ashton or for the future.

Ashley talks about the early years when much of her time and attention was devoted to educating herself and helping her young son get all the interventions and therapies he needed.  She believes her son’s diagnosis prompted a calling for her life’s work.  Ashley persevered through the challenges to achieve not 1, but 3 college degrees.   She currently motivates and inspires her High School Life Skills students every day, making a positive difference for them and for their families.

If you haven’t heard the first half of Ashley’s interview,  be sure to listen to it in its entirety.  You won’t want to miss any of this amazing episode.

Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities
https://www.uhcl.edu/autism-center/

Early Childhood Intervention Services
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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In this episode I talk with Ashley Bennett, boy mom of 3 and amazing Special Education teacher.  Her oldest son, Ashton was born when Ashley was  just 19 years old.  He  was diagnosed with Autism at age 1.  As a teen mom,  taking college classes in addition to working, Ashley had to come to terms with the unexpected discovery that her baby boy had developmental delays.  When Autism was mentioned, Ashley didn’t even fully comprehend what that meant for Ashton or for the future.

Ashley talks about the early years when much of her time and attention was devoted to educating herself and helping her young son get all the interventions and therapies he needed.  She believes her son’s diagnosis prompted a calling for her life’s work.  Ashley persevered through the challenges to achieve not 1, but 3 college degrees.   She currently motivates and inspires her High School Life Skills students every day, making a positive difference for them and for their families.

This is part 1 of a 2 part episode.   Tune in next week for the second half of Ashley’s adventures.

Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities
https://www.uhcl.edu/autism-center/

Early Childhood Intervention Services
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/