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In this episode I talk with Sandra Weber, special needs preschool teacher and mother with 8 children of her own.  Though life has come at her full force, Sandra’s outlook in the midst of numerous difficult circumstances is truly remarkable.  She faces challenges with a positive perspective and staunch determination; enduring overwhelming hardship.  She is most definitely a pillar of strength for her family and an inspiration to others.

Sandra discusses the unique situations her family has faced, including the birth of triplets born at 32 weeks; 2 of whom have Down syndrome, while a 7 year old sibling was battling brain cancer.   This is part 1 of a 2 part episode.

Tune in next week for the second half of the story.

Ronald McDonald House:
https://www.rmhc.org/

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 Brianna TenBrink, an eloquent, wise and compassionate 23 year old big sister to 16 year old Myah and 15 year old Leah, her younger siblings who are on opposite ends of the Autism spectrum.  Brianna shares her perspective on how her experiences as the only neurotypical  child in the family shaped the person she is today.   From a young age Brianna took it upon herself to become the ‘glue’ that helped hold the family together.   Her sisters made her a better person and influenced and directed Brianna’s purpose and passion in life.  Service and Teaching are at the heart of who she is and Brianna has aspirations to make lasting positive changes for all people with disabilities.

  • Brianna is the eldest sibling to two younger sisters with Autism on vastly different sides of the spectrum
  • For the past 13 years, Brianna has been a tireless advocate for individuals, much like her siblings, winning the Sibling Scholarship from Knapps and Roberts law firm, the Rose Award from disAbility Connections, Inc., and Advocate of the Year award from the Arc of the Gulf Coast which granted her the opportunity to speak on the experiences of being a sibling at district-wide conferences.
  • Brianna is a Partner in the Texas Partners in Policymaking Program, a Marketing Advisor & Sensitivity Panelist for Disability Book Week, and the Director of Marketing and Sales for Neural Divergence, LLC.
  • Brianna is the co-founder of Project LEAH (Leaders Ending Abuse and Harm), which is an organization that armors parents, families, and allies of loved ones of students in the Texas Public School System who have endured abuse with educational, legislative advocacy training to foster macro-level change.

If you haven’t heard the first half of Brianna’s interview,  be sure to listen to it in its entirety.  You won’t want to miss any of this awe-inspiring conversation.

Connect with Brianna:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebriannashley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briashten
Project LEAH Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4127855043987645/

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

By on

In this episode I talk with Brianna TenBrink, an eloquent, wise and compassionate 23 year old big sister to 16 year old Myah and 15 year old Leah, her younger siblings who are on opposite ends of the Autism spectrum.  Brianna shares her perspective on how her experiences as the only neurotypical  child in the family shaped the person she is today.   From a young age Brianna took it upon herself to become the ‘glue’ that helped hold the family together.   Her sisters made her a better person and influenced and directed Brianna’s purpose and passion in life.  Service and Teaching are at the heart of who she is and Brianna has aspirations to make lasting positive changes for all people with disabilities.

  • Brianna is the eldest sibling to two younger sisters with Autism on vastly different sides of the spectrum
  • For the past 13 years, Brianna has been a tireless advocate for individuals, much like her siblings, winning the Sibling Scholarship from Knapps and Roberts law firm, the Rose Award from disAbility Connections, Inc., and Advocate of the Year award from the Arc of the Gulf Coast which granted her the opportunity to speak on the experiences of being a sibling at district-wide conferences.
  • Brianna is a Partner in the Texas Partners in Policymaking Program, a Marketing Advisor & Sensitivity Panelist for Disability Book Week, and the Director of Marketing and Sales for Neural Divergence, LLC.
  • Brianna is the co-founder of Project LEAH (Leaders Ending Abuse and Harm), which is an organization that armors parents, families, and allies of loved ones of students in the Texas Public School System who have endured abuse with educational, legislative advocacy training to foster macro-level change.

This is part one of a 2 part series.  Tune in in January 26th for the second half of this awe-inspiring conversation.

Connect with Brianna:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebriannashley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briashten
Project LEAH Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4127855043987645/

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 Heather Burdeaux, case manager and multi-talented, super busy mom of 3 about navigating life with 2 children who have special needs.  Her oldest, Arabella has Down syndrome and her youngest, Darin, has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism.  A  few years ago Darin’s behavior began to suddenly shift.  Heather took courageous steps to help her son through a very difficult period.  She believes in expectation management which ensures every family member is able to fully enjoy vacations and holiday gatherings as defined by each person’s individual needs.  She also encourages making time for your own friendships.  And, as an entrepreneur herself, Heather already has some great ideas about what the future might hold for Bella and Darin.

Connect with Heather:
Blog about raising her kids: http://shantijoy.wordpress.com
Medicaid Resources Website:  http://texasmedicaidwaivers.com

Connect with Arabella:
Arabella’s Wonderful Life YouTube Channel:  http://tinyurl.com/arabella911
Arabella’s Wonderful Life Shop: http://tinyurl.com/arabella911shop

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

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