My Child Has Disabilities Now What?

S2 – E8 The Riley Project

On this episode we are talking with Riley Mulcahy, the driving force behind The Riley Project, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals who learn differently. With a mission to foster inclusivity, spark meaningful conversations, and provide vital resources, Riley Mulcahy is on a quest to make a lasting impact. Through innovative storytelling, cutting-edge research, and educational initiatives, he is creating a safe space for diverse voices to shine. Let's dive in and explore the incredible work he is doing to support the 1 in 5 students who learn differently, and learn how we can all be part of a more informed and compassionate society.

S2 – E7 Landmark College

On this episode we are talking with staff from the Landmark College Success Center. Sandra Fishler, Director, Sarah Firestein, Senior Learning Specialist and PEERS Facilitator and Oindrila Das, Learning Specialist and PEERS facilitator.
The Landmark College Success Center, established in 2021, offers coaching and PEERS workshops for neurodivergent teens, young adults, and adults. PEERS, Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills is an evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated students who are interested in learning skills to make and keep friends and maintain relationships. During each group session, students are taught important relational skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills. Services at Landmark College Success Center focus on executive function (time management, organization), academic support (study skills, reading, writing), college transition, and social skills development.

S2 E6 – Wild Hair

On this episode we are talking with Trudy Marsh Grable who spent over 30 years working as director of community and family services at the nonprofit agency Parents Helping Parents, where she developed programs, raised funds, supported families, and helped build more inclusive communities.  She also is a mom of an adult daughter with developmental disabilities.  In the 90s she started a support group for families of children and adult children who experience challenging seizures.  One area of passion is educating parents about person-centered planning. She has guided hundreds of individuals, families, and professional support teams through that process for many years, helping people find clarity, purpose, and practical steps toward the lives they envision.

S2 E5 – Keep asking part 2

Today we are continuing our talk with Lynne Gallego, mom to twin sons with autism. She has walked the journey of ups and downs losing her husband along the way. She continues her inspirational story and gives insight and a positive perspective for others. In part 2 of "Keep asking".

S2-E4-Keep asking

Today’s guest we are talking with Lynne Gallego, mom to twin sons with autism, has walked the journey of ups and downs losing her husband along the way. She has an inspirational story and gives insight and a positive perspective for others.”

S2 E3 – Ada’s Café, A business with a soul.

Today we are talking with Kathleen Foley-Hughes, who opened a cafe in 2003 dedicated to employing people with disabilities after realizing there were limited vocational educational options for her son and others with disabilities. Fast forward to 2025 and Ada’s Café, is a thriving business and pillar of success in the community. Ada’s Cafe is a place where those with disabilities learn all aspects of the restaurant industry in a supportive environment.

S2-E2 – Dr. Korb, Center for Developing Minds

On this episode we are talking with Dr. Damon Korb, a board-certified developmental and behavioral pediatrician.  As the clinic director for Center for Developing Minds, he guides a team of child development experts that care for children and young adults who are struggling. Join us as we discuss his work and how your child could benefit from the programs and services the center offers. 

S2 E1 – Never take no for an answer.

On this episode we are talking with Paula Reardon, mom to two sons with autism.  One son entering college and another in elementary school and the challenges associated with educational, medical, and social systems and never taking no for an answer when it’s what your child needs.

S1 E6 - Your perfect child

Today’s guest is, Dr. Calvin Wheeler, MD, Pediatric Neurologist, recently retired from Kaiser Permanente Northern California Regional and Medical Director of Undergraduate and Graduate medical education, having served in that role for seven years. Prior to that he was the physician-in-chief of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Fremont and the Greater Southern Alameda Area for 18 years. During those 18 years, he was a member of the Board of Directors and the Operations Management Group for The Permanente Medical Group. 
 
There are too many accomplishments to mention in this short opening. But, our most fond experience was when we first meet Dr. Wheeler and he walked picked up our daughter and saw her as a person and not just a patient.

S1 E5 - Critical Resources

On today’s episode we have the pleasure of talking with Maria Daane, the Executive Director of Parents Helping Parents (PHP), located in Silicon Valley.  Parents Helping Parents supports parents whose children - or adult children - have disabilities. Parents Helping Parents offers 600 training and support groups online each year as well as a robust website visited by 200,000 annually.  Maria has been at PHP for 7 years, and especially values that over 90% of those who work at PHP as well as the majority of the board of directors are themselves parents of individuals with special needs, which makes the work especially meaningful.  Maria has worked over 20 years as a Manager or Director in the nonprofit sector, and enjoys hiking and family time.