Buckle up because this episode is packed with insights and laughter! Wendy Weber graces us with her presence, and let me tell you, her resume is as colorful as her delightful parrots! She’s a pioneer in the realm of support for families with Down syndrome, having founded the Sharing Down Syndrome parent support group in Phoenix back in 1983. Talk about being ahead of the curve! Wendy shares her journey of advocating for families, revealing how her own experiences as a mother shaped her mission to create a supportive community. We dig into the emotional ups and downs of raising a child with Down syndrome, and Wendy's stories are both heartfelt and humorous. She doesn’t shy away from the tough topics; instead, she tackles them with grace and a sprinkle of laughter. And did I mention her passion for music? Wendy is not just a parent; she's a songwriter who brings her experiences to life through catchy tunes and parodies that will have you humming along in no time. As we discuss the role of therapy animals, Wendy highlights how pets can provide unconditional love and support, especially for children with special needs. It’s clear that Wendy’s philosophy revolves around seeing the person first, the disability second, and this message resonates throughout our conversation. So, if you're looking for inspiration, laughter, and a deeper understanding of the beautiful complexities of disability advocacy, this episode is where it’s at!

Wendy Weber is a vibrant force of resilience and empowerment. A founder of the Sharing Down Syndrome Parent Support Group in Phoenix in 1983, she built community when few resources existed, and she edited the “Sharing” newsletter for a decade to amplify voices and foster connection. Raising her child with Down syndrome shaped her purpose, deepened her compassion, and fueled her lifelong advocacy for families like hers.

With over five decades as a parrot owner, Wendy’s spirit resonates with the colorful personalities of her feathered companions. As an energy healing practitioner, she channels her vibrant energy to support well-being and balance.

A longtime singer-songwriter and lyricist, she crafts parodies and original songs for individuals, organizations, and events, infusing joy and creativity into every note. Her passion for music and love of singing in choir weave harmonies that echo unity. Wendy’s presence reminds us that our unique melodies can inspire, uplift, and create change.

A gift from our guest: Checklist: Navigating the Journey of Raising a Child with Down Syndrome

Please email Wendy at wendy@wendywebermusic.com for the checklist.

Wendy's Facebook page

Wendy on YouTube

Wendy's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

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In a world where child safety is more crucial than ever, C.J. Scarlett stands out as a guiding light! This engaging episode explores her transformative journey from a survivor of childhood trauma to a celebrated advocate for kids’ rights. C.J. shares her heartfelt stories, including a pivotal moment at a pool that changed everything for her as a parent. We discuss the misconceptions surrounding child safety, the importance of empowering kids with self-defense skills, and the launch of her innovative Heroic Kids Safety Games app. Not only does this episode provide a wealth of knowledge on how to effectively communicate with children about safety, but it also emphasizes the responsibility of parents to foster open dialogues. Tune in for a mix of humor, emotion, and actionable advice that can help you ensure your child's safety in a world filled with challenges. C.J. reminds us that every child deserves to feel safe and empowered—let’s make it happen together!

CJ Scarlet is a kid safety crusader, award-winning author, and the Badass Grandma! She helps parents empower their kids to protect and defend themselves from bullies and predators through her Heroic Parenting 101 online course and upcoming Heroic Kids Safety Game app.

A survivor of childhood abuse, teen sexual assault, and a narrow escape from a sex trafficking ring, CJ spent years dealing with the emotional aftermath of her experience. After taking her power back, she became an advocate for others who had been victimized, running a child advocacy center and serving as Director of Victims Issues for the NC Attorney General’s Office. Over her 30 years as a victim advocate, CJ has helped thousands of survivors claim their power too.

The former roller-skating carhop, forest firefighter, and U.S. Marine photojournalist holds a master’s degree in human violence. Named one of the “Happy 100” people on the planet, CJ’s story of triumph over adversity is featured in several bestselling books.

A free gift from our guest: Get Out of Jail FREE cards to give to their kids so they know it's safe to call their parents if they get in a jam. To get your cards, please email me at cj@TheBadassGrandma.com

CJ's Facebook page

@thebadassgrandma on Instagram

CJ on YouTube

CJ's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

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David Richards, the dynamic founder and CEO of Change Maker Education, takes us on an exhilarating journey into the future of education through the concept of micro schools. Picture this: a classroom where a handful of students are not just numbers, but individuals whose voices are heard, and where parents are as engaged as teachers, creating a community of learning rather than a factory line of rote memorization. David, with over 25 years in education reform, passionately discusses his experiences and the pivotal moments that led him to this innovative educational model. He dives deep into his personal history, revealing how his family's struggles with dyslexia fueled his desire to create an educational environment that embraces every child's uniqueness. He shares anecdotes about his father, who was thrust into a factory job at a tender age due to a broken educational system, and contrasts that with his own journey through prestigious institutions like UC Berkeley and Stanford.

As we explore the nitty-gritty of micro schools, David clarifies what sets them apart from traditional schooling and even homeschooling. These aren't just smaller schools; they're a revolution in how we think about education. They prioritize personalization, agency, and experiential learning—values that are often lost in larger classroom settings. David emphasizes the importance of community involvement, where parents collaborate with educators to create a nurturing atmosphere that caters to the kids' needs. The conversation not only sheds light on the mechanics of micro schools but also highlights the emotional and social benefits they offer. Listeners will feel inspired to rethink education, perhaps even considering starting their own micro school, as David outlines the steps and support available for those ready to embark on this adventure.

But wait, there’s more! The episode doesn't shy away from the realities of the education landscape today, especially in light of the recent shifts brought about by the pandemic. We discuss the surge in interest for alternative schooling options and how micro schools are becoming a viable choice for families seeking something different. David also addresses the broader implications of educational policy, including the rise of vouchers and how they empower families to take control of their children's education. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for parents, educators, and anyone interested in the future of learning, with David standing as a beacon of hope and innovation in a landscape that so desperately needs it.

A gift from our guest: Please visit https://www.changemakereducation.com/ for a free guide to founding a microschool

David K Richards is the Founder & CEO of Changemaker Education, a national network of affiliate love-based microschools and an incubator for founders who want to usher in a new paradigm for the future of education. He is also the host of the Changemaker ED“U” podcast. Previously, he was a founding teacher and leader with Summit Public Schools where he launched several innovative schools before becoming the Founder & CEO of Growth Public Schools. In addition he serves as a leadership and life coach. David has worked in education reform for over 25 years as a teacher, principal, executive, and board member. He lives in Sacramento, CA with his wife and his two children, and holds a BA from UC Berkeley and an MA from Stanford University.

@changemakeredu on Instagram

David's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app...