S5: Episode 173 - Appreciating her brother for his authenticity, ability to find enjoyment in the little things and naivety to negativity in the world
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
Release Date: 01/18/2024
S6: Episode 189 - Where will they live? The question that started Partners4Housing
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
Pam Blanton, Founder and CEO of Partners4Housing, established the organization to create a better pathway for families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to develop Shared Living solutions and identify compatible roommates. She brings 35 years of experience in special needs housing and possesses extensive expertise in navigating critical public benefits and housing resources, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid-funded personal care services, state residential supports, supported employment income, and Section 8 housing subsidies. Pam is a recognized leader in her...
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S6: Ep. 188 - Chatting with Karen Kelly (mom of The Big Dude) about transitioning her adult son to assisted living
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
Karen is the mother and guardian of Eric, the Big Dude. He is a 52 year old gentleman who is nonverbal, profoundly autistic, and 6 feet, 5 inches tall. He was diagnosed as autistic in 1977. Karen has been a registered nurse for over 50 years. She has worked in many areas of nursing, including hospital administration, clinical practice, and higher education. Her undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing emphasized the role of the nurse as a patient advocate. Her doctoral program included an emphasis on leadership in organizations. Those skills have helped her advocate for Eric, related to...
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S6: Episode 187 - Jerry & Jo-Ann Turning (Part 2)
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
I was so thrilled to sit down for another discussion with my friends the Turnings - who many of you know as the hearts and voices of the social media account 'Bacon & Juiceboxes.' It's been a few years since they were on my show so we had plenty to catch up on regarding all things parenting autism ... navigating adulthood with our sons, Spelling to Communicate (S2C), bridging the gap between first responders and special needs families, financial planning and more! Although we could've talked & laughed for many more hours, I know most listeners prefer short episodes, so I've broken our...
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S6: Episode 186 - Jerry & Jo-Ann Turning (aka Bacon & Juiceboxes)
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
I was so thrilled to sit down for another discussion with my friends the Turnings - who many of you know as the hearts and voices of the social media account 'Bacon & Juiceboxes.' It's been a few years since they were on my show so we had plenty to catch up on regarding all things parenting autism ... navigating adulthood with our sons, Spelling to Communicate (S2C), bridging the gap between first responders and special needs families, financial planning and more! Although we could've talked & laughed for many more hours, I know most listeners prefer short episodes, so I've broken our...
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S6: Episode 185 - Mother's Day and Keeping the Faith
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
Mother's Day can amplify comparison. Let's try to release the idea of what motherhood 'should' look like and embrace our version of motherhood as valid, meaningful and enough! Similarly, caregiving often forces us into a place where control is an illusion. Faith becomes less about having answers and more about trusting without them. Remember... faith isn't always loud- it's often just choosing to keep going! ***************************************** To purchase my books “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” or “Selling Vegetables to Drunks” click or...
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S6: Episode 184 - Ashley Gillespie owner/director of Bloom Developmental Center
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
Ashley Gillespie, M.A., is a child development specialist and the owner and clinical director of Bloom Developmental Center in League City, Texas. She specializes in working exclusively with autistic children, using a relational, play-based approach that integrates emotional development, sensory regulation, and movement. Her work is deeply personal. Growing up alongside her profoundly autistic cousin, Hailey, shaped how Ashley understands connection, communication, and the importance of truly seeing each child. That experience continues to guide and motivate her work today. Ashley partners...
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S6: Ep. 183 - I'm BACK!!
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
After a longer than expected hiatus, Living the Sky Life podcast is BACK!! I'm looking forward to an impactful Season 6 filled with phenomenal guests, more solo episodes and frequent 'couples' episodes with my husband, Josh!
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S5: Episode 182 - Through his new book, this autism dad shares practical advice & hopes to be a voice for other fathers who may be struggling.
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
A devoted family man, Harry Psaros has been happily married to his wife Michelle for 24 years and is a proud father of two sons, Costa “Gus” and Maximos “Max.” With a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as minors in physics and philosophy, Harry has a strong educational foundation. Further expanding his expertise, he obtained a certification as a health coach from the Institute of Integrated Nutrition. Professionally, Harry serves as an Executive Neuroscience Account Specialist for AbbVie. Known affectionately by fans as the...
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S5: Episode 181 - Preparing but not stressing for adulthood & never losing hope that our kids will determine their own incredible future
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
Jo-Ann Turning also known as “Mrs. Bacon” is one half of the married, blogging couple from Bacon and Juice Boxes: Our Life with Autism. She's mom to Eric (age 19 on the autism spectrum) and Anna Kate (age 22, recent college graduate who is now working in NYC.) When her son, Eric, was first diagnosed with autism 18 years ago, she couldn’t say the word “autism” without crying. After many years, and many experiences parenting in both the neuro-typical and special needs world, Jo-ann has become passionate about building bridges of hope for her family and other families...
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S5: Episode 180 - Uncovering GI issues with a nonverbal teen and beginning to plan for adulthood
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
Kentucky mom & former ICU nurse, Rachel Moldoveanu shares her experience navigating through the world of Autism with her almost 15-year-old son Frankie while also parenting her two neurotypical daughters, Livi age 16 and Ellie age 6. Rachel's love of Diet Coke, Jesus and Kentucky basketball get her through the tough days! You can reach out to Rachel on FB: @Rachel Moldoveanu Rachel's first appearance on my show was January 2020 (Episode 12) if you want to listen to more of her family story!
info_outlineChelsea Waxler lives in Columbus, Indiana with her fiancé, Chris. She is the older sister to brother, Braxton who is 20-years-old and on the autism spectrum. After being able to witness firsthand the success her brother has had with his therapies, she found herself being drawn to autism therapy and wanted to provide high quality services to families in her own community.
As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and
the Owner/Founder of Kindred Ties Therapy in Columbus, she has proudly supported some truly amazing kiddos and their families.
Personally, Chelsea is an avid IU Hoosiers basketball fan, proud cat mama, and lover of all things fall.
You can learn more about Braxton’s story, her sibling support group, and more about the services her company offers at www.kindredtiestherapy.com or through their Facebook page!
Facebook: Kindred Ties Therapy
Facebook: Chelsea Waxler
LinkedIn: Chelsea Waxler