The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast
Listen to this podcast and discover the power of "Shining Beautiful" in life and in your community. Mikelle is perhaps the only non-verbal podcaster in the world. How does she do it? With technology. Meet Mikelle, who experiences cerebral palsy, her mother, Katherine Carol, and Gretchen Storm, speech therapist, and assistive technology guru. Together they talk about everyday life with a disability, how technology empowers people with disabilities to own their lives. This sassy team of coffee drinking techies interview technology and rehabilitation experts as they sit around the kitchen table at Mikelle's home.
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Is Homeownership for You? Exploring Homeownership for People with Disabilities
06/25/2024
Is Homeownership for You? Exploring Homeownership for People with Disabilities
This episode explores how supported housing programs can make homeownership accessible to many. Mikelle, a homeowner for 15 years, shares her insights as we cover: What Supported Housing Programs are: Understand the basics, who qualifies, and the types of programs available. The Benefits: Learn about financial assistance, counseling, and community support with real success stories. The Challenges: Discover common obstacles like application processes and eligibility criteria, with tips on overcoming them. Tune in for a thoughtful perspective as Mikelle and Katherine share Mikelle's navigational the path to homeownership through supported housing programs. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! For more detailed information, check out our blog post on housing.
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It's Complicated!
05/30/2024
It's Complicated!
Navigating the Complexities of Waiver Services for People with Disabilities This episode delves into the increasingly complicated world of waiver services for people with disabilities. Join us as we explore the challenges that individuals and their families face when trying to access the support they need. Katherine discusses some of the latest changes in policies and procedures. Whether you’re a caregiver, advocate, or someone seeking services, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice on managing the complexities of waiver programs. Tune in to learn how to better advocate for yourself or your loved ones in the ever-evolving landscape of disability services.
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Unlocking Opportunities: Can AI Empower Jobseekers with Disabilities?
04/30/2024
Unlocking Opportunities: Can AI Empower Jobseekers with Disabilities?
In this episode, Mikelle and Katherine delve into AI's transformative impact on the employment landscape for individuals with disabilities. Join us as Shea Tanis, Ph.D and Associate Research Professor at the Kansas University Center on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and Jim Corey, Senior Program Director, as we explore how AI-powered platforms and tools are revolutionizing the job search process, enabling job seekers with disabilities and job developers to navigate barriers and find meaningful employment. Tune in to discover how AI is reshaping the employment journey for jobseekers with disabilities, one opportunity at a time.
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Revitalize. A Rustic Retreat in the Foothills for Mom.
04/07/2024
Revitalize. A Rustic Retreat in the Foothills for Mom.
In this episode, join Katherine as she embarks on a necessary journey to a tranquil, rustic retreat nestled in the serene foothills of Colorado. As she shares her experience, she explores how busy moms can find solace and rejuvenation amidst nature's embrace as she nestles in a cozy cabin to rest, restore and replenish her soul. Tune in as Katherine shares the transformative power of disconnecting from the chaos and reconnecting with the simplicity of life even if only for a little while.
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Savvy Social Security Benefits Strategies with Sandy Smith, Benefits Navigator and Expert
03/12/2024
Savvy Social Security Benefits Strategies with Sandy Smith, Benefits Navigator and Expert
In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of navigating Social Security benefits for those people with disabilities interested in getting a job or starting a business with super-savvy expert Sandy Smith from Imagine Enterprises in Seabrook, Texas. Sandy is a pioneer in the field of benefits navigation. Trained by David Hammis of GriffinHammis, LLC, she worked with Virgina Commonwealth University training new navigators from all over the country. Join us as we unpack key strategies, demystify common misconceptions, and provide practical tips to help you maximize your social security benefits. This episode offers invaluable insights to empower you in making informed decisions about your social security benefits.
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Caring Connections: Building Beautiful Teams in Caregiving
02/27/2024
Caring Connections: Building Beautiful Teams in Caregiving
In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, we explore the power of effective communication within caregiving teams. We'll discuss how clear and empathetic communication fosters trust, enhances collaboration, and ultimately improves the quality of care provided. Join us as we share how Mikelle and her team leader, Maryann detail their ideas and insights to help you strengthen communication skills within your caregiving team. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a family caregiver, or someone navigating the complexities of caring for a loved one, this episode offers valuable strategies for building stronger, more resilient teams in the realm of caregiving. Tune in and discover how to cultivate connections that elevate the caregiving experience for everyone involved.
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Seizing Serenity: Embracing the Mediterranean Lifestyle and Slowing Down for a Richer Life
02/05/2024
Seizing Serenity: Embracing the Mediterranean Lifestyle and Slowing Down for a Richer Life
Welcome to the Shining Beautiful Series podcast. This episode details the exploration of non-resolution resolution as Mikelle and Katherine explore the transformative journey of adopting the Mediterranean lifestyle embracing the the art of slowing down for a richer, more fulfilling life. From what we are learning the secret to long life is not only eating well, it is living well in a simple and satisfying way. It concerns diet, outdoor activities, social connections, and simple appreciation. As caregivers this can be daunting, but we are giving it a try.
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Season's Sparkle: A Festive Journey Through Winter Wishes
12/28/2023
Season's Sparkle: A Festive Journey Through Winter Wishes
Welcome to The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, where we're diving into the enchanting spirit of the season in our latest episode, "Season's Sparkle: A Festive Journey Through Winter Wishes." Join us as we unwrap heartwarming tales, share cherished traditions, and explore the magic that makes this time of year truly special. In this episode, we'll be your festive guides, taking you on a delightful journey through the winter wonderland of holiday joy from Mikelle's point of view. Whether you're cozied up by the fireplace or braving the winter chill, "Season's Sparkle" is your companion for a joyous and reflective holiday experience. So, grab a cup of cocoa, snuggle into your favorite blanket, and let the twinkling lights of our podcast illuminate your path through a festive journey of winter wishes. Subscribe now and join us in spreading the Season's Sparkle!
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Unleashing Extraordinary: Women with Cerebral Palsy Redefining Limits
12/13/2023
Unleashing Extraordinary: Women with Cerebral Palsy Redefining Limits
In this inspiring episode, join us for a heartfelt conversation with two remarkable women, Win Charles and our co-host, Mikelle Learned, who are not just breaking barriers but shattering stereotypes while living with cerebral palsy. Their stories are a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit. 🌟 Meet Win Charles, a trailblazer in the podcast profession, whose journey with cerebral palsy has not hindered her pursuit of excellence. Discover how she navigates challenges, embraces her unique abilities, and transforms obstacles into opportunities. 🚀 Joining her is Mikelle Learned, a true force of nature in living well and enjoying life. From conquering personal milestones to advocating for inclusivity, she shares her experiences, shedding light on the strength that lies within diversity. 🎙️ In this candid interview, we explore their personal stories, the misconceptions they've faced, and the impact they are making in their respective communities. From career achievements to personal triumphs, these women redefine what it means to be extraordinary. 🌈 As we delve into their journeys, we also discuss the importance of representation, the role of community support, and the strides being made toward a better society where everyone has opportunities to succeed. Prepare to be inspired and gain a fresh perspective on ability, ambition, and the boundless potential within us all. Tune in to this empowering episode and discover the extraordinary stories of Win and Mikelle, proving that limitations exist only if we let them. Subscribe now and join us on this uplifting journey of strength, courage, and the pursuit of dreams.
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Will the Person in Person-Centered-Planning be there at the end of the yellow brick road?
11/29/2023
Will the Person in Person-Centered-Planning be there at the end of the yellow brick road?
Dorothy, we are not in Kansas anymore. Mikelle and I realize that our previous experience with the strength and beauty of person-centered planning services and supports differs from what it used to be. We ask ourselves: What will we find at the end of the yellow brick road? Over the last few months, we felt the impact of system lead services throwing us into the wicked crystal ball as we have to justify Mikelle's support needs to the nameless and faceless Teligen. This entity gives Mikelle's funding a thumbs up or a thumbs down. Could this experience be more like Squid Games?
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Did You Know About ABLE Gamers?
10/30/2023
Did You Know About ABLE Gamers?
On this show we dive deep into inspiring stories and conversations that matter. Today, we are incredibly honored to have a special guest with us. She's a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion in the gaming world, significantly impacting the lives of gamers with disabilities. Cheryl Mitchell, the Director of User Research at AbleGamers. AbleGamers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking down the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from enjoying video games providing custom gaming setups, equipment, and support to gamers with disabilities, ensuring they can play games comfortably and competitively. We love a good tech talk! Join us in learning more about 21st Century opportunities for people with disabilities.
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How's Your School Year Going? Creativity can be found in Chaos!
10/19/2023
How's Your School Year Going? Creativity can be found in Chaos!
In this episode, Mikelle and Katherine continue exploring the ever-changing special education landscape with Gretchen Storm of Storm Speech Therapy and a Shining Beautiful team member. While schools move towards greater inclusion and person-centered practices on a policy level, staffing shortages make implementing these practices challenging. Gretchen shares the challenges and the creativity of the classroom with us. Do yesterday's strategies work for today's families? We are sure they do.
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The Pioneer Generation to the Generation in Crisis?
09/07/2023
The Pioneer Generation to the Generation in Crisis?
Summer flew by so quickly this year. For Katherine and Mikelle, the passing of Katherine's mother triggered an urgency to make plans for Mikelle's future. Critical to those plans are maintaining Mikelle's history and future of full inclusion into her community honoring her lifestyle and wishes. There is a plan in motion. Come check it out on this episode of The Shininig Beautiful Series. Here is the link to the blog title the same.
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Think+change! The Arc of Aurora is Leading the Way!
07/31/2023
Think+change! The Arc of Aurora is Leading the Way!
We are delighted to introduce Hanni Raley, the Executive Director of the Arc of Aurora, Colorado. In a conversation with Mikelle and Katherine, Hanni discusses various topics such as diversity, technology, and new learning technologies. The Arc of Colorado has expanded its traditional advocacy support to the 21st-century version of advocacy, using microlearning, vlogs, podcasts, and traditional training to cater to the diverse needs of the Aurora community.
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The Big Transition! Estate Planning...
07/22/2023
The Big Transition! Estate Planning...
In this episode, Katherine recounts how she managed to balance taking care of her daughter, Mikelle, with her responsibilities as a co-executor of her late mother's estate. She details the difficulties she faced during this period and how it prompted her to reassess her estate planning for herself and Mikelle.
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New Tech. The Joys and the Challenges.
06/28/2023
New Tech. The Joys and the Challenges.
New Tech! Yay! Mikelle, Katherine, and Kaitlyn, one of Mikelle's support team, discuss the often long process of obtaining new technology for Mikelle. This episode focuses on the arrival and set up of Mikelle's new iPad. The bonus segment highlights a new device for folks who experience low vision and/or dyslexia--something Kaitlyn has recently discovered about herself. Kaitlyn is checking out this new device Katherine learned about at the recent WISE Community Summit. Here is the link to that device. Worth a look! Check this out. Correction: Katherine mentioned the subscription but not the price of the device.
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Schools. The Good, the Ugly and the Unknown.
06/06/2023
Schools. The Good, the Ugly and the Unknown.
No one can deny schools are in transition. From school safety to staff shortages, students with disabilities often lack the support for a robust education. In this episode, Gretchen Storm, speech and language therapist for a local school district, Mikelle and Katherine examine the good, the ugly, and the unknown schools to create a better future for all.
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The Gift Lives On
05/22/2023
The Gift Lives On
Some people change the course of our lives. In this episode, we pay tribute to the quiet pioneer in special education who changed the lives of Katherine and Mikelle forever. This pioneer is Katheine's mom, who passed away on her birthday just days ago. Katherine's mom's legacy and gifts stoically changed the world in ways she will never know.
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Let's Talk Advocacy!
04/26/2023
Let's Talk Advocacy!
The more we think about advocacy, it seems to us that we are in a time of NextGen Advocacy as schools undergo some dramatic changes. Still, some old-school strategies may play well in this new world. In this episode, Katherine Carol shares her unique approach to working with the schools at the inception of full inclusion in public education. In fact, inclusion wasn't happening at all until Mikelle came along. Listen for some practical ideas on working with educators and other teams to create winning outcomes for everyone. And, please share!
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Saying Goodbye to Liz (after 8 years)
04/10/2023
Saying Goodbye to Liz (after 8 years)
From 21 to 29 years old, Liz has been a mainstay at the Shining Beautiful household. It is a bittersweet moment of celebration of friendship, loyalty, and sisterhood. One of the most difficult experiences Mikelle and Katherine go through is the inevitable leaving of trusted caregivers and friends. In this episode, Liz, Mikelle, Katherine, and Lex look at the reciprocity of caregiving, what makes a person dedicate their time to in-home care, and what sweet memories the ladies at the Shining Beautiful community will treasure for years to come.
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It is New Wheelchair Time!
03/20/2023
It is New Wheelchair Time!
When the controls no longer work, the batteries won't charge, and the seat just isn't comfortable enough, it could be time for a new wheelchair. In this episode, Mikelle, Maryann, and Katherine share their often frustrating and sometimes rewarding journey in getting Mikelle a new wheelchair. Katherine also shares how to get some unexpected extras by leveraging resources.
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Futures Planning is Better with Friends & Coffee
02/28/2023
Futures Planning is Better with Friends & Coffee
What do friends, floods, and futures have in common? February! While these events all happened during the month of love, they are not exclusive to a time period. Although most of the floods we have had...there have been three so far happened in February. In this episode, Katherine updates listeners on her continued journey to help Mikelle plan for a future where Mikelle can manage her life more independently, working with other moms with family members with disabilities all around the same ages. Two other topics for discussion are managing the flood, which coincided with Mikelle's Affordable Housing house inspection, and the notion of a second podcast titled Shining Beautiful, too! This podcast is for caregivers and systems navigators. Like Mikelle gives voice to the often voiceless, this podcast would give attention to the often overlooked role of caregivers and the challenges of navigating a rehabilitation system going through significant change. Your thoughts on these topics are welcomed. Please reach out to Katherine at [email protected].
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Jenny Seigle, Sports Media Producer and Advocate. Breaking the Glass Ceiling.
01/29/2023
Jenny Seigle, Sports Media Producer and Advocate. Breaking the Glass Ceiling.
This small woman is doing big things in the Colorado sports world. As a sports media producer for ##AltitudeSports. In her job, she works with the #DenverBroncos, the #ColoradoAvalanche, and the #DenverNuggets. Jenny is shaping the modern workplace as a woman in a wheelchair working in a predominately male-oriented business. Join us for this engaging conversation with Jenny Seigle as we discuss her career, her family, and her concerns for the future. Mikelle and Jenny have much in common as trailblazers, their struggles with finding and keeping caregivers, and the parents growing older. Join us for this inspiring episode! For more on Jenny's employment journey, check out the Employment First Advisory Partnership Podcast.
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A Slow Leaving. Let the transition begin.
01/09/2023
A Slow Leaving. Let the transition begin.
Happy New Year! Let's face it. Mikelle turns forty this year, and Katherine had her major milestone senior citizen birthday last year. As successful as our partnership has been, it does have an expiration date. We have been wrestling with this noticeable change for years now. This year is the year to discover our plan and implement it. Why now? A key person, namely Liz, is leaving us after eight years to move into a new phase of life. This significant change gives us the opening to take a deep look into what we want Mikelle's support team to look like soon. Maryann Nilsen is joining us on this episode. Maryann is a crucial member of Mikelle's support team. The hope is Katherine can leave her leadership position, not Mikelle's life.
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Season"s Greetings!From
12/24/2022
Season"s Greetings!From
From our hearts to yours, we wish you the happiest of holiday seasons. Peace, love, and shining beautiful always and in all ways! See you next year!
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Mom Moment. Should We Start a Co-op?
12/07/2022
Mom Moment. Should We Start a Co-op?
Succession planning is on our minds daily. In this follow-up episode, Katherine details her lunch meeting with several other mothers who share her concerns. It was a meeting of the moms minds. Everyone came to the meeting wondering about the next step in life's progression. And, just like that, these moms are stepping into their familiar lane of pioneering the future with their family members with disabilities as they move into a new life phase.
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Mom Moment! Mothers Gather to Ask Who Will Replace Us?
12/01/2022
Mom Moment! Mothers Gather to Ask Who Will Replace Us?
A Quick Mom Moment! This Saturday, the coffee will brew, and the moms who met when our children were in elementary school will gather not to discuss school strategies or setting up our children for entrance into adulthood but to discuss how we replace ourselves as we grow older. Collectively we have over 300 years of experience. We have been pioneers in inclusion from the time our children were born. Once again, we find ourselves on the forefront of change. Good thing we have all that experience.
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How to Make the Holidays Work for You!
11/29/2022
How to Make the Holidays Work for You!
Double the fun...triple the work? The holidays for a family with a differently abled family member can be full of love and stairs, staff taking vacation time, extra work and shopping, etc. Mikelle, Katherine, and Liz share their plans to make the holiday accessible for everyone. After years of doing too much and trying to meet everyone's needs, the ladies are chillin' this holiday season. Come chill with us. PS. We are thankful for you and your support of this podcast!
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Election Day Jitters. Will we be ok?
11/08/2022
Election Day Jitters. Will we be ok?
Listeners, thank you for listening to Katherine's rather raw thoughts on today's election. Katherine articulates one family's concerns about the future and her ideas on negotiating the changing landscape, no matter which party wins. Hint: One person at a time.
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It is STILL Scary! Teacher/Para Shortages
10/31/2022
It is STILL Scary! Teacher/Para Shortages
Happy Halloween! It is October, and the realities of teacher shortages are frightening. The hard work and best intentions of providing a good education might fall short due to staffing shortages. Is this a time for innovation? If so, what might the future hold in education? Join us for a candid discussion of the topic with Gretchen Storm, who is currently working for a local school system and is Mikelle's tech guru.
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