Get UnPuzzled

Fighting for Change: The Stages of Advocacy with Christina Smith and Christy Black

In this episode of Get UnPuzzled, we sit down with two of West Virginia’s leading advocates, Christina Smith of Astrive Advocacy and Christy Black of Disability Rights of West Virginia. These powerhouse advocates have dedicated their lives to fighting for their children and the disability community, leading four IDD Waiver rallies in their ongoing battle for change.
We discuss the challenges families face, the importance of advocacy, and what steps need to be taken to ensure better support and services for individuals with disabilities. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or advocate looking to make a difference, this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in and join the movement for change!
For more information about our Nonprofit and our mission, visit our website at www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.com
 

Breaking Barriers: Making Your Voice Heard in the WV Legislature with Delegate Kayla Young

Want to make a real impact in your community? In this episode of Get UnPuzzled, we sit down with Delegate Kayla Young to break down the steps to effective communication in the legislature. She was a strong voice when the WV IDD Waiver was threatened with cuts last year, and she continues to fight for the disability community. Learn how to advocate for change and ensure your voice is heard!
Check out our website at www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.com to follow our mission and sign up for the latest trainings and events. 

Bonus Clip: Echos of abandonment and understanding traumas roots with Brittney Rutledge

This was a special clip we couldn't let slip by our listeners. This bonus clip featuring Brittney Rutledge will help you understand the root causes of abandonment trauma and how it relates to caregiving and the development of our own deep rooted emotional impacts it causes. 

Theresa Evanoff: Revisiting the Journey

Join me as I sit down with Theresa Evanoff, the psychologist who diagnosed our son with autism. Together, we reflect on the pivotal moments that reshaped our family's life and explore the profound impact of understanding and acceptance. We talk about the emotional roller coaster that families go through upon receiving a diagnosis and what anxiety overcomes a provider who is giving the news. I hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation about hope, growth, and the power of a strong support group. 

Eileen Lamb: And yet, here you are. Staying strapped in on life's rollercoaster journey.

Eileen Lamb, one of the leading voices in the autism community, shares her journey of raising two children on the spectrum, including one with profound autism who needs constant care. She discusses the challenges of facing death threats from social media trolls, advocacy work, and her third published book. She discusses what gave her the push to keep writing and her dedication to be a voice for her children and hundreds of thousands of followers. 
Follow her Journey at
Instagram @theautismcafe
Facebook Eileen Lamb
The Autism Cafe
 

Trinity Keenan: A Journey from Heartbreak to Healing

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Trinity Keenan, a therapist and mother who had to make the difficult decision of placing her son in a residential home where he would have constant care and support. As she navigated the complex emotions and challenges that came with this choice, she discovered her own path to healing through therapy and other techniques she shares. Join us as she takes us through a journey of transformation, discussing her own diagnosis, struggles, insights, and resilience that led to her becoming a source of support and dedicating her life to other special-needs parents. We are constantly reminded throughout this conversation, that we are never completely alone in this journey. 

Brittney Rutledge: Trauma and Special needs parenting.

In this episode we discuss what defines trauma and how our bodies respond to fight or flight responses.