Embrace the Blessing
Sandy Deppisch
Welcome to the Embrace the Blessing podcast—a source of encouragement and inspiration for parents of children with special needs. Join teacher and seasoned mother of five, Sandy Deppisch, whose youngest is a young adult with Down syndrome, Autism and ADHD as she delves into the joys, challenges, and triumphs of this journey. Each week Sandy chats with moms and dads who truly understand. If you need empowerment and encouragement to keep going, this show is for you. Let's walk the road less traveled together!
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Top 10 Embrace the Blessing Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Embrace the Blessing episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Embrace the Blessing for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Embrace the Blessing episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
ETB 52: The Adventures of Parenting Adrian: Balancing Anxiety and Homeschooling with Sweet Success with Susan Aguilar
Embrace the Blessing
09/06/23 • 47 min
ETB 52: Have you ever wondered what it takes to raise a child with Down syndrome? Embark on an intimate journey with Susan Aguilar, a mother who shares the honest truth about the joys and challenges she's encountered while raising her son, Adrian. From the ease of his younger years to the hurdles of his adulthood, she paints a vivid picture of their undying resilience.
We unravel the secrets of her success in homeschooling a child with Down Syndrome, with Susan sharing her experiences of crafting and tweaking curriculums for Adrian. Experience the flexibility of homeschooling firsthand, and appreciate how it has allowed Adrian to hone essential skills. We then shed light on a darker side of their journey, as Susan recounts their struggles with Adrian's anxiety, which ebbs and flows with the weekdays and weekends. Our discussion about the impact behavioral therapist, Josie Avila brought, reveals the coping strategies that have been instrumental in managing Adrian's anxiety.
Lastly, we look towards the horizon as we envision Adrian's future. As Susan shares her dreams for Adrian's independence, we talk about the importance of a robust personal support network. Ending on an uplifting note, we introduce you to Adrian's Tasty Treats, a testament to Adrian's entrepreneurial spirit. This endeavor not only helps Adrian manage his anxiety but also enhances his social skills. We invite you to join us as we celebrate love, resilience, and hope in this unparalleled journey of parenting.
Adrian's Tasty Treats
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088650903014
The Jet Pac https://www.thejetpac.com/
Swallowing and Speech Services
https://www.swallowingandspeechservices.com/
Psychologist
https://www.drmgarcia.com/https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/michelle-garcia-the-woodlands-tx/77407
A Good Life Book
https://www.amazon.com/Good-Life-Your-Relative-Disability/dp/B000W5TBH6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28PO1Q01XYIOA&keywords=a+good+life+by+Al+Etmanski&qid=1693769736&sprefix=a+good+life+by+al+etmanski%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1
Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/
ETB 46: Future Podcast Episodes Available at Embracetheblessing.com
Embrace the Blessing
09/28/22 • 1 min
ETB 35: Dashing About Town Making a Difference with Real Life Superhero, Dash Gordon
Embrace the Blessing
07/13/22 • 41 min
ETB 35 - In this episode I talk with Timothy Glover, corporate trainer by day and real life superhero, Dash Gordon by night. Initially created to raise some extra money for a vacation, Tim started having fun with the whole Dash idea and began texting people that he was Dash Gordon. Eventually he decided to add a costume before heading out to do deliveries and the rest is history.
Dash has a heart for the special needs community, for people who are living through difficult times and for people going through serious medical issues. He makes a difference by showing up, putting a smile on their faces and helping out anyway he can.
Dash believes his calling is to work in the community with anyone that needs help. His total goal is just to put smiles and laughter in people's life. He gets to meet incredible people, find out what they need and how he can team up with them to do greater things. He brings joy to everyone he meets and has made an incredible difference for some well deserving individuals and families around town.
Dash is a community superhero created by the community. Since April, when Tim first stepped out in costume as his alter ego, he's been getting lots of media attention first appearing in a League City news story, then on ABC/Channel 13 and KHOU/Channel 11 in Houston. Next, Dash will be featured on 104.1 KRBE radio. He is working with Saved by Faith Productions on a 10 part series called the Dash Gordon Chronicles.
Dash is also focused on working with Angela Bishop and Brewed Blessings to help bring her dream of a special needs coffee shop in League City to fruition.
Be sure to connect with Dash Gordon on social media for more exciting adventures.
Connect with Dash:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu6xVo_Ds3_-MbtBdCbQiVQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079491165658
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dashgordon2022
IG: http://www.instagram.com/dash_gordon2022
Dash Gordon in the Media:
https://www.leaguecitytx.gov/4270/Timothy-Glover
https://abc13.com/dash-gordon-door-delivery-driver-timothy-glover-league-city-texas/11776281/
https://www.khou.com/video/news/local/dash-gordon-delivery-driver-spices-up-gig-by-wearing-superhero-costume/285-ed8e1e2d-a71f-4f38-ac2d-d68916ea8475
Brewed Blessings:
https://www.brewedblessings.com/
Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/
ETB 18: From Teen Mom to Dedicated Special Education Teacher; Embracing a Calling to Make a Difference for Others with Ashley Bennett ~ Part 2
Embrace the Blessing
02/23/22 • 30 min
In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Ashley Bennett, boy mom of 3 and amazing Special Education teacher. Her oldest son, Ashton was born when Ashley was just 19 years old. He was diagnosed with Autism at age 1. As a teen mom, taking college classes in addition to working, Ashley had to come to terms with the unexpected discovery that her baby boy had developmental delays. When Autism was mentioned, Ashley didn't even fully comprehend what that meant for Ashton or for the future.
Ashley talks about the early years when much of her time and attention was devoted to educating herself and helping her young son get all the interventions and therapies he needed. She believes her son's diagnosis prompted a calling for her life's work. Ashley persevered through the challenges to achieve not 1, but 3 college degrees. She currently motivates and inspires her High School Life Skills students every day, making a positive difference for them and for their families.
If you haven't heard the first half of Ashley's interview, be sure to listen to it in its entirety. You won't want to miss any of this amazing episode.
Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilitieshttps://www.uhcl.edu/autism-center/
Early Childhood Intervention Services
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services
Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/
ETB 39: Plenty of Possibilities for Finding Respite Care with Mary Ann Hughes
Embrace the Blessing
08/10/22 • 25 min
ETB 39 - In this episode I talk with Mary Ann Hughes, mother of 2 young adults with Autism about finding quality care for loved ones with special needs. As a single mother managing her company, Special Family Transitions, Mary Ann has had to stretch her comfort zone most recently when she sent both of her boys for the very first time to a week long summer camp.
Mary Ann believes as special needs moms and parents we don't spend enough time taking care of ourselves. She notes there is so much stress involved with having special. needs children it can take a toll on the family and sometimes the marriage. Mary Ann encourages you to take time for yourself so you can be the best parent you can be for your kids.
To help you find quality caregivers you can trust, Mary Ann shares an abundance of possibilities for securing respite care, some of which you may not have ever considered.
Connect with Mary Ann:
Email address: [email protected]
Website: https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com/
Special Family Transitions YouTube channel (please subscribe )
https://youtube.com/channel/UChI4BaUMGf50O2yPE_YnjFA
Special Family Transitions Facebook Page:
https://m.facebook.com/specialfamilytransitions
Private Facebook group:
Divorce Journey Support for Moms of Children with Autism & Special Needs:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/309739357366936/
Special Family Transitions on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/specialfamilytransitions/
Respite Resources:
Take Time Texas https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/taketimetexas/search.cfm
Texas State Information on Respite Providers or Programs
https://archrespite.org/respite-locator-service-state-information/176-texas-info
Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/
ETB 24: Community First Choice - Attendant Care You May Not Know About with Heather Burdeaux
Embrace the Blessing
04/06/22 • 50 min
ETB 24: In this episode I talk with Heather Burdeaux, a former guest from episode ETB 4 Paying Attention to Behavior Changes, Expectation Management & Maintaining Friendships.
As a case manager Heather shares about Community First Choice (CFC), a program in Texas that provides certain services and supports to individuals living in the community who are enrolled in the Medicaid program and meet CFC eligibility requirements. Services and supports may include:
- activities of daily living (eating, toileting, and grooming), activities related to living independently in the community, and health-related tasks (personal assistance services);
- acquisition, maintenance, and enhancement of skills necessary for the individuals to care for themselves and to live independently in the community (habilitation);
- providing a backup system or ways to ensure continuity of services and supports (emergency response services); and
- training people how to select, manage and dismiss their own attendants (support management).
Medicaid Buy In for Children: https://texasmedicaidwaivers.com/medicaid/medicaid-buy-in-programs/medicaid-buy-in-for-children/
Community First Choice: https://texasmedicaidwaivers.com/medicaid/benefits-of-medicaid/community-first-choice/
CLASS Form 3596 PAS/Habilitation Plan: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/handbooks/community-living-assistance-support-services-provider-manual/forms
HCS Form 8510 HCS/TxHmL CFC PAS/HAB Assessment: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/handbooks/home-community-based-services-handbook/forms
Paths to Medicaid: https://texasmedicaidwaivers.com/medicaid/
Disability Rights Texas: https://www.disabilityrightstx.org/en/home/
Connect with Heather
Heather Burdeaux: [email protected]
Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/
ETB 44: In this episode I talk with Victoria De La Garza and her mother Jennifer Gongora about their business, VK Girl Creations. Victoria started in her High School Life Skills class learning to knit beanie hats on a round knitting loom. She held her first pop up market at age 18, selling beanies to her fellow classmates. Now, at age 24, Victoria's hobby has blossomed into a growing business. She currently sells handcrafted beanies, bracelets and T-shirts online and at local vendor markets. The motto that Victoria and Jennifer live by is, "If you believe it, you can achieve it!".
Be sure to catch the 2nd part of this inspiring interview next Wednesday, September 21, 2022.
VK Girl Creations:
https://www.vkgirlcreations.com/
Victoria's Photography Portfolio
https://intro2photographyg4.wixsite.com/victoria-de-la-garza
J.J. Watt Dream Big, Work Hard Award Winner - Victoria De La Garza
http://jjwfoundation.org/dbwh-winners/
Connect with Victoria and Jennifer:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/vkgirl_creations/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VKGirlCreations
Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/
ETB 43: The BEST Product We Ever Stumbled Upon with Sandy Deppisch
Embrace the Blessing
09/07/22 • 5 min
ETB 43: If you have a child with a disability who likes to disrobe at night, I have just the thing for you! For years we would wake in the wee hours of the morning to find our son undressed and sometimes enjoying finger paining fun with the contents of his full pull up!
When we discovered THIS product, it was a game changer! I have 8 of these in larger sizes looking for a good home. Reach out to me if they would make a difference in your life too and they are yours!
Little Keeper Sleeper
https://littlekeepersleeper.com/
Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/
ETB 40: Finding Quality Care for Your Special Needs Child with Gerrie Bourque
Embrace the Blessing
08/17/22 • 25 min
ETB 40 - In this episode I talk with Gerrie Bourque, mother of 3 whose 26 year old son Tyler has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism, is medically complex and has rare disorders. Gerrie shares the various caregiving options they have explored over the years.
Tyler has a Texas Medicaid Waiver which provides services for him including a support staff to care for him as needed. Initially, Gerrie's husband/Tyler's dad was the first paid caregiver. They have also hired staff from Care.com, enrolled Tyler in Day hab a couple days a week and had a family member as his primary caregiver.
Each waiver offers varied options for care with the ability to try different ones to find which works best for each individual. Families are able to alter the caregiving situation as circumstances and support needs change. Currently, Tyler is attending Day hab 5 days a week and thriving!
No matter which avenue you take to find support for your child, remember often times your child is the best barometer for who is a good fit.
Tyler's story: Recovering from intestinal malrotation:
https://www.texaschildrens.org/blog/tylers-story-recovering-intestinal-malrotation
Verne Cox Adaptive Recreation Center
https://www.pasadenatx.gov/189/Adaptive-Recreation
Next Step Transition Center
https://www.nextsteptransitioncenter.org/
Care.com
https://www.care.com/
Connect with Gerrie
[email protected]
Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/
ETB 13: Rocking the Big Sister Role with Brianna TenBrink ~ Part 1
Embrace the Blessing
01/19/22 • 62 min
In this episode I talk with Brianna TenBrink, an eloquent, wise and compassionate 23 year old big sister to 16 year old Myah and 15 year old Leah, her younger siblings who are on opposite ends of the Autism spectrum. Brianna shares her perspective on how her experiences as the only neurotypical child in the family shaped the person she is today. From a young age Brianna took it upon herself to become the 'glue' that helped hold the family together. Her sisters made her a better person and influenced and directed Brianna's purpose and passion in life. Service and Teaching are at the heart of who she is and Brianna has aspirations to make lasting positive changes for all people with disabilities.
- Brianna is the eldest sibling to two younger sisters with Autism on vastly different sides of the spectrum
- For the past 13 years, Brianna has been a tireless advocate for individuals, much like her siblings, winning the Sibling Scholarship from Knapps and Roberts law firm, the Rose Award from disAbility Connections, Inc., and Advocate of the Year award from the Arc of the Gulf Coast which granted her the opportunity to speak on the experiences of being a sibling at district-wide conferences.
- Brianna is a Partner in the Texas Partners in Policymaking Program, a Marketing Advisor & Sensitivity Panelist for Disability Book Week, and the Director of Marketing and Sales for Neural Divergence, LLC.
- Brianna is the co-founder of Project LEAH (Leaders Ending Abuse and Harm), which is an organization that armors parents, families, and allies of loved ones of students in the Texas Public School System who have endured abuse with educational, legislative advocacy training to foster macro-level change.
This is part one of a 2 part series. Tune in January 26th for the second half of this awe-inspiring conversation.
Connect with Brianna:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebriannashley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briashten
Project LEAH Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4127855043987645/
Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/
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FAQ
How many episodes does Embrace the Blessing have?
Embrace the Blessing currently has 59 episodes available.
What topics does Embrace the Blessing cover?
The podcast is about Parenting, Faith, Kids & Family, Community, Podcasts, Connection, Resources, Disability, Autism, Encouragement and Hope.
What is the most popular episode on Embrace the Blessing?
The episode title 'ETB 45: If You Believe It, You Can Achieve It! VK Girl Creations ~ Turning a Hobby into a Growing Business with Victoria De La Garza and Jennifer Gongora, Part 2' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Embrace the Blessing?
The average episode length on Embrace the Blessing is 36 minutes.
How often are episodes of Embrace the Blessing released?
Episodes of Embrace the Blessing are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Embrace the Blessing?
The first episode of Embrace the Blessing was released on Oct 1, 2021.
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