”Moms Panel” with Sandi Anderson, Cheri Monis and Terri Stashak

Mom Series:

”Moms Panel” with Sandi Anderson, Cheri Monis and Terri Stashak

We begin our series for moms with a discussion with 3 amazing ladies who are all moms of adult children diagnosed with various special needs. Cheri Monis, Sandi Anderson, and Terri Stashak are each such incredible women with allot of insight and wisdom to share and I just know you’re going to admire these ladies as much as I do. So lets get started..

Sandi Anderson and her husband of 36 years, Jeff, have 2 adult sons on the autism spectrum. Sandi has advocated tirelessly for 33 years to help their sons reach their full potential and live the life God created especially for them. Sandi created “Arts In Motion,” an adult day program that teaches life, social, academic and business skills to her son, Joel. Together they have established a micro enterprise supporting Joel’s painting, animation and speaking schedule: Joel’s Vision Arts. As an international public speaker, she has served with Miracle139 International on two trips to Peru; with Joni & Friends International to Nanjing China, and with SEPAC to Beijing China. It is her greatest joy to share the hope of Jesus Christ to other families here in the USA and all over the world.

Cheri Monis lives locally and is the mom of two adults. Her daughter, Stephanie is 32 years old, and her son Mike is 29. Stephanie lives her life with both an Intellectual disability and is on the Autism Spectrum. She is currently splitting her time living at her condo with live-in support staff and at her parent’s home. Stephanie is taking her second American Sign Language class virtually, at Palomar College as a way of growing her skills during the current pandemic Terri Stashak was blessed with twin daughters as an older mom, one typical and one with Down Syndrome. With her “Special” needs, Katie brought a joy into their family and changed their lives forever. Terri found her new passion and became involved in the Special Needs community and has been active in the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education as a Parent Representative on the Community Advisory Councill since 2009. She has also helped to coach and/or manage Special Olympics basketball, swimming and soccer, and Top Soccer over the years.