Mama Bear Podcast

Purchase Dr. Mary Susan McConnell's new ebook, "We're Going to Have Fun Damnit" here.

In this episode, Mary Susan speaks with dear friend and return guest, Lindsay Williams, regarding the behind-the-scenes of the 2020 pandemic within the school system. Lindsay has over a decade of experience as a high school guidance counselor, elementary school guidance counselor, special education advocate, and now graduation coach.

Find Mary Susan at:

IG: @marysusanmcconnell / www.marysusanmcconnell.com

In this episode, Mary Susan speaks with Victoria Silvestri about their amazing life with their son Gavin. You may already know Victoria from Gavin's Medical Adventures on Instagram.

Find Mary Susan at:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/marysusanmcconnell/

FB: @marysusanmcconnell

Find Mary Susan's eBook, "We're Going to Have Fun, Damnit" at www.marysusanmcconnell.com/shop

Find freebies: coloring book, master folder template, and 75 Tiny Things that May Help Amidst the Chaos at Mary Susan's website:

www.marysusanmcconnell.com

Find Victoria Silvestri:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/gavinsmedicaladventure/

Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/warrior_mama2118/

Mary Susan McConnell speaks with guest and friend Alison Bynum about the early days surrounding Alison's daughter Charlotte's unexpected medical diagnosis- a diagnosis that would signal a future with profound special needs.

In this episode, Jeniece Stewart, founder of Special Needs Siblings, returns to the show to speak about her experiences as a black woman raising 6 children, including a teenage son with epilepsy and autism. A massive thank you to Jeniece for coming on the show. You can find her at:

IG: @jeniecestewart / @special_needs_siblings

www.specialneedssiblings.com

You can find Mary Susan at

www.marysusanmcconnell.com

IG: @marysusanmcconnell

Needing something NEW during quarantine?

Today’s sponsor is StickTogether Products and they have the perfect inclusive art project for this time spent in the house. Use the code Mama Bear at checkout to receive 15% off all orders / all products through June 30, 2020.

OR use this link and the discount will automatically be applied.

Stick Together mosaic sticker puzzles are a phenomenal group activity for everyone. There are endless ways to promote inclusion through this product, including sibling play, libraries, classrooms, therapy waiting rooms, group homes, and social events. This can also be a wonderful tool for art therapists. By placing a colored sticker to a coded spot on a poster, groups can slowly create a beautiful masterpiece. Hide the cover and let the end picture be a surprise! Perfect for quarantine right now! A family project that doesn’t require leaving the home.

Let’s All Stick Together! #WeStickTogether

Find Stick Together at www.letsticktogether.com (notice that’s one “s”) or click the link above to be taken to the shop with your listener discount code of 15% off already applied.

Additional StickTogether Facts: Not toxic if accidentally ingested- it’s ok! Made in the USA 5% extra stickers are included in case you lose some or spill something on them The image/Product is very forgiving..it’s ok not to be inside the lines or straight! Start from bottom up....to align pieces... but not required.... Don’t restick very well so don’t try to lift and move it You can roll it up or post on a board and take it anywhere (parks or the porch or the beach!) This is for young and old, for the whole family...all ages... get you in zen mode.... Focused If you have trouble with attention set a timer to work on it every day for more and more time. The excitement about the mystery picture often enhances attention span as well. Fine motor tips: practicing with a larger copy of the letter and a bigger sticker... then move to the poster with an isolated letter available Helps with eye hand coordination! It requires very little supervision after the initial instructions- keeps kids busy! Image can be completed in about 2.5 hours with multiple participants or over a few days. Additional links you may want to check out: Let's Make a Sticker Puzzle- Social Story StickTogether Inclusive Birthday Guide Mary Susan is loving her StickTogether puzzle and you can see it come together on her instagram @marysusanmcconnell !

In this episode, Mary Susan shares her own journey with sleep and reads responses to a recent IG post that elicited more than 70 comments from fellow special needs mamas experiencing the same thing.

Access the FREEBIES and get on the email list HERE.