Let's Plant Houses

30/04/2025

Trying to figure out housing for your adult child with a developmental disability? You’re not alone.

Last week on Let’s Plant Houses, I talked with Kathy Remski, one of the founders of SAIL - Solutions for Adult Interdependent Living, a group started by parents, for parents, to help make housing solutions possible.

Here’s what SAIL offers:

SAILing Lessons…In-person sessions every other month that break down key topics like:

• How to build a support network
• What benefits are available
• Types of housing models out there
• How to plan for move-in day

Friendship Connect…A way for families and individuals to meet others who are also looking for roommates or shared housing options—both online and through in-person events.

Housing Guide…A step-by-step resource that helps families think through what’s needed to create a safe, workable housing plan.

Link to latest LPH episodes in bio!

22/04/2025

How can you create a safe, independent future for your child with special needs?

Every parent wants to see their child grow into a happy, independent adult, but for families raising children with special needs, that path can feel uncertain. In this episode, I sit down with Kathy Remski, a mother who has walked this journey and is paving the way for others.

She shares her family’s story, from early interventions and overcoming challenges to finding creative solutions for independent living. We also explore the game-changing role of organization she helped create, SAIL (Solutions for Adult Interdependent Living), which empowers families to build sustainable housing and support systems for their adult children with disabilities.

If you’re looking for real-life insights, practical strategies, and hope for your child’s future, this is for you!

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/2025/02/28/lphs02e12-kathy-remski-helps-families-anchor-independence-through-sail/

APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000696824162

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/70vnlnHQY7mIHiFJHPf0Qu?si=24e404e9c25d431d

15/04/2025

Interested in improving educational outcomes for all children of all abilities?

In this episode, I talk with Heather Eckner, an education professional whose personal journey with raising two children with disabilities has led her to become a passionate advocate for inclusive education.

Heather shares her family's experiences navigating the challenges of early intervention, finding appropriate educational settings, and advocating for her children's needs within the school system. She discusses her transition from classroom teacher to a leader in the autism advocacy space, highlighting her work with the Autism Alliance of Michigan and her recent success in advocating for statewide literacy legislation.

Listen now!

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000703734558

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0mawjm1gYZcoMbk1VujihE?si=a28117e7b09f456a

11/04/2025

Check out my latest newsletter and featured episodes!

Julia Dapkus shares how AAC is unlocking communication and transforming lives for individuals with complex needs at Communication is AAC.

03/04/2025

What does it take to create an inclusive playground?

In this episode, I sit down with AnneMarie Ottoy to explore her incredible journey - from navigating her son’s early diagnoses to becoming a fierce advocate for inclusion. She shares how her family turned challenges into opportunities, creating a supportive environment that uplifts not just their son but now their entire community.

AnnMarie also takes us behind the scenes of her volunteer work in Clinton Township, Michigan, where she helped bring an inclusive playground to life - a space where all children can play, belong, and thrive.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation advocacy and the power of inclusive communities!

LPH Website: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6TmY3ZA5I54YHeC8UKREDa?si=4c08abf926b14dda

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000701925871

19/02/2025

What does it mean to truly support a loved one with profound autism?

In this episode, Julie Bullock shares her family’s journey raising her son, Michael, who has profound autism. From the whirlwind of early therapies to embracing acceptance, she opens up about the lessons, challenges, and unexpected joys along the way.

Now that Michael is an adult, Julie discusses the critical need for inclusive housing and shifting the focus from "fixing" autism to celebrating neurodiverse strengths. She also shares her incredible advocacy as a board member with Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) for more than a decade and as the chair of the AAoM Severe Autism Committee.

Her journey wouldn’t be the same without her other children, David and Katie, who have been pillars of support for their mother, their brother, and the greater autism community. Seen in the family photo alongside Julie and Michael, David and Katie have stepped up in countless ways, helping their family navigate challenges with love and patience. Inspired by their experiences, David now works as a Job Coach for adults with IDD, while Katie is a Research Assistant helping families with newly diagnosed children.

Julie couldn’t be prouder of the impact they make every day. Listen in for a heartfelt conversation about family, advocacy, and the power of community.

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/2025/02/18/lphs02e11-julie-bullock-is-finding-the-joy-of-profound-autism/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6EbN4PKt2u94I07gkxP80L?si=d91c517158474239

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000693596956

05/02/2025

If your child couldn’t speak, how would you help them find their voice?

On this episode of Let's Plant Houses, I talk with Julia Dapkus, a dedicated mother and advocate, about her family's journey with her daughter, Isabelle, who has autism. Julia shares the challenges of navigating early developmental delays, the impact of early intervention, and the power of communication.

Julia also discusses her inspiration for founding Communication is Key AAC, a Michigan-based nonprofit that ensures individuals with complex communication needs have access to the tools and support they deserve. Through scholarships, training, and essential resources - including communication devices, software, literacy materials, and playground communication boards - the organization is breaking barriers and empowering families and schools. Listen now!

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000688977035

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qAMWMctturnT9QirPgkys?si=65a9bdd1c1534206

29/01/2025

How can fitness become a source of empowerment for people with disabilities?

In this episode, I sit down with Todd Turner, the inspiring founder of Team GUTS—a nonprofit transforming lives through fitness and sports programs for individuals with special needs. Todd opens up about his family’s journey raising his incredible daughter, who has both Down syndrome and autism. He shares heartfelt stories of challenges, triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way. From the impact of early intervention and advocacy to the life-changing power of fitness and community, this conversation is packed with insights, hope, and inspiration.

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7JqvCmM3BDKYroOqnWjXUP?si=583ddab8abb44f8e

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000686366997

15/01/2025

What would you do if you faced profound loss while raising a child with special needs—could you find grit and grace to move forward?

In this episode, I sit down with Jess Ronne—an author, podcaster, nonprofit executive, and passionate advocate for families of children with special needs—to explore this question and more as she shares about her family’s incredible journey. Jess opens up about raising her son, Lucas, who has severe autism, and navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of early childhood, including the heartbreaking loss of her first husband, Lucas’s father. She reflects on finding love again, expanding her family, and now transitioning Lucas to supported housing as an adult, all while balancing caregiving with self-care. Jess also discusses her new book, Caregiving with Grit and Grace, and the creation of The Lucas Project, a nonprofit providing vital resources and respite for caregivers. This heartfelt conversation highlights the power of resilience, community and love.

Listen now!

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1By3Cl0LTJSE8ruxeEjWFk?si=91d5165c6134481f

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000683951775

11/01/2025

Curious about the term 'neurospicy'?

We dive into this and more in this episode of Let's Plant Houses. Come hear about Sarah Raphael, a mom of two young children, share her family’s journey navigating parenting 'neurospicy' kids, her advocacy in schools, her focus on self-care and mental health, and the value of connecting with others through special groups like Extra Lucky Moms.

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000683511831

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WOzq4elkX6dpZ8rMFZxF2?si=2d6e9512340046e8

26/12/2024

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