Let's Plant Houses

15/09/2026

What does life really look like when you’re raising a child with severe autism and lifelong support needs?

Author and full-time caregiver Tracy Envernizzi shares her family’s journey with profound autism, caregiver burnout, respite care, and planning for the future. After more than 15 years of caring for her daughter, Tracy knows the challenges, fears, breakthroughs, and deep love that can come with autism parenting.

Tracy also shares the turning point that changed everything: moving from what she calls “camp cure” to acceptance. She opens up about finding support before burnout took over, rediscovering herself through writing, and creating her book, Walking Through Autism Inspirations. If you’re an autism parent, a professional who supports families, or someone who wants to better understand severe autism and complex support needs, this episode offers a powerful glimpse into this everyday reality.

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/
APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000789611711
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Af0nSnxPTlcmyTp3fnfXQ?si=NUjuYFkVTauG2o-md-nnrA

14/09/2026

Listen to the rest of Cari Noga's conversation and others on Let's Plant Houses: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/

08/09/2026

How can storytelling help families feel less alone?

In this episode, Cari Noga shares her family's autism journey, from her son Owen's diagnosis to navigating special education, caregiving, respite care, and advocacy while finding purpose through storytelling. She explains how parenting a child with autism changed the way she sees the world and inspired her to write.

Cari opens up about raising a young adult with autism, the importance of respite and community support, and her family's current journey as Owen receives treatment for catatonia. She also shares how her novel, Sparrow Migrations, grew into the short film Pacific Pilgrimage, helping others better understand the autism experience through storytelling. This heartfelt conversation reminds families that even when the road is uncertain, hope, creativity, and perseverance can lead to unexpected opportunities.

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/
APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000788353130
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/28k4F4ylW07bvauznaqw86?si=d89741b1d8a74d5e

07/09/2026

Listen to the rest of Kari Baker's conversation and others on Let's Plant Houses: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/

01/09/2026

Could embracing your child's strengths change everything?

In this episode, Kari Baker shares her family's autism journey, from the early days of searching for answers to embracing autism parenting, ADHD, and faith with hope and purpose. She explains how letting go of the need to "fix" her son opened the door to seeing the incredible gifts he already had.

Kari talks about raising her son, navigating school changes, supporting his love of writing and filmmaking, and learning to parent the child she has instead of the child she imagined. She also shares how her faith inspired her book, Finding Kind, and the Kind Families community, offering encouragement to parents who may feel alone. This conversation is a reminder that every child has purpose and every family has a unique journey.

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/
APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000787043503
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/50LLjjlelpS7tseMXUw5oQ?si=f96d126622bd4bb1

31/08/2026

Listen to the rest of Cassie Enea's conversation and others on Let's Plant Houses: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/

28/08/2026

What do Dolly Parton and parents of kids with special needs have in common?

Find out in this month’s Let’s Plant Houses newsletter.

It’s filled with stories about caregiving, advocacy, trusting your gut and finding your way when there isn’t always a roadmap.

Thanks for checking it out. And if you like it, subscribe so you can get the next issue!

Dolly Parton recently shared how caring for her husband caused her to put her own needs aside. It’s something so many caregivers understand.

25/08/2026

Could trusting your instincts change your child's future?

In this episode, Cassie Enea shares her family's autism journey, from noticing early developmental regression to fighting for the autism services, IEP support, and specialized school placement her daughter needed. Her story is a powerful reminder that parents are often their child's strongest advocate.

Cassie opens up about the emotions of an autism diagnosis, navigating early intervention, speech and occupational therapy, and years of advocating through the special education system. She explains how finding the right behavioral-based school transformed her daughter Haley's confidence, independence, and daily life. This heartfelt conversation offers hope, practical advice, and encouragement for families learning to trust their instincts, build their support network, and never stop advocating for their child.

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/
APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000785610174
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0TNtrjk06rNslHkPD832Ih?si=JmKGGllzQU69wsrkfQYwgA

24/08/2026

Listen to the rest of Jessica Patay's conversation and others on Let's Plant Houses: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/

18/08/2026

What if the strongest caregiver is the one who asks for support?

In this episode, Jessica Patay shares her family's journey with Prader-Willi syndrome, caregiving, disability parenting, and caregiver support. She opens up about raising her son Ryan, building food security into everyday life, and creating hope for families through the nonprofit We Are Brave Together.

Jessica explains the unique challenges of Prader-Willi syndrome, from constant food insecurity and anxiety to planning for adulthood and independent living. She also shares how her own caregiving journey inspired her to found We Are Brave Together, a nonprofit that connects moms through support groups, retreats, books, and community. Whether you're raising a child with a disability, supporting a caregiver, or looking for encouragement on your own journey, this heartfelt conversation reminds us that no family should have to walk this road alone.

LPH: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-plant-houses/id1724641933?i=1000783910421
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6uVmCqRB5yxRpO5oH4y9LU?si=878f1be0ce444350