The Glass Sibling: Breese Maldonado-Mejia

In this episode, host Karla Chinen talks with Breese Maldonado Mejia about growing up as a sibling to a brother with autism—navigating caregiving responsibilities, missed experiences, and the feeling of being a "glass child." Breese shares candid memories, challenges with guilt, and the ways the role shaped her identity. She also discusses how her experiences inspired her career as an occupational therapy assistant, the impact on relationships and future plans, and offers encouraging advice to other siblings: you matter, you deserve care, and it's okay to live your own life.