Coffee With Caregivers

In this heartfelt episode of Coffee With Caregivers, host Jess Ronnie sits down with author and homeschooling mom Ashley Jones, who shares her raw and honest journey raising her seven-year-old son Gordon, who was diagnosed with autism and childhood apraxia of speech. Ashley opens up about the early signs she didn't recognize, the years of navigating therapies, meltdowns, and isolation, and the grief cycle that so many parents of children with special needs quietly live through — from denial and anger to bargaining and, slowly, acceptance.Ashley and Jess explore what it really means to hold two truths at once: loving your child completely while also grieving the life you imagined for them. From sensory challenges and avoidant eating to the unexpected gift of a mini farm full of goats, chickens, and one very content rabbit, Ashley's story is both deeply relatable and wonderfully specific. Her reflections on therapy, the value of the PCIT program, and learning to navigate the unsolicited opinions of those who mean well but don't truly get it will resonate with any caregiver who has ever felt utterly alone — and found their way through anyway.To connect with Ashley, visit her website at ashleyljones.com or follow her on Instagram and Facebook at @AshleyLJonesAuthor.

In this episode of Coffee with Caregivers, Jess sits down with author, speaker, and advocate Amy Julia Becker — mom to Penny, a 20-year-old with Down Syndrome — to explore what it truly means to be made whole. Drawing from her book To Be Made Well, Amy Julia shares how raising Penny dismantled her own hidden hierarchy of human value and opened her eyes to the freedom that comes from embracing vulnerability and need. Together, Jess and Amy Julia reflect on how disability has been one of the most powerful teachers in their lives — not just about their children, but about themselves.The conversation moves through themes of healing, distraction, and the mind-body connection, as Amy Julia describes how unprocessed stress and unspoken pain can manifest physically — and how honesty, humility, and hope can create a pathway toward wholeness. She and Jess also speak candidly to caregivers who are living in survival mode, offering practical wisdom about finding community in five-minute pockets of time, seeing your child as a gift rather than a deficit, and letting your body tell you what your heart hasn't yet found words for.Amy Julia's LinksWebsiteBook: To Be Made WellPodcast: Reimagining the Good Life

In this episode of Coffee with Caregivers, Jess welcomes Tyler Hudson, an advocate and father of a son with profound autism. Tyler shares his family's journey from Texas to Australia, the challenges they faced with their son Lyric's regressive autism, and the impact of living in a rural area. They discuss the difficulties of elopement, nonverbal communication, and the transition to adulthood for children with autism. Tyler touches on the broader societal implications of the growing autism population and the need for more research and resources. The episode concludes with insights into his advocacy work and the importance of addressing all potential causes of autism.

He said, "You don't have to be a hero... you don't have to save the baby's life."Jillian Benfield is a former journalist and news anchor. She holds a broadcast journalism degree from the University of Georgia. As a freelance writer, her essays about living an unexpected life have appeared on sites such as TODAY, Good Morning America, Yahoo! News, and ABC News. Jillian regularly advocates for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in her writings, in her community, and as a part of the National Down Syndrome Congress’s National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition. Jillian and her husband, Andy, and their three children make their home on Florida’s Space Coast. Learn more atjillianbenfield.com.To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. I'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review!

Jason Hague is an associate pastor of Christ’s Center Church, a mid-size church in Oregon, one of the least churched areas in the United States. He is a husband and a father to five children, including Jack, his seventeen-year-old son with non-verbal autism. Jason has written extensively on the subject of faith and autism, special needs families, and his own journey from grief to acceptance of his son’s condition. He blogs at JasonHague.com, and on his Facebook page, Jason Hague, writer. The success of his blog and the viral video he posted there, A Reflection of Aching Joy, led to his first book with NavPress in 2018. Aching Joy: Following God through the Land of Unanswered Prayer was warmly received by church and special needs communities. The book won a Cascade Award for best memoir in 2019. Jason has been a guest on numerous podcasts and radio shows such as Focus on the Family, and his writing has appeared in Christianity Today, Ann Voskamp, Fathom Magazine, and Finding Cooper’s Voice.  To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. We'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review! This episode is sponsored by True North Disability Planning, to make disability planning accessible to all. To find out more, visit www.truenorthdisabilityplanning.com.

Debbie, at 50, woke up to the realization that life was too short to be spent prioritizing others over herself. She ditched "I can't" for "Maybe I can," shedding her victim mentality and refusing to let struggles define her. Recently widowed, she's more determined than ever to share her message. Her debut memoir, "On Second Thought... Maybe I Can," earned praise from Jack Canfield, co-author of The Chicken Soup of the Soul® series. Through her memoir and engaging talks, Debbie courageously bares her soul, reminding others they're not alone. Life is tough, but she's proof that dreams are worth pursuing. You can follow Debbie at: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@debbierweiss Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbie.r.weiss/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maybeican Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/debbierweissauthor Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/maybe-i-can-with-debbie-weiss/id1676123222 Website: www.debbierweiss.com Email: [email protected] To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. We'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review! This episode is sponsored by True North Disability Planning, to make disability planning accessible to all. To find out more, visit www.truenorthdisabilityplanning.com.

Kelley Coleman is a feature film development executive turned author and advocate for parent caregivers and individuals with disabilities. Her book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports draws upon over a decade of advocacy, gained through her own journey parenting a child with multiple disabilities. Kelley lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two boys, and her son’s trusty service dog.  To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. We'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review! This episode is sponsored by True North Disability Planning, to make disability planning accessible to all. To find out more, visit www.truenorthdisabilityplanning.com.

Eileen Lamb, author of "All Across The Spectrum" and “Be The One,” is the founder of The Autism Cafe. She’s also a photographer, podcast host and the Director of Social Media at Autism Speaks. Born in France, Eileen now lives in Austin, Texas, with her two sons, Charlie (11) and Jude (8), and their sister, Billie (1). On her blog, she shares the ups and downs of raising two children with autism, one with profound autism, while being on the autism spectrum herself. To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. We'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review! This episode is sponsored by True North Disability Planning, to make disability planning accessible to all. To find out more, visit www.truenorthdisabilityplanning.com.

Crystal Polk is a mental health therapist and Licensed Independent Social Worker in South Carolina, specializing in supporting parents of children with disabilities and medical needs through her practice, Better Tomorrow Therapy. Featured in the film "Unseen," Crystal's impactful work has gained recognition. While she may describe herself as a "nervous interviewee," Crystal thrives in her role on the other side of the chair as a therapist, where her passion for providing crucial support shines through. Her dedication to making a meaningful impact on mental health, sharing expertise, and contributing to the well-being of families facing unique circumstances is evident in her love for being a therapist. Beyond her clinical practice, Crystal actively contributes to professional development by conducting training sessions at institutions like the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), underscoring her commitment to knowledge-sharing in the mental health community.   To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. We'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review! This episode is sponsored by True North Disability Planning, to make disability planning accessible to all. To find out more, visit www.truenorthdisabilityplanning.com.

About Alice:"I was raised with three siblings, Pake, Reba, and Susie McEntire, two hard working parents, Clark and Jackie McEntire. 11 first cousins, a grandpap, John McEntire, two maternal Grandparents, Elvin and Reba Smith, and one extra special hired hand Louie Sandman, on a working cattle ranch in se Oklahoma in the 50's thru 1980. There wasn't much our bunch couldn't accomplish or trouble we kids couldn't get into. With horses, cattle, rattle snakes, muddy ponds, a ropin' pen, dogs, and worn out pickups what would anyone expect. I wouldn't trade my life for anyone's in the world. We were poor and didn't know it or care. I married my husband Robert in 1980 and we raised four children on our ranch in Lane, Oklahoma. Children are Vince Beck, Garett Beck Smith, Trevor Foran and Haley Foran. All my children still live in Atoka County, Oklahoma.Our daughter Haley was born in 1986 with a condition called Trisomy 18 or Edwards Syndrome. She was the baby, and her condition was unknown to us at her birth, a complete surprise. We have done some research, and she is the second oldest living person in Oklahoma with this Syndrome. Life expectancy is about 24 hours if they survive birth. She is 39 years old today. I worked for Dept of Human Services for 28 yrs and worked for DDSD Developmental Disability Services Division for 5 years learning and delivering services to individuals with disabilities. I presently contract with the State of Oklahoma as an Agency Companion. In 1986, there were no educational services for children with disabilities in Atoka County.  I helped organize the parents and school administrators to create a coop that served the children in one location. Later that disbanded as the Administrators realized they could provide those services on their own campuses. Education and pushy parents can get things done. I retired in 2002 from DHS and worked caring not only for Haley but for our parents Clark and Jackie McEntire, who are now deceased. My husband and I operate two cattle ranches, an Air B & B in Atoka, and a small mom and pop cafe in Atoka. We are very active in our church and attend as many athletic functions as we can for the grands. We have 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. I worked for 11 years with the Atoka Trail Riders Assoc. to build a new facility South of Atoka in Tushka, Oklahoma. I am very proud of that accomplishment. My dad helped create this association in the early '60s and the original facility was torn down and we relocated to a beautiful location 11 years ago. We provide equestrian events, rodeos, tractor pulls, concerts, and Bull Ridings. Lots of action. We give scholarships and help with local charities.  I am very civic, religious, politically minded and feel that all these attributes can be wrapped up in a way that we work together and get things accomplished for God's glory.  I just want to add that I never, since Haley was born, have been without help in caring for her. God gave me a blessing and helped me take care of her. I could write a book."To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. We'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review! This episode is sponsored by True North Disability Planning, to make disability planning accessible to all. To find out more, visit www.truenorthdisabilityplanning.com.

In this episode of Coffee With Caregivers, Jess welcomes Kari Baker, a woman of deep faith, podcaster, author, and founder of Kind Families. Kari shares her heartfelt journey as a caregiver to her son Brady, diagnosed with autism at the age of three. She discusses the challenges, growth, and blessings she and her family have experienced, highlighting her faith and resilience. Discover how her story has led to the formation of Kind Families (Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences), a resourceful platform for families navigating similar paths, and learn about her advocacy work, experiences, and the impact of faith in her life. Join us for an inspiring conversation about acceptance, perseverance, and the pursuit of creating a supportive community for all.Kari's Websites:https://kariabaker.comKIND Families

In this insightful episode of Coffee with Caregivers, Jess sits down with Russ Ewell, a remarkable caregiver and father of three, including two sons with special needs. Russ shares his family's story, detailing their journey after discovering his eldest son had Down Syndrome at birth and later learning his second son had autism. He talks about the challenges they faced, the learning curve they navigated, and their innovative approaches to ensure their children's development and inclusion. Russ also discusses his work with the Bay Area Christian Church, his technology startup Digital Scribbler focused on inclusive software, and various programs he's initiated to support special needs families. Tune in to hear about the importance of empathy, humility, and community support in the life of a caregiver.Russ's Websites:russewell.comDeep SpiritualityRuss's book: He's Not Who You Think He Is

Kelli Stuart is a wife, mother of five, actress and filmmaker, an award-winning novelist and, most recently, a breast cancer survivor. Kelli and her husband, Lee, were thrust into their roles as caregivers when they adopted their youngest son, Sawyer, from China in 2018. Sawyer is a complex little boy with a laundry list of special needs. He also possesses the most magical smile this side of heaven. Kelli juggles the many needs under her roof alongside her own deep-rooted desire to create and craft stories. She doesn't always juggle well, but she does the best she can. You can find Kelli chronicling the daily ups and downs of life on her Instagram feed @kellistuartauthor.To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. We'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review! This episode is sponsored by Meerkat Village. It takes a village to raise a child with special needs. Find out more at www.meerkatvillage.com

"how good it is when I can stop clinging to the illusion of control and just living and being present in today." What a fun, informative episode with Crystal Paine (www.moneysavingmom.com) who is a New York Times bestselling author, a popular speaker, the host of The Crystal Paine Show, and the founder of one of the top personal finance blogs on the web, MoneySavingMom.com. Her desire is to help women across the globe live with more joy in their everyday lives. Her biggest passions are helping women understand how the Gospel can radically transform their lives, raising awareness for foster care, and finding great deals at the grocery store. She lives with her husband and six kids in the Nashville, Tennessee area. We chatted about how she unexpectedly found herself as a mom to a child with disabilities when her foster care journey turned into an adoption. She also shared about how this transition was difficult for some of her older children in the beginning but with time, they have become their newest brother's biggest advocate! She also gave overwhelmed caregivers lots of time saving tips from her latest book The Time Saving Mom. To learn more, check out the links below. Crystal PaineOwner/Blogger | Money Saving Mom, LLCMoneySavingMom.com | CrystalPaine.com | YourBloggingMentor.comTo stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. I'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review!This episode is sponsored by www.CapeAble.com. Weighted blankets. Weighted Wearables and Sensory Products. Use code CARE15 at checkout to try out one of these amazing products at 15% off.

Lyn is the wife to Brett (psychologist at Pine Rest), mom to Adelyn (and Stephen) and Kylee, and Nana to Sammy. She received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Calvin University and her Master's (and 3/4 of an Education Specialist) degree from Michigan State University, but is a loyal "Go Blue" University of Michigan fan. She currently serves as the Director of Family Ministries and Grand Haven's Covenant Life Church and as the Executive Director of Noorthoek Academy. Kylee has allowed her to experience God's grace and unconditional love in dynamic ways. Kylee was diagnosed with cerebellar hypoplasia at 3 1/2 years and May Thurner Condition (bleeding disorder) while in high school.To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. We'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review! This episode is sponsored by Meerkat Village. It takes a village to raise a child with special needs. Find out more at www.meerkatvillage.com

Michelle Crawford is a single mom of two children living in Oklahoma. Her daughter was vaccine injured at four months old and now has seizures and significant developmental delays. In 2021 her world turned upside down when her estranged husband unexpectedly announced that he had shut down the business leaving her unemployed and with no where to turn for help. Since then, she has struggled to support her family while also being a full time caregiver to her 24 year old daughter. She says that she has been living in survival mode for the past two years struggling with feelings of loneliness and feeling trapped due to the lack of support she receives. Her dream is to one day create a funded home for single moms and their special needs child(ren) to live, build community, and where in-house care is made available through a combination of parent co-ops and quality caregivers.To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. I'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review! This episode is sponsored by www.CapeAble.com. Weighted blankets. Weighted Wearables and Sensory Products. Use code CARE15 at checkout to try out one of these amazing products at 15% off.

Jessica Patay is the founder and executive director of We Are Brave Together (WABT), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports caregiving moms with children of all types of disabilities and neuro-diverse diagnoses. In addition, she is a sought-out speaker, podcast guest, writer and retreat coordinator, fundraiser, mother of three, social influencer, and a champion of self-care practices and their positive effect on motherhood. She is a contributing author to the forthcoming title, Becoming Brave Together: Heroic and Extraordinary Caregiving Stories from Mothers Hidden in Plain Sight. The book is set to release on May 1, 2024. Jessica excels at creating and supporting communities of caregiving moms and she is a visionary for the disability community world-wide.Jessica's mission to combat the isolation and burnout that these moms and their families face by creating supportive, resourceful and empowering communities and meaningful connections. Her vision is that every family in the disability community is strengthened, equipped, and inspired for their unique journey. This vision has fueled WABT's growth in 6 years into an international community of over 2200 moms, representing all 50 states and 24 countries. Jessica has helped launch dozens of support groups throughout the U.S., New Zealand, and Australia. In order to extend her outreach, Jessica hosts a podcast, "Brave Together with Jessica Patay," which offers a library of inspirational stories and resources for the disability community.To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. We'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review! This episode is sponsored by True North Disability Planning, to make disability planning accessible to all. To find out more, visit www.truenorthdisabilityplanning.com.

Dr. Crystal G. Morrison is a highly regarded executive advisor, strategist, leader, scientist, and tech entrepreneur.  While progressing in her career as a scientist, Dr. Morrison was also growing her family.  She has three amazing teenagers.  One of her children is autistic and has additional mental health diagnoses and two of her children were adopted and experienced extreme poverty and trauma early in their lives.  As a mom, she’s spent almost 20 years navigating the complex system of care and advocating for her children.  It’s been frustrating and overwhelming, and millions of parents and caregivers face the same feelings and challenges daily.  Her experience inspired her to co-found and lead Meerkat Village, a software company dedicated to improving outcomes for children with special needs by building collaboration and communication among adults providing care.   On her journey, she’s met countless people working at the intersection of community, education, health care and mental health.  She created the Village Vision podcast to celebrate their stories and ignite action.   To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. We'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review! This episode is sponsored by www.CapeAble.com. Weighted blankets. Weighted Wearables and Sensory Products. Use code CARE15 at checkout to try out one of these amazing products at 15% off.

Brandi Hurtubise is a full-time caregiver to her daughter Samantha who was born in 2016 with Congenital Cytomeglovirus. As a result Samantha has spastic quad cerebral palsy, epilepsy, hearing loss, cortical vision impairment and microcephaly. She is non-mobile, non-verbal, and receives the majority of her schooling and services in their home in Buffalo, NY. Brandi is also a Mom to Sam's older and neurotypical brother MJ. Congenital Cytomeglovirus (CMV) is the most common viral infection infants in the US are born with and unfortunately there is very little awareness despite how devastating outcomes can be. CMV during pregnancy can be avoided by not sharing food and drinks with toddlers, avoiding kissing toddlers on the mouth, and washing your hands after every diaper change. Prior to Sam's birth in 2016, she worked full -time in insurance. She left the workforce after Sam had a G-Tube placed in 2018. Over the last few years, she has worked with the National CMV Foundation; fundraising and raising awareness for CMV.  She also recently started to work with a wonderful group of individuals in Western NY to open up a non-profit organization that provides adapted bikes to individuals with disabilities ( Trendy Trikes / AMBUCS of WNY).To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. We'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review! This episode is sponsored by True North Disability Planning, to make disability planning accessible to all. To find out more, visit www.truenorthdisabilityplanning.com.

"Sleep deprivation is one of the hardest things to endure as a parent caregiver." Tonya Andrews. Tonya Andrews is a mom to 3 boys and her youngest is on the spectrum. She has been married for 12 years and lives in Ankeny Iowa and is the President of an autism non profit called L-Evated Coaching and Learning Services.To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. I'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review!

Kassondra Lambert is a  parent of a disabled 4 year old. Last year, she started a fundraising journey to fund a wheelchair accessible van. Through that experience, she saw the need to teach families how to fundraise online for medical expenses not covered by insurance. She's the founder of The Striped Stable which teaches copywriting and more to parents so that they can tell their stories in a way that connects with donors and helps them create community. www.thestripedstable.com To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. I'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review!

"My Mom said, 'you're not educating, you're babysitting'"  Ron Sandison works full time in the medical field and is a professor of theology at Destiny School of Ministry. He is an advisory board member of the Art of Autism and the Els Center of Excellence. Sandison has a Master of Divinity from Oral Roberts University and is the author of A Parent’s Guide to Autism: Practical Advice. Biblical Wisdom published by Charisma House and Views from the Spectrum. He has memorized over 15,000 Scriptures including 22 complete books of the New Testament. Sandison speaks at over 70 events a year including 20 plus education conferences. Ron and his wife, Kristen, reside in Rochester Hills, MI, with daughter, Makayla. His website is http://www.spectruminclusion.com. You can contact him at [email protected]. Link to Ron’s website: https://www.spectruminclusion.com Link to Ron’s Facebook fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/SpectrumRonSandison To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. I'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review!

"Don't panic (about the future). Get a will, get a special needs trust and have faith that it will work out."  Dr. Mary Barbera “fell” into the autism world in 1999 when her first-born son, Lucas was diagnosed with autism. Since then, Mary transformed from a confused and overwhelmed parent to a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and best-selling author.  After earning a PhD, Mary launched her first online course in early 2015 and later built additional courses and a membership program to help both parents and autism professionals. Mary’s latest book Turn Autism Around, her online courses, weekly podcast and social media posts help parents and professionals start turning things around for young children with early signs of autism and older children with an autism diagnosis who are still struggling with talking, tantrums, eating, sleeping and potty training. For more information go to marybarbera.com. Attend a free workshop to learn more:  marybarbera.com/workshop And on all social media channels: https://MaryBarbera.com/Facebook https://MaryBarbera.com/Youtube https://MaryBarbera.com/Instagram https://MaryBarbera.com/TikTok To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out to [email protected]. I'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review!

"You have to find ways to get laughter into your day because life is heavy." Amy McCoy is an autism parent, children’s author and disability educator. Her debut children’s novel, Little Big Sister, shares the sibling perspective of growing up with a brother who has autism. Amy combines her expertise as a former elementary school teacher with her experience of parenting a child with autism as she visits elementary schools, libraries, bookstores, and parenting groups offering interactive presentations highlighting disability awareness. Amy’s children, Matthew and Kathryn, are the inspiration for her books and her work. Learn more at www.littlebigsisterbook.com. To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out at [email protected]. I'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review!

“I was moving up the corporate ladder and making an impact as a black female in tech. I am transparent with my employers and they know that I am a caregiver. It’s a double-edged sword because although they know I’m a caregiver, employers do not fully understand the magnitude of what that comes with. I became a single mother as well shortly after learning about my twin's diagnosis. Although I had many accolades in my career, I was at a fork in the road. My last job tried its best to support me as a caregiver, but after almost losing my home from taking unpaid FMLA twice, exhausting all of my savings while paying for deductibles for my daughter's care and losing our in-home nursing care, I put my pride aside and left my 6-figure IT job” Melanie Oates is a nonprofit founder, speaker, and advocate for parent caregivers like herself. She grew up extremely fascinated with technology and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Bethune-Cookman University. Melanie has shattered the glass ceiling with over 15 years of experience in the tech space, and has broken many barriers at billion dollar companies as a black female in tech. Despite her accomplishments in the corporate sector, she made the life-changing decision to end her career to focus on her family. While this decision did not come easily, she knew it was best because as an attempted suicide survivor, she knew she could not risk another mental health crisis. From sleepless nights to working on her computer behind the wheel while traveling to appointments, Melanie took the leap of faith in 2020 and has not looked back. To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please reach out at [email protected]. I'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review!

“People need to understand the pain and the suffering before we’ll see change.” In this episode of Coffee with Caregivers, Jess chats with Vance and Kristy Goforth in an extremely vulnerable and honest conversation about life as a caregiver to Joshua, their son with profound special needs.  They discuss the details from Joshua’s aggressive behavior to their mental health struggles as his caregivers and Vance’s eventual health problems which were stress induced. They also discuss why we need to desperately raise awareness for caregivers in order to gain the resources that are needed.  To learn more about the Goforths, please follow them at Facebook/A Voice for Joshua Instagram/ A Voice for Joshua  #severeautism #caregiver #coffeewithcaregivers #autism

Kate Swenson is the founder of Finding Cooper's Voice, a mother to four kids, a wife, and a proud Minnesotan. She writes and creates videos regularly about her life as a mother and an autism advocate for Facebook, Instagram, and her website, Finding Cooper's Voice. Her book, Forever Boy, A Mother's Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy, is available now and highlights the transformation that she went through after her son's diagnosis. You can purchase Kate's book, Forever Boy on Amazon.  To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com.  If you are interested in being a guest please contact me at [email protected]. I'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review!

An introduction to Coffee with Caregivers.

“I would feel like my son represented the pain.” Callie “I’m supposed to love you and nurture you but right now when I am elbow deep in diarrhea, I am full of rage.” Callie “Praise Jesus my baby lived so I’m not allowed to speak about the difficulties.” Jess “Moms need to speak the truth so that we can see change.” Jess “Somehow in my mind I was supposed to muscle through this.” Callie “ I wish I would have raised my hand and said, I need help.” Callie “You are just in a state of existence.” Callie [I thought] “Yes, I’m glad he’s home, but I’m also terrified that he’s home.” Callie “I had three different doctors diagnose me with PTSD in those days.” Callie. In this episode of Coffee with Caregivers, Jess sits down with her friend Callie Daruk, an award-winning author and speaker. She is also a hands-on mother of three spirited boys. After nearly a year-long stay in the NICU with one of her twins who was diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis, her rose-colored glasses shattered. Her new book, What Does God Want You to do Before You Die, details her traumatic but hopeful story. She also serves as the Chapter President of Word Weavers Int., and her writing has appeared in Guideposts, The Upper Room, Focus on the Family, Kids Clubhouse, Charisma, Just 18 Summers and Nashville Christian Voice magazines. Jess and Callie go deep in this conversation, discussing symptoms of PTSD that they each experienced after the birth of their children, the “miracle baby” syndrome, and how desperately they needed help during the earliest days as special needs moms.