Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker

E25—What do you do when the child you imagined isn’t the child you have? Pastor Mike Erre experienced the slow dismantling of achievement-based parenting when his son with Down syndrome was born. If you’re exhausted by comparisons and milestones, this conversation invites a different way forward: noticing, delighting, and being with your child as they are.00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories03:06 Connecting with Your Child06:54 Redefining Success and Celebration11:40 Navigating Grief and Emotions16:16 Building Connections and Community19:01 How Dads Can Help Create a World of BelongingMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Voxology podcastHope Heals Camp_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Mike Erre is the lead pastor of Journey Church in Tennessee and speaks on faith, culture, and spiritual formation. He is also the author of several books and cohost of the Voxology podcast. He is a dad to three children, including their youngest son who has Down syndrome._Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.campWe want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E24—"I don't know what life can look like for my child." If you've ever felt that, this episode is for you. Sheli Reynolds, PhD, is a leader in disability innovation. She joins Amy Julia Becker to share free, practical tools that support individuals and families experiencing disability in planning for friendship, independence, employment, and joy.00:00 Dr. Sheli Reynolds and Disability Advocacy03:40 Understanding the Lifecourse Framework09:15 Tools for Envisioning a Good Future12:29 Person-Centered Planning Explained16:04 The Importance of Life Experiences21:36 Taking the First Step: Practical Advice for ParentsMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:LifeCourse (home page)Charting a LifeCourse FrameworkLifeCourse Facebook page_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Sheli Reynolds is the lead developer of the Charting the LifeCourse framework and a national leader in person- and family-centered disability innovation. Her passion, knowledge, and experience comes from growing up as a sibling of a brother with developmental disabilities. She has spent her career advancing research, policy, and practices that support individuals and families across the lifespan. She serves as Associate Director at the UMKC Institute for Human Development, where she has worked for 28 years, and has held national leadership roles, including on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. She has her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Rockhurst University and earned her doctorate in Public Administration and Sociology from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. www.lifecoursenexus.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/lifecoursenexus/https://www.facebook.com/lifecoursenexus/https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-sheli-reynolds-phd/_Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.campWe want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E23—The meals stop coming. The texts slow down. And suddenly you feel like you’re navigating disability alone. Friends can be great at showing up in a crisis, but how do you find community for your family when life stays hard day after month after year? Katherine Wolf, stroke survivor, mother, and disability advocate, shares her story with Amy Julia Becker. They consider:GriefLimits of toxic positivityFinding community that helps families survive and flourish00:00 Introduction and Connection03:37 Is a Good Future Possible?08:45 The Role of Community in Healing13:01 Sustaining Community Connections18:31 Navigating Disappointment in Community21:05 Creating Long-Term Connections25:12 Taking Steps Towards ConnectionMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Hope HealsHope Heals CampGoodHard Story podcastVoxer_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Katherine Wolf is an author, advocate, and co-founder of Hope Heals. After she survived a near-fatal brainstem stroke at age 26, her family’s journey through disability has become a public witness that good and hard can co-exist in the same story. Through caregiving, storytelling, and lived theology, Katherine is inviting others into a vision of hope, interdependence, and embodied resilience. She and her husband Jay live in Atlanta with their two sons.Website: https://hopeheals.com/Instagram accounts: @hopeheals; @opehealscamp; @mendcoffee_Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.campWe want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E22—Is having a sibling with a disability hard on kids? Researcher Meghan Burke has spent years studying (and living) this question. Her findings might surprise you. In this episode, she joins Amy Julia Becker to share:what siblings actually say about growing up alongside disabilitywhy the "burden" narrative is mostly a myththe one conversation every family needs to have before a crisis hits00:00 Introduction to Sibling Relationships in Disability02:48 Research Insights on Sibling Dynamics05:57 Understanding the Myths and Realities09:34 The Experience of Being Overlooked as a Sibling10:59 Common Strengths Among Siblings12:48 Siblings' Needs and Involvement16:41 The Normalization of Disability in Sibling Relationships18:16 Fostering Mutual Care in Families23:02 Future Planning and Sibling Responsibilities_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Meghan Burke is a professor of special education in Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. Her research interests include advocacy, families (i.e., parents and siblings) of individuals with disabilities, and disability policy. Her research examines how families advocate for services with their family members with disabilities. She also conducts research examining how siblings of individuals with disabilities transition to caregiving roles.Website: https://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/bio/meghan-burke/Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-burke-4191239/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanbm/_Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.campWe want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E21—As the mom of a daughter with Down syndrome, I have felt my fair share of complicated emotions over these past twenty years. And sometimes, I haven't known what to do with those emotions, especially the ones that seem negative, like grief or fear. I'm talking today with psychiatrist, speaker, and author Curt Thompson about all these things—how we can name our emotions in safe and trusted communities, and the way receiving comfort in the midst of those emotions can also open us up to hope and joy. 00:00 Introduction to Grief06:15 The Importance of Naming Grief in Community11:58 Navigating Grief in the Context of Disability18:32 Connecting to the Fullness of All of Our Emotions24:12 Practical Steps for Emotional AwarenessMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:John 9The Center for Being KnownNew Story Behavioral HealthBooks by Dr. Curt Thompson_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Psychiatrist, speaker and author Curt Thompson connects our intrinsic desire to be known with the need to tell truer stories about ourselves — showing us how to form deep relationships, discover meaning and live integrated, creative lives.www.curtthompsonmd.comIG @curtthompsonmdFB@curtthompsonmdCurt's podcast: Being Known Podcast_Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.campWe want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E20—Does your child struggle to understand who they are in a world that sees disability as a deficit? Renee Dollenmayer, founder of Even If Ministries, shares how living with cerebral palsy shapes her joy, sorrow, and purpose—and why every person with a disability needs to know their presence matters. 00:00 Introduction to Renee's Story and Disability03:15 Joy and Sorrow in the Context of Disability05:56 Creating Space for Lament and Joy11:49 Disability and Identity19:50 Loving and Supporting People with Disabilities22:23 Practical Next StepsMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Even If Ministries_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Renee is a speaker, coach, and founder and visionary of Even If Ministries. Renee was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of two and has experienced the joy and sorrow of disability. She has a passion to see the disabled transformed by the power of the Gospel. She believes God allowed disability for His glory and her good. Renee has a passion for sharing that suffering is never the end of the story and helping individuals find purpose and freedom in hardship. Furthermore, she finds joy in coming alongside church leaders to make their churches and communities more accessible.Instagram and Facebook: @weareevenif https://www.weareevenif.com/https://www.reneedollenmayer.com/Instagram: @reneedollenmayerFacebook: renee.dollenmayer_Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.campWe want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E19—Many parents of children with disabilities carry deep spiritual questions and have very little space to process them. Amy Julia Becker talks with Pam Harmon about spiritual direction and why it can be a lifeline for parents navigating caregiving, uncertainty, and burnout. Together they explore practical ways to slow down, notice God in everyday life, and find renewed hope in the middle of disability parenting.00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Direction03:48 Experiencing Spiritual Direction in Real Time05:20 The Hummingbird's Lesson: A Reflection on Action07:17 Spiritual Needs of Parents of Kids with Disabilities10:30 Finding Space for Spiritual Direction12:59 Practical Spiritual Practices for Parents21:23 Recognizing the Need for Spiritual DirectionAsk Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Young Life CapernaumSpiritual Directors InternationalGrafted Life MinistriesWith MinistriesPam’s email: [email protected]_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Pam Harmon is a leader in disability ministry with more than 20 years of experience serving youth with disabilities nationwide. She launched Young Life Capernaum in the Washington, DC region and now serves as a Church Consultant with With Ministries, helping congregations become more inclusive and create spaces of belonging for all. She holds a Master’s degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and is a certified Spiritual Director through Lipscomb University.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withministriesorg/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/withministriesorgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/with-ministriesCapernaum Young Life: capernaum.younglife.org • Instagram: @ylcapernaum_Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals Camp. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram: @hopeheals and @hopeheals.campWe want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E18—Your child isn’t “misbehaving.” They’re trying to be understood. Many children with disabilities communicate through behavior, especially when spoken words aren’t available in the moment. Behavior analyst Emily Longino shares practical tools for recognizing communication signals before they escalate and helping parents build connection with their kids. Amy Julia Becker and Emily explore:How to look beyond behavior to understand the “why”How parents can recognize communication signals earlierWays to support alternative communication skillsHow understanding behavior can reduce crises and build connection00:00 Introduction to Behavior Analysis03:31 Understanding the Functions of Behavior08:31 Functional Communication as a Survival Skill12:31 Where Parents Can Find Behavior Support16:00 Practical Examples of Functional Communication22:15 It’s Never Too Late to Change BehaviorQuestions:Have a question for Emily or for Amy Julia? Record (or email) your questions, and we’ll do our best to respond to them in an upcoming episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Hope Heals CampFREE RBT TRAINING - Autism Partnership Foundation_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Emily Longino is a Senior Board-Certified Behavior Analyst at Glenwood, a residential facility and specialized school serving children and adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities. She has seven years of experience assessing and treating severe maladaptive behaviors, providing staff training on crisis management, and supporting functional communication. Emily’s work is grounded in compassionate care and trauma-informed practices. She has published in Behavior Analysis in Practice, presented at state and national conferences, and shared her expertise on supporting transition-aged individuals with autism._Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E17—Is your family welcome at church? If Sunday mornings leave you more exhausted than encouraged, you’re not alone. Rebecca Wall, Executive Director of With Ministries, joins Amy Julia Becker to explore why so many disability families are leaving church—and the small, practical changes that can create real belonging. Find (or help build) a community where people with disabilities aren’t just accommodated, but welcomed.Ask Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/00:00 Creating Welcoming Church Communities04:43 Models of Disability Ministry07:31 The Role of Church Size in Inclusion10:28 Separate Programming: When and Why?13:35 Transitioning to Integration16:21 Finding the Right Church for Families19:42 The Heart of Belonging in ChurchesMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:With Ministries: withministries.orgBarriers to Belonging: The Church Experiences of Families of Children with Disabilities | Erik Carter _WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:As Executive Director of With Ministries, Rebecca has spent more than a decade at the intersection of education and parachurch ministry, equipping leaders to transform their churches into places where every person is known, valued, and truly belongs. Through her vision and catalytic leadership, she has helped congregations across the country move from surface-level inclusion to authentic belonging, reflecting beauty and wholeness. Rebecca’s work continues to inspire a movement toward churches that don’t just welcome but flourish, through the participation of every member of the community.@withministriesorg (instagram), withministries.org (website), With Ministries (FB)_Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E16 — Parent and medical caregiver. Many parents of children with disabilities know the complexity of these two full-time roles. Juli Henderson, founder of In Our Arms, was the caregiver for her son Robert, who passed away at eighteen from a rare mitochondrial disease. She joins Amy Julia Becker to explore:Caregiver burnout, guilt, and isolationHow to pace yourselfCreating community (even when you’re exhausted)Practicing small, sustainable acts of self-careNavigating griefAsk Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/00:00 Caregiving, Disability, and Family Dynamics07:05 The Distinction Between Mom and Caregiver Roles09:28 Balancing Family Needs with Caregiving Responsibilities13:47 Self-Care Strategies for Caregivers17:17 Building a Supportive Community for CaregiversMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:In Our ArmsAmy Julia's book: A Good and Perfect Gift_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Juli Henderson is a disability communicator, writer, and advocate who supports families navigating disability, caregiving, and grief. She is the founder of In Our Arms, inspired by her son Robert, who passed away at eighteen from a rare mitochondrial disease. Through her writing, speaking, and nonprofit leadership, Juli offers hope and connection to caregivers around the world._Take the Next Step is produced in partnership with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E15 — Tired of feeling like you have to “fix” your child—or turn their life into an inspiration story? Parents of kids with disabilities are often pushed toward two extremes: tragedy or triumph. But what if both miss the point? In this conversation, Amy Julia Becker and Matthew Mooney (co-founder of 99 Balloons) offer a healthier way to understand disability—rooted in shared humanity, vulnerability, and real relationships.Plus: simple language shifts you can use at home and with friends starting today.Ask Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/00:00 Intro: Understanding Disability04:52 The Four Myths of Disability08:01 Theology and Disability11:21 The Importance of Relationships in Disability14:39 Defining Disability: A Shared Human Experience21:18 Practical Language Shifts in Discussing Disability25:36 Navigating Challenges and Celebrating JoysMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Websites: 99 BalloonsExploring disability as tragedy on Amy Julia’s Reimagining the Good Life podcast: RFK Jr., Autism, and the Story We Need Instead_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:When Matthew Mooney and his wife, Ginny, were 30 weeks pregnant, they learned their son Eliot had trisomy 18. Eliot was born eight weeks later and lived for 99 days. The Mooneys founded 99 Balloons, a nonprofit supporting individuals with disabilities locally and globally. Matt now serves on the 99 Balloons Board and lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with Ginny and their three children—Hazel, Anders, and Lena. A writer, speaker, and consultant on disability and inclusion, Matthew is also an attorney and received his PhD in Theological Ethics at Aberdeen University. His work has taken him to Haiti, Mexico, Ukraine, Uganda, India, and beyond.Websites: 99 Balloons :: matthewlylemooneySocial: insta _Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

Ep 14 — If paperwork and clutter are exhausting you, you’re not alone. Professional organizer Angela O’Brien, mom to a young adult daughter with Down syndrome, talks with Amy Julia Becker about the unique organizing challenges of disability parenting. From managing medical appointments and IEP paperwork to creating a home that works for everyone, Angela shares simple, realistic steps to help you move toward greater peace and presence.00:00 Organizing for Disability Caregivers06:22 Challenges Faced by Disability Caregivers10:39 Starting Small: Practical Steps to Organize Spaces15:27 Managing Time Effectively16:49 Organizing Paperwork21:53 Organizing Tips__Ask Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/__MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Your Space Reclaimed: https://yourspacereclaimed.net/Amy Julia on Angela’s Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms podcast: 90 | Reimagining the Good Life with Kids with Disabilities_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Angela O’Brien is a mom of 2, professional organizer, Enneagram coach, and host of the podcast Especially Organized: Sensible Solutions for Special Needs Moms. As the mom of an amazing young adult daughter with Down Syndrome, Angela is passionate about advocating for and supporting families like hers who are raising kids with disabilities.  In fact, after 18 years of sharing her daughter with the world, volunteering her time to support other families and raising money for local Down Syndrome support organizations, Angela took her almost-obsessive passion for home organizing and turned it into a business where she speaks to and coaches fellow caregivers through their clutter so that they can reclaim the space, freedom, and energy to do what they love. She lives in Dallas, TX with her husband and daughter and is constantly trying to find her way to a beach.Links:Website: https://yourspacereclaimed.net/Instagram: @yourspacereclaimedFacebook: Your Space Reclaimed_Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

Ep 13 — There's a myth out there that raising a child with disabilities will doom a marriage. But the data tells a different story. In our conversation, authors Todd and Kristin Faith Evans join Amy Julia Becker to offer simple ways for couples to connect in the midst of both the ordinary and the most intense family circumstances. There's a lot of hope in this episode!00:00 Intro: Marriage and parenting a child with a disability05:52 Challenges and possibilities parents face09:28 The power of vulnerability in relationships12:02 Marriage Triage: What to do when your marriage is in crisis16:36 Alone Time, Together Time: Why both matterMentioned:www.DisabilityParenting.comHow to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities by Kristin Faith Evans, MA, MS, LMSW and Todd Evans, PhD, MAAsk Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUESTS:Dr. Todd and Kristin Faith Evans are celebrating twenty-four years of marriage. They are award-winning authors, national speakers, and disability parents. They are passionate about empowering other parents of children with additional needs with the skills to thrive at www.DisabilityParenting.com. They co-wrote their multi award-winning book, How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities (Baker Books). They both earned their MA in Christian Spiritual Formation at Wheaton College in Illinois and have served together in full-time ministry in church, camping, and retreat settings. Todd received his PhD from Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering and currently manages his own businesses, and Kristin earned her MSW from the University of Tennessee and is a licensed master social worker experienced in couples, child and family, substance abuse, and crisis counseling. They enjoy traveling and the outdoors together.Website and social media links:https://disabilityparenting.com/https://www.instagram.com/disabilityparenting/https://www.facebook.com/kristin.evans.5895/_Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

Ep 12 — What if inclusion in schools didn’t have to be a constant fight? Adrian Wood, PhD, shares what actually helped her son with autism thrive in their public school system. Adrian and Amy Julia Becker explore:Building trust with educatorsCollaboration and creativityNavigating IEPs and transitionsSmall changes that make a big difference03:36 Navigating Public School for Children with Disabilities05:59 Creative Thinking and Working Together as a Team15:01 Strategies for Success22:01 Preparing for Transitions in EducationAsk Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/__MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:VLOG: Tales of an Educated Debutante_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT:Adrian Wood is the creator of the vlog Tales of an Educated Debutante. She has a PhD in Educational Research and contributes to Today Parents, The Today Show, and the Love What Matters blog. She lives in rural eastern North Carolina with her family. She is the co-author of Autism Out Loud.  CONNECT with Adrian on her website (talesofaneducateddebutante.com), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. __Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

Feeling alone in the hard parts of parenting a child with a disability? Hear how other families are finding support, encouragement, and practical ways to navigate the challenges while celebrating the joys. Plus, a quick review is the perfect Christmas gift to help more families discover Take the Next Step!Mentioned:Niro Feliciano's Take the Next Step episode00:00 Intro00:31 Your Feedback03:33 Backstory and Future Reimagining_SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E11 — Feeling the holiday overwhelm creep in already? Psychotherapist Niro Feliciano, author of All is CALMish, unpacks why disability families carry extra emotional weight this time of year—and how small, doable shifts can bring more peace. We explore:realistic expectationsmicro-moments of delightasking for helpbuilding a holiday season that fits your family, not InstagramMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:All is CALMish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays by Niro FelicianoSubscribe to Amy Julia’s Substack newsletter: amyjuliabecker.com/subscribe__WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Niro Feliciano is a psychotherapist and an expert on anxiety, stress, and relationships. She holds a master's degree from Columbia University and is the author of This Book Won't Make You Happy and All is CALMish. She is a frequent guest on the TODAY show and her column, "Is This Normal?" appears on Today.com. Her work has appeared in publications such as Real Simple, Oprah Daily, the New York Times, HuffPost, and Psychology Today. Niro is a first-generation Sri Lankan American and lives with her family in Connecticut.Web: nirofeliciano.com Instagram: @niro_feliciano Facebook: /nirotherapy_Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E10 — From Frustration to Connection: If your home feels tense or chaotic, connection might be a missing piece. Recording artist Sho Baraka joins Amy Julia Becker to share how his family moved from daily breakdowns and aggression to a home marked by peace. Sho reflects on his story of parenting two sons with autism and the surprising power of proximity—how simply being with our kids can open doors to communication, trust, and calm.00:00 Introduction to Sho Baraka03:07 Navigating Communication with Nonspeaking Children11:14 The Power of Proximity13:25 Moving from Aggression to Peace18:52 Marriage and Family Life21:55 Practical Tools for FamiliesMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Words, 2006: https://youtu.be/VImB2ALPQic?si=ej0PI35tdMPCN1RWSho on the GoodHard Story podcast with Katherine Wolf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=512teMbA_gwDr Marion Blank: https://dmlearninglab.com/about-us-2/ASD Reading: https://www.asdreading.com/_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Sho Baraka has spent the last 18 years traveling the world as a recording artist, consultant, speaker and writer. He is a co-founder of The And Campaign and founding member of the internationally known hip-hop consortium 116 Clique and record label, Reach Records. Sho served as a visiting professor at Wake Forest University & Warner Pacific University and is currently an editorial director at Christianity Today. Sho is also working with MyBLVD to build a community called "Good Culture". A space that will galvanize cultivators around story, art & ideas. Sho lives in Atlanta, GA with Patreece, his wife of 22 years, and their three children. Sho and Patreece have two boys on the autism spectrum and find themselves as ambassadors and advocates in the Autism community.Sho Baraka (@amishobaraka) • Instagram photos and videoshttps://substack.com/@goodculturehttps://www.shobaraka.com/https://www.youtube.com/shobarakashowhttps://www.facebook.com/shobaraka_Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E9 — Awkward questions about disability happen. Here’s how parents can respond. Carrie Hahn, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and mother, joins Amy Julia Becker to share actionable strategies to:navigate conversations and correct misconceptionsmake disability normal in playhelp kids feel seen and respected without feeling singled out00:00 Intro03:14 Myths About Disability05:33 Talking About Disability in Public09:05 Challenging Assumptions of Incompetence14:32 Making Disability Normal in Play19:08 Turning Conversation Mistakes into Learning23:38 Practical Tools for CaregiversMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Beyond Inclusion: Raising Anti-Ableist Kids by Carrie Hahn_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST: Carrie Hahn is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and mother. She has served children of a variety of ages in a variety of settings and has taken on additional endeavors of interest, such as an autism support group for caregivers, the distribution of a parent education newsletter, and giving talks at conferences for family advocacy groups. She creates and shares content related to disability and neurodivergence on her website and social media and uses her platform to promote education and advocacy. Hahn is the mother of two neurodivergent children, one of whom also has physical disabilities. Her book Beyond Inclusion: Raising Anti-Ableist Kids came out in July of 2024. Carrie’s professional and personal lives have intensified her passion for making a safer and less ableist world.CONNECT with Carrie Hahn on her website (informdisability.com), Facebook (@informspeechandlanguage), and Instagram (@carriecch80)_Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E8 — Asking for help shouldn’t feel impossible. In this episode, Jordan Arogeti, CEO of SupportNow, joins Amy Julia Becker to talk about why asking for help can feel so hard, especially for disability families. They explore how SupportNow offers a simple path toward connection and lasting support.Connect to Community download: A one-page guide to help families experiencing disability map out the connections that matter most within their communities. Get the guide: amyjuliabecker.com/connect-to-community-guide-free-download/00:00 Introduction to Support Now05:11 Barriers to Connection and Asking for Help10:07 How to Ask for Help13:39 Real-Life Examples of Support Now16:21 Understanding Support Languages20:03 Next Steps for Getting ConnectedMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Jordan’s Support Languages TEDxSupportnow.orgSupport Languages quizInstagram: @supportnow_org_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Jordan Arogeti is on a mission to change the way we support friends and families in hard times. As CEO and Co-Founder of SupportNow—a free platform that simplifies giving funds, meals, and time—she’s helped raise over $5 million for families across all 50 states. Her background in tech sales, passion for women in leadership, and personal experience as a mom of three shaped the vision behind SupportNow. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Jordan lives in Atlanta with her husband Scott, and their three kids; Nace (6), Remi (5), and Hayes (2).IG: @supportnow_orgWebsite: Supportnow.org and www.supportlanguages.com_Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E7 — Q+R: How do I take care of myself and avoid burnout? How do I make sure siblings aren't overlooked? Is it okay to grieve? Where can my child build lifelong friendships? How do I stop feeling guilty? In this episode, Amy Julia Becker and Matt Mooney, co-founder of 99 Balloons, respond to your questions. Thank you to our audience for your thoughtful contributions!Chapter List00:00 Introduction04:30 I’m so tired as a parent. How do I avoid burnout?06:13 How do I make sure siblings aren't overlooked?10:35 Is it okay to grieve?17:16 Where can my child build lifelong friendships?23:29 How do I let go of guilt and take the next step?__WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:When Matthew Mooney and his wife Ginny were 30 weeks pregnant, they learned their son Eliot had trisomy 18. Eliot was born eight weeks later and lived for 99 days. The Mooneys founded 99 Balloons, a nonprofit supporting individuals with disabilities locally and globally. Matt now serves on the 99 Balloons Board and lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with Ginny and their three children—Hazel, Anders, and Lena. A writer, speaker, and consultant on disability and inclusion, Matthew is also an attorney and received his PhD in Theological Ethics at Aberdeen University. His work has taken him to Haiti, Mexico, Ukraine, Uganda, India, and beyond.Websites: 99 Balloons :: matthewlylemooney Social: insta __Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E6 — What if one powerful way to advocate for your child is simply to delight in who they are? Author and advocate Heather Avis talks with Amy Julia about learning to find joy in family life, even when the world isn’t built for disability. They explore:Why delight can rewrite the disability narrativeWhat it takes to move from deficit to delightThe ripple effect of delight in our relationships and communitiesHow to lean into love and delight instead of anxiety and fear__UPCOMING Q+R EPISODE: Record your question for our upcoming Question & Response episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/__Reimagining the Good Life episode with John Swinton: amyjuliabecker.com/swinton-disability/__01:44 Advocacy and Family Dynamics04:51 Delight and the Disability Narrative09:54 How to Move from Deficit to Delight13:12 Finding Delight in Family Life19:39 The Ripple Effect of Delight in Relationships23:31 Leaning into Delight and Love Instead of Anxiety and Fear__MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The Lucky FewHeather's new Book, I Like You So Much_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Heather Avis is a New York Times bestselling author, public speaker, podcaster, and a Down syndrome advocate. She is the founder of and chief visionary officer at The Lucky Few, an advocacy organization dedicated to shouting worth, shifting narratives, and reimagining what it looks like when we create spaces of belonging. She lives in Southern California with her husband Josh and three kids, Macyn, Truly, and August and two Goldendoodles, Maeby and George Michael.Website: https://www.heatheravis.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluckyfewofficial/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLuckyFewOfficial/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC99_OFh29y9lVqZyHY2XztwPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917New Book, I Like You So Much: https://www.amazon.com/Like-You-So-Much-Celebrating/dp/0310166594/Photo Credit: © Camilynne Photography_Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E5 — We all long to belong. But for many families experiencing disability, true belonging can feel out of reach. In this episode, researcher and advocate Erik Carter joins Amy Julia Becker to unpack how small steps toward inclusion and belonging can transform entire communities. They explore:How families can foster communities of belongingCommon barriers that block belongingThe benefits for everyone when communities embrace belonging__UPCOMING Q+R EPISODE: Record your question for our upcoming Question & Response episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/__MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:10 Dimensions of BelongingBaylor Center for Disability and FlourishingArticle: "To Build Better Playgrounds, Company Turns to Kids With Disabilities"__WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/__ABOUT OUR GUEST:Erik Carter, Ph.D., is professor and Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities. His research and writing focus on principle-driven and research-based strategies for promoting full participation, relationships, and valued roles for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). He serves as Executive Director of the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing, which aims to promote the thriving of people with disabilities and their families. He joined the Baylor faculty in 2023. http://www.erikwcarter.comWe want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E4 — Overwhelmed by therapies, appointments, and never-ending “to-dos”? Author Jillian Benfield shares practical tools for families experiencing disability—offering parents guidance on setting limits, saying yes to what matters, and finding beauty in everyday life. Jillian and Amy Julia Becker explore:Parenting and caregiving without burning outDeveloping a yes/no filterTurning routines into lasting habitsCreating a clear vision for your familyHonest gratitude as a tool for resilienceUPCOMING Q+R EPISODE: Record your question for our upcoming Question & Response episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/__FREE DOWNLOAD: 30 Next Steps for Parents available at: amyjuliabecker.com/parent-gift/00:00 Introduction04:49 Overwhelmed AND Grateful05:43 The Beauty of the Unexpected07:26 Discerning a Vision for Your Family11:10 Creating a Yes/No Filter16:04 Acknowledgment of Limitations and Possibilities17:15 The Difference Between Routines and Habits20:34 Honest Gratitude23:00 You Don't Have to Do It All__MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Podcast episode: James Clear: Building & Changing Habits (#183 rebroadcast)Jillian's newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5df185a2154bd20026a1b01bJillian’s books: Overwhelmed & Grateful: The Key to Finding God's Goodness in All Life's Ups & Downs and The Gift of the Unexpected: Discovering Who You Were Meant to Be When Life Goes Off Plan_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Jillian Benfield is a former journalist and news anchor. She holds a broadcast journalism degree from the University of Georgia. Her freelance 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 and 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 at JillianBenfield.com._Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E3 — Many of us don't want to ask for help, but what if being needful isn’t weakness but a doorway to connection, friendship, and belonging? Kevan Chandler, coauthor of The Hospitality of Need, shares his personal story with Amy Julia Becker, reflecting on his experiences with spinal muscular atrophy, neediness, and the ways mutual care shapes his life. They explore:What peer-to-peer caregiving looks likeHow disability opens doors to friendshipWays to start supportive friendshipsHow your view of need shapes connectionWhy vulnerability and care are worth the riskConnect to Community download: A one-page guide to help families experiencing disability map out the connections that matter most. With simple prompts, you’ll identify the peers, mentors, experts, and supports—both within the disability community and in your wider circles—that create strength, encouragement, and belonging for your family. Get the guide:amyjuliabecker.com/connect-to-community-guide-free-download/__UPCOMING Q+R EPISODE: Record your question for our upcoming Question & Response episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/__00:00 Introduction 02:15 Kevin Chandler's Story of Disability and Neediness10:51 Peer-to-Peer Caregiving 18:06 Building Relationships and Community23:24 Final Thoughts and Invitations__WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT:KEVAN CHANDLER is the founder of the nonprofit organization We Carry Kevan and speaks worldwide about friendship and disability. He and his wife, Katie, enjoy doing everything together, including growing vegetables and reading to each other.Kevan was the second of his siblings to be diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, type 2, a rare neuromuscular disease. In 2016, he and his friends took a trip across Europe, leaving his wheelchair at home, and his friends carried him for three weeks in a backpack.An avid storyteller, Kevan is an author and speaker worldwide about his friendships and unique life with a disability, being a featured speaker for Tedx and Google, as well as various conferences, pharmaceutical companies, and universities. _Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E2 — What if delight is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child? In this episode, Amy Julia Becker talks with therapist and author Sissy Goff, LPC-MHSP, about how parents—especially those raising children with disabilities—can bring delight into everyday family life. Together, they explore:What gets in the way of delighting in our childrenHow to shift focus from deficits to strengthsWhy a parent’s own sense of being delightful mattersHow honesty about both joy and sorrow helps children build resilienceSimple, practical ways to start delighting in your kids today__UPCOMING Q+R EPISODE: Record your question for our upcoming Question & Response episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/__00:00 Introduction to Delight in Parenting03:04 Understanding Delight and Its Importance06:02 Expressing Delight: Practical Examples09:14 Barriers to Delight: Agenda and Anxiety12:06 Focusing on Strengths Over Deficits15:05 Balancing Delight with Hardship18:09 The Role of Self-Care in Parenting21:09 Practical Steps to Cultivate Delight23:59 Conclusion and Future Conversations__MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Raising Girls by Melissa Trevathan and Sissy GoffHope Heals CampAmy Julia’s Reimagining Family Life with Disability workshop__WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/__ABOUT OUR GUEST:Sissy Goff, M. Ed., LPC-MHSP, is the Executive Director of Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee, where she works alongside her puppy counseling assistant-in-training, Patches the Havanese. Since 1993, she has been helping girls and their parents find confidence in who they are and hope in who God is making them to be. Sissy is a sought-after speaker for parenting events across the country and is a frequent guest on media outlets including NBC News, CNN, Good Morning America, Inside Edition, and Christianity Today. She is the bestselling author of 14 books including her first full-color children’s book, Lucy Learns to be Brave: A Lesson in Courage. She is the co-host of the 11 million+ downloaded podcast, Raising Boys and Girls. A transplanted Razorback who lives in Nashville, you can follow Sissy on Instagram @raisingboysandgirls and @sissygoff and at www.raisingboysandgirls.com.__Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram at @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

E1 — "How could there be a good future in the midst of so much loss?" If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the challenges of disability—or if you know a family walking that road—you won’t want to miss this conversation with Katherine Wolf. She is an author, advocate, and co-founder of Hope Heals. Together, Katherine and Amy Julia Becker explore how families can reimagine disability, build connection, and celebrate life—even when it doesn’t look the way they once imagined.From the dinner table to the slow work of recovery, learn how to find delight in the story you have. Discover:How to experience joy in the process, not just the outcomeDaily habits to cultivate gratitude and delightHow to build a supportive, connected communityWhy purpose and contribution matter for every family_MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Katherine’s books, resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities: hopeheals.com. Luke 14_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Katherine Wolf is an author, advocate, and co-founder of Hope Heals. After she survived a near-fatal brainstem stroke at age 26, her family’s journey through disability has become a public witness that good and hard can co-exist in the same story. Through caregiving, storytelling, and lived theology, Katherine is inviting others into a vision of hope, interdependence, and embodied resilience. She and her husband Jay live in Atlanta with their two sons.Website: www.hopeheals.com Instagram: @hopeheals_Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!

Welcome to Take the Next Step, a weekly podcast for families experiencing disability, offering practical guidance, encouragement, and hope.I’m Amy Julia Becker, writer, speaker, and mom to Penny, my 19-year-old daughter with Down syndrome. Each Wednesday, I’ll bring you short, hope-filled conversations with fellow parents, therapists, and disability advocates. We'll explore how to:Navigate the challenges of disability parentingCreate moments of delight, joy, and connection at homeConnect with a supportive community where your family belongsTake small, doable steps toward a flourishing futureOur first season features Katherine Wolf, stroke survivor and disability advocate; therapist Sissy Goff; researcher Erik Carter; and author Jillian Benfield—plus many more!If you’re a parent feeling overwhelmed, searching for connection, or wondering what comes next, you’re not alone. Your family is a gift. Your child matters. And we need you among us.New episodes every week starting September 17.__WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow us on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear from you. Send us a text!