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The Plan for Special Needs Trusts

by PLAN MA-RI

This informative podcast will delve into the world of Special Needs Trusts from the eye of a nonprofit 501©(3) Professional Trustee, the Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of MA & RI.

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Episodes

  1. Becky Jackson Curran, Inclusion Advocate

    Becky Jackson Curran is a respected disability inclusion advocate, professional speaker, and media consultant with a passion for advancing authentic representation of people with disabilities in the media and society. Born with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, Becky has spent her...

  2. Taffy Nothnagle-Special Olympics MA Hall of Fame Inductee and Champion of Inclusion

    Taffy Nothnagle is known for her lifelong commitment to inclusion, community building, and opportunity for people with developmental disabilities. In May 2026, Taffy was featured in Raising Us, a documentary about a group of mothers that fought for the right to public education, and built…

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  3. John Cronin and Mark Cronin Co-Founder’s of John’s Crazy Socks

    Not liking the choices he faced, John turned to his father and said, “I want to go into business with you.” John had worked with Mark before and he thought the best way to find a job he would love was to create one. To Mark, this seemed like a great plan. The two would-be partners needed to come…

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  4. Kara Falcone, State Director, Best Buddies MA & RI Featuring Eleanor Jones From PLAN of MA & RI

    PLAN of MA & RI is proud to partner with Best Buddies in Massachusetts & Rhode Island. Our work together promotes inclusion and offers support for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). PLAN of MA & RI is thrilled to celebrate Eleanor Jones who joined our team, from…

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  5. Elizabeth Sandblom Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of the South Shore

    Elizabeth (Liz) Sandblom is the Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of the South Shore. With a career spanning more than three decades, Elizabeth brings extensive experience and passion to […] The post Elizabeth Sandblom Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of the South Shore appeared first on PLAN…

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  6. Margaret Hogan, Chief Executive Officer at Boston Senior Home Care

    Margaret (Meg) Hogan currently serves as Chief Executive Officer at Boston Senior Home Care. Before joining the agency in 2017, Meg was Vice President of External Relations for Home Health Foundation, which included Home Health VNA, Merrimack Valley Hospice, and Home Care, Inc., one of the…

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  7. James Day Keith-Advocate for Inclusion

    James Day Keith is a multi-sport Special Olympics athlete, actor, and passionate advocate for inclusion who starred in the movie Champions. He promotes friendship, acceptance, and belonging for people of all abilities, shares his story with schools and organizations, and serves as an ambassador…

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  8. Bob Scannell, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester (with Mary Kinsella Scannell and Erin Ferrara)

    Bob Scannell has been the leader of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester (BGCD) for the past 38 years. BGCD serves over 4,000 youth each year and have over 202 programs and activities. Their mission is to always welcome and connect young people and families to opportunities that embrace...

  9. Maura Sullivan Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Massachusetts

    Maura Sullivan, MPA is the new Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Massachusetts. In a historic moment, Maura becomes the first parent of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to lead The Arc since its first Director, Pearl Birnbaum Hurwitz, in 1954. Maura Sullivan has...

  10. Jonathan Gardner Self-Advocate & Motivational Speaker

    Jonathan Gardner is a dedicated advocate for disability rights at both the state and national levels. A homeschool graduate, cancer survivor, and individual who happens to have Autism, Jonathan serves as an Official Ambassador for Operation House Call through the Arc of Massachusetts, a Flutie...

  11. Dr. Moses Dixon President & CEO of Senior Connection

    Dr. Moses S. Dixon, PhD, is a leading practitioner in Global Health and Social Medicine with a comprehensive background in the non-profit and governmental sectors locally and nationally. He has served as the President & CEO of Senior Connection, formerly the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging,...

  12. Representative Sean Garballey

    Representative Sean Garballey is a champion of inclusion. PLAN of MA & RI partner, Special Olympics Massachusetts, recently awarded the Jack Brett award to Rep. Garballey for his work on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Special Olympics is very very important to...

  13. Rob Wrubel-Father and Financial Planner

    Rob Wrubel has had an amazing journey to get to where he is. He talks about following his purpose and passion on his life’s journey. He is the father of a special needs daughter. Rob uses his knowledge to help special needs families by serving as their financial advisor and by speaking to…

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  14. Senator Patrick O’Connor

    Senator O’Connor’s legislative platform aligns with the mission of PLAN, as he has been consistently working throughout his time in the State Senate to serve those with disabilities in helping […] The post Senator Patrick O’Connor appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

  15. Zach Smith National Football League (NFL), New York City

    Before becoming involved with Best Buddies, Zach was not very socially active and did not participate in many extracurricular activities. After joining his high school Best Buddies chapter during freshman year, that all changed. Zach made tons of friends, went to parties, and even was named the...

  16. President and CEO of Road To Responsibility, Inc. Christopher T. White, Ed.D.

    Dr. White was named President and Chief Executive Officer for Road To Responsibility, Inc. (RTR) in September 2008. He has been active in the field of human services since 1980. Under his experienced leadership, RTR has grown more than 30% between 2008 and 2015 and continues to be recognized as…

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  17. Disability Advocate & New England Council CEO Jim Brett

    Mr. Brett has been a lifelong champion for people with disabilities. In May 2022, President Joe Biden appointed him to serve as the Chair of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID) and reappointed him as Chairman in 2023. He previously served on PCPID under...

  18. Meet Cindy Haddad

    Cynthia Haddad is a Certified Financial Planner Professional and a Chartered Special Needs Consultant. She is a founding partner and wealth advisor at Affinia Financial Group in Burlington, MA. As a financial professional and sister and advocate for her brother Ron, who has developmental...

  19. Collettey’s Cookies: Special Cookies from a Special Girl

    In this episode, we hear from Collette Divitto, the founder of the nationally recognized baking business Collettey’s Cookies, as well as her mother Rosemary Alfredo. Collette, who was born in 1990 with Down syndrome, developed her passion for baking while taking classes in high school in her...

  20. The Arc of Massachusetts: History and Dialogue in the Disability Advocacy Movement – with Leo Sarkissian

    In this episode, we hear from Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director of the Arc of Massachusetts, as he discusses the history and present of the organization, as well as the state of advocacy and care for people living with intellectual and physical disabilities in the Commonwealth. PLAN actually…

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  21. Northeast Arc: Individual Abilities and Community Connections – with Craig Welton

    In this episode, hear from Craig Welton, Chief Development Officer at Northeast Arc, as he discusses how Northeast Arc fulfills their tagline: “Changing lives. Discovering abilities.” The supports offered by Northeast Arc, from independent living skills to job programs, seek to meet each...

  22. Elder Law in Rhode Island – with Attorney Elizabeth Phillips

    In this episode, hear from Elder Law Attorney, Elizabeth Phillips, as she discusses herself and her Rhode Island-based practice, Hackman & Phillips Elder Law Rhode Island LLC. Listen as she highlights Elder Law, Special Needs Trusts, her relationship with PLAN of MA & RI, and more. Learn more…

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  23. Becoming Best Buddies – with Anthony Kennedy Shriver

    In this episode, hear from special guest Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that strives to end the social, physical, and economic isolation of the millions of people around the world with intellectual and developmental...

  24. Finding Possibility, Opportunity, and Hope at Cardinal Cushing Centers

    In this episode, hear from Michelle Markowitz, President and CEO of Cardinal Cushing Centers, as she discusses how the organization’s variety of programs embodies its vision of being a caring intergenerational community where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live full...

  25. Empowering Individuals and Building Community at Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) – with Brenda Dater

    In this episode, hear from Brenda Dater, Executive Director at Asperger/Autism Network (also known as AANE). Listen as she discusses how this nonprofit organization helps people with Asperger’s or similar autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles to build meaningful, connected lives through their...

  26. Building a Better Relationship with Money – with Tom Alessi and Craig Richardson of the ARIES Foundation

    In this episode, hear from Tom Alessi and Craig Richardson, founders of the ARIES Foundation for Financial Education. Hear how this nonprofit organization helps to educate people on how to have a better relationship with their money. They also highlight their relationship with PLAN of MA & RI…

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  27. Overcoming Obstacles at the Carroll Center for the Blind– with Greg Donnelly

    In this episode, hear from Greg Donnelly, President and CEO of the Carroll Center for the Blind, as he discusses how the organization achieves its mission of empowering those who are blind and visually impaired to achieve independence and lead a fulfilling life. He also highlights how their…

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  28. Special Olympics Massachusetts: The Power of Inclusive Sports

    In this episode, hear from Mary Beth McMahon, President and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts, as she highlights just how special this organization is. Special Olympics Massachusetts strives to spread inclusion through year-round sports training and competition while changing the way the…

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  29. Inclusion Lives at Best Buddies of MA & RI – with Patrick Shaughnessy

    In this episode, hear from Patrick Shaughnessy, State Director of Best Buddies of MA & RI, as he discusses the mission of this 501(c)3 organization: to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for friendship, jobs, leadership development, and inclusive living for…

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  30. Northeast Arc’s Innovative Approach to Disability Services — with Jo Ann Simons

    In this episode, hear from Jo Ann Simons, President and CEO of Northeast Arc, as she discusses the organization and how it reflects its mission of helping individuals with disabilities to achieve their most independent lives. Tune in as she highlights how the organization is benefiting their...

  31. Establishing a Special Needs Trust – with Michelle LaPointe

    In this episode, hear from Elder-Law Attorney, Michelle Lapointe, as she discusses special needs trusts and her relationship with PLAN. She highlights how to set up a special needs trust, […] The post Establishing a Special Needs Trust – with Michelle LaPointe appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

  32. The Importance of Service Coordinators – with Kathy Vitello

    In this episode, hear from Kathy Vitello, the Director of Operations at PLAN of MA & RI and Licensed Social Worker. Tune in as she discusses the importance of the […] The post The Importance of Service Coordinators – with Kathy Vitello appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

  33. Who is PLAN of MA & RI? – with Joan McGrath

    In this episode, hear from Joan McGrath, the Executive Director at PLAN of MA & RI. Listen as she discusses PLAN and its history, what PLAN does as a Professional […] The post Who is PLAN of MA & RI? – with Joan McGrath appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

  34. The PLAN for Special Needs Trusts -Trailer

    This informative podcast will delve into the world of Special Needs Trusts from the eye of a nonprofit 501©(3) Professional Trustee, the Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of MA & RI. It will discuss what special needs trusts are, the different types of trusts, how to set a trust up with PLAN…

    more

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

This informative podcast will delve into the world of Special Needs Trusts from the eye of a nonprofit 501©(3) Professional Trustee, the Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of MA & RI.

HOSTED BY

PLAN MA-RI

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Plan for Special Needs Trusts have?

The Plan for Special Needs Trusts currently has 37 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Plan for Special Needs Trusts about?

This informative podcast will delve into the world of Special Needs Trusts from the eye of a nonprofit 501©(3) Professional Trustee, the Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of MA & RI.

How often does The Plan for Special Needs Trusts release new episodes?

The Plan for Special Needs Trusts has 37 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Plan for Special Needs Trusts?

You can listen to The Plan for Special Needs Trusts on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Plan for Special Needs Trusts?

The Plan for Special Needs Trusts is created and hosted by PLAN MA-RI.
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