The Inclusion Effect

In this episode, I chat with Jaycie right after she got back from the Dear Mom conference in southern California! Jaycie is the mom of a child with Down syndrome, and she got to take a weekend to meet with other disability parents, meet some of our fav influencers in this space, and connect. Listen to us recap, name drop, and talk about her takeaways from the conference.You can find Jaycie on Instagram @mrs.conley_213 at and on Tiktok at @jaycieconleyFollow the podcast on Tiktok, Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook @theinclusioneffect.Podcast art by Sara HastPodcast music by Cameron Cornell

Join me and guest Cameron Cornell as we discuss disability advocacy, the journey of adopting children with complex needs, and the importance of intersectional support and representation in media. Our conversation covers medical challenges, advocacy, and the joys and grief of parenting children with special needs.Find Cameron @letmeflyshow on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok. The GoFundMe for the production of Let Me Fly can be found here: gofundme.com/f/let-me-fly-broadway-recording-for-autism-musical/cl/o?attribution_id=sl:991af33b-d27d-4f5b-b255-e269973db3da&lang=en_US&ts=1772029277&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp17_te&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_linkFollow the podcast on Tiktok, Youtube, Instagram, and Facebook @theinclusioneffectPodcast music by Cameron CornellPodcast artwork by Sara Hast

This week, in honor of Rare Disease Day on February 28, I talked with a good friend and mom of a rare disease warrior, Marissa. Our conversation covers Marissa's journey with her daughter Lavender, who has been diagnosed with a rare disease called ataxia telangiectasia (AT). We delve into the challenges of diagnosis, the emotional impact on the family, the rareness of AT, community support, research efforts, and the complexity of the disease. Follow Marissa on Instagram @thelavender_path, Tiktok @the.lavender.path, and Facebook at The Lavender Path.www.atcp.orgFollow the podcast on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, and Youtube @theinclusioneffect.Podcast art by Sara HastPodcast music by Cameron Cornell

In this episode, I talk Ashley from Virgo Designs about the challenges and triumphs of disability advocacy, focusing on Ashley's personal journey with her son who has cerebral palsy. We dive into the importance of centering achild's needs in education, the impact of legislation on disability rights, and the role of community support. Find Ashley on Instagram at @virgo.design.atxFollow the podcast on Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube, and Facebook at @theinclusioneffectPodcast art by Sara HastPodcast intro music by Cameron Cornell

This week I talked with Sarah Robinson about the the experience of receiving a birth diagnosis of twins with Down syndrome, the dual diagnoses of Down syndrome and autism, the implementation of the Buddy Club respite program, and the creation of an inclusive church community. Follow Sarah on Instagram and Tiktok @down.with.the.robinsons, and follow the Buddy Club on Instagram and Facebook @buddyclubrespiteFollow the podcast on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook @theinclusioneffectIntro song produced and recorded by Cameron CornellPodcast art by Sara Hast

In this episode, I talk with Mash Makhlyagina about the complexities of disability advocacy, the current landscape of education, and the challenges faced by parents of children with disabilities. We explore the importance of representation, the impact of social media, and the systemic issues that affect disabled individuals and their families. Mash shares insights from their extensive experience in special education and advocacy, emphasizing the need for community support and the importance of understanding disability as a political identity. The conversation also touches on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on education and the necessity for parents to be confident advocates for their children.You can find Mash @neurosupports on all social media.Follow the podcast @theinclusioneffect on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook.Podcast art by Sara Hast.

In this episode of The Inclusion Effect, Anna speaks with Nic Flores about his journey as a father of a neurodivergent child and the importance of disability advocacy. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of navigating the diagnosis journey, the impact of parenting on relationships, and the role of fathers in the disability community. Nic shares insights on creating inclusive spaces through his brand, Hi-Fi Friends, and emphasizes the importance of intentional parenting and open communication about differences with children.You can find Nic on instagram @hifi.friendsYou can find the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok @theinclusioneffectPodcast logo by Sara Hast

In this episode, Anna talks with Kris, the founder of Advocates Empowered, a company that helps other companies be more inclusive from the inside out. They discuss the ways that advocacy is intersectional across all aspects of life, how inclusivity benefits every single person, and how our different backgrounds color our experiences and how we perceive things. Learn more about Advocates Empowered at https://www.advocatesempowered.com/Find Kris at https://www.keepingupwithkris.com/ and on Instagram @keepingupwithkris_Follow the podcast on Tiktok, Instagram, and Facebook @theinclusioneffectPodcast art by Sara Hast.

In this episode of The Inclusion Effect, Anna speaks with Jade Adkins, founder of The Special Education Navigator, about the complexities of disability advocacy and navigating the special education system. Jade shares her experiences as a former special education teacher and the challenges parents face when dealing with IEPs. Follow Jade on Tiktok @spednavigator and Instagram @thespednavigator,, check out her website at specialeducationnavigator.com, get The Special Education Navigator IEP Power Pack at specialeducationnavigator.com/iepnavigatorpack, and email her at [email protected] the podcast @theinclusioneffect on Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook.Podcast logo by Sara HastKeywords: disability advocacy, special education, IEP, inclusion, parental rights, education, communication, advocacy services, parenting, special needs

I spoke with Jaycie Conley about our advocacy journeys, the legal battles she faced for educational rights, and the importance of community support!Find Jaycie on Instagram @mrs.conley_213 and Tiktok @jaycieconley.Logo by Sara Hast

In this episode, I talk with Stephanie about her journey as a disability advocate and mother of a child with Down syndrome. We discuss the challenges of navigating a world that isn't always accommodating to the disability community, the emotional rollercoaster of prenatal diagnosis, and the importance of community support. Stephanie shares her experiences with mental health, the impact of COVID on parenting, and the dynamics between her two sons. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care, the societal pressures faced by parents, and the current state of disability support in Texas.Find Stephanie on Facebook as Stephanie Ann! Follow the podcast @theinclusioneffect on all social media and leave us 5 stars.Logo by Sara Hast

I spoke with Savannah, mom of Nayah, a 3 year old who has Down syndrome, all about being a first time parent, going through open heart surgery, and how she applies her background in sociology to advocating and combatting ableism. Follow Savannah on Facebook and Tiktok at @savannahamaroPodcast art by Sara Hast

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness month, I'm sharing a solo bonus episode! I share our diagnosis story of finding out that our child will have Down syndrome all the way up until her cardiac arrest and her health complications started happening. I also share some exciting news - we're adopting!The Inclusion Effect can be found on Tiktok, Instagram, and Facebook @theinclusioneffectFollow the podcast, share it with an advocate, and rate and leave a review!Adoption Fundraising Link: https://www.letsfund.us/s/w32xhby?lLogo by Sara Hast

I had the pleasure of speaking with Shatanese Reese, a speaker, coach, author, and parent to 6, including her youngest who has Down syndrome. Shatanese and I talk advocacy, emotional intelligence, finding community, and parenting! Follow Shatanese on Instagram and Facebook at @shatanesereese, and at her website https://shatanesereese.com/Podcast art by Sara Hast

This week I talked with Matthew Schwab, a business owner, self advocate, public speaker, and actor who also has Down Syndrome. You can find Matthew on Instagram and Facebook at @matthewschwabspeaks and at his website https://matthewschwabspeaks.com/

This week I talked with Misty Coy Snyder, the creator behind Happiness is Down Syndrome, Creative Director at Rods Heroes, advocate, and mom to Clay and Jed. Misty shares about her professional advocacy, how she got to where she is now, and how she advocates for Jed in their day to day lives.You can find Misty on Instagram and Facebook at @mistycoysnyder and @happinessisdownsyndrome. Look out for her book coming out in August 2026, and follow @rodsheroes to keep up with her professional advocacv.

This week is the second half of my conversation with Tiffany, an amazing mother, architect, friend, and also the mother of twins born with Down Syndrome. This week we talk about leaving the NICU, dealing with grief and joy at the same time, finding a community within the Down Syndrome world, and navigating the PICU and medical complexities.

This week I spoke with Tiffany, an amazing mother, architect, friend, and also the mother of twins born with Down Syndrome. This week we talk about the pregnancy journey, the NICU, the loss of her daughter Elizabeth, and how Catherine fought and left the NICU. Next week we'll finish our conversation with Tiffany!

Join me as I chat with Saprina about parenting in the NICU, finding out she was pregnant again after loss, cerebral palsy and what that diagnosis was like, and turning pain into purpose.Find Saprina on tiktok and instagram @myreyahsunshinehtx and @superspecialmamas. Follow the pod on instagram and tiktok @theinclusioneffect and on tiktok @uplifeofaddy.

Hey advocates, welcome to the very first episode of The Inclusion Effect! In this episode, I just give a quick rundown about myself and my family, and talk about what I'd like to see this podcast grow into. Thanks for building this community with me!