Two Moms and Some Labels

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels we are talking all about new diagnosis. As parents and caregivers of children and adults with disabilities, it can always be hard to learn about or even get a diagnosis for our child(ren). So let's talk about it!

We are back! On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels we are catching back up from our hiatus. Life got the best of me and we had to take a break...Life of a mom with a child with a disability. So let's catch up! Girl, how have YOU been?

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we talk all about home accessibility and how important it is to give our loved ones a sense of independence, while also being sure to keep our own physical health in mind as a caregiver. Randi, OT, and Owner and Founder of Home In Mind helps walk us through the steps to home accessibility! Home In Mind https://www.homeinmindot.com/

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, I sit and talk with Tanya Damanti, Travel Training Coordinator for JTA (Jacksonville Transportation Authority). We talk about the ins and outs of the travel training program available to all, but particularly those with special needs. If you are looking to know more about the travel and transportation resources available in Jacksonville, you do not want to miss this episode! Tanya Damanti 904-630-3181 [email protected] [email protected] www.jtafla.com

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we talk about holistic health and wellness with Sheila Heard, with Victory Beyond Limits. We discuss the importance of mental health, self-care, and being an advocate. We also touch on the gap, or lack thereof in healthcare when it comes to medication and mental health needs being met in certain communities. Take control of your life by starting with your health!

Even though we celebrate and acknowledge significant figures, educators, role models, and change-makers all year....Two Moms and Some Labels is closing out Black History Month with our special guest episode on Thursday! We were able to sit down with Lauren, founder of Black Moms Guide to IEPs, and have such an educated and informational discussion about IEPs, parental rights, and why it is so important for parents of color specifically, to advocate for their children. #blackhistory #blackmoms #moms #educate #educated #rights #iep #academic #school #learn #parents #meet #blackhistorymonth #momsofcolor #community #equality #equal #specialneeds #specialneedsmoms #specialeducation

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we are breaking down a special podcast episode by social media influencers Megan Ashley and Sarah Lovestyles about being a parent of a child with special needs. Dissecting the day to day lessons we are given or have been given from a power that we are not in control of, and how we are able to continue to grow as individuals, and mothers of children with disabilities.

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we are talking all about Adaptive Sports....at least what we know...As well as how us as caregivers try to adapt our schedules and mentally prepare for taking our loved ones to these fun activities. It can be overwhelming and a lot to prepare for, but Two Moms and Some Labels is here to try and help make taking your child out for adaptive sports a little easier by giving our words of advice and personal experiences! Tune in! Adaptive Sports in Jax Field of Dreams Baseball Brooks Adaptive Sports Adaptive Dance Superstars (ballet) There are also a couple of other adaptive baseball organizations Chime in for more adaptive sports suggestions!

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we get to chat with SuperstarSitters.com. Bringing sitter services for children with unique needs with highly qualified individuals, and flexibility for parent's needs with just a click away. As parents of children with unique needs, Two Moms and Some Labels understand the time parents need for a break. Finding reliable and trustworthy care can be so difficult, and SuperStar Sitters is here to make your search just a little bit easier!

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we are bringing in the New Year by making sure that we just "Go with the flow!" Making sure to put mental health and self-care first, and know that it is okay to put "you" first sometimes! Make plans, set goals, this is your year! So listen in for some super tips and suggestions on how to make 2024 the year that you "Go with the Flow!"

Hello Everyone! Make sure to tune in this week on Thursday at 6:30pm for another episode of Two Moms and Some Labels. On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels I had the pleasure of interviewing Mallory, owner and founder of Transitions Behavior Services centralizing out of Middleburg. Transitions Behavior Services is an ABA provider that meets your family's needs where you are! So please be sure to tune in below to find out all about them (audio only)! https://clipchamp.com/watch/sAQaTyjYyb4 Transitions Behavior Services @transitionsbehaviorservicesllc Transitionsbehaviorservices.com [email protected] 904-738-4148

On this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Coach Barry with Bears Behavioral Fitness. Coach Barry is a behavioral therapist bringing inclusive fitness, health, and fun for all abilities to Northeast Florida.

On this episode we talk with Kaitlin Dudziec, mother of a special needs child, an OT, and an advocate for the Down Syndrome Community here in Jacksonville, Fl. Kaitlin shares her journey as a therapist and a mother. Come hear about her story and the changes she is striving to make for our community! Check her out on IG: @downwiththedudz

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we are taking it back to one of our first episodes, and something that we will always encourage and push for our parents and caregivers of children/adults with special needs, and that is mental health! It's Holiday season and you should not feel overwhelmed. Whether you have a family, are a single parent, or a grandparent taking care of a loved one with special needs, you are not alone EVER. Social media can be overwhelming, especially during this time of year, but it can also be helpful. There are tons of special needs support groups available and additional resources. So tune in to find out what's going on in your neighborhood.

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Erika Bush. Dr Bush is creating a nurturing space for mothers caring for a child with cerebral palsy and special needs one day at a time. She shares with us the amazing things that she is doing currently, and most importantly the importance of self-care and how she is able to help mothers maintain optimal health to aide in caring for their child(ren) with special needs. https://www.drerikabush.com/ [email protected] (904) 413-9910 FB: Erika Bush DC IG: dr.erika_b https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5YFCG2K/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=585cfe28-e620-4df0-92c2-95a2aa2aafa0&fbclid=IwAR1KvLt74PDfBxYmUvYaOil4emkpVNW1jShv75x6Y3e7NxJ2jYkvL_Fqd20&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_56R98NRAR69VETYZDC7T

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels we talk with Lori Allen, ST, and Co-Founder of Tribe Rehabilitation. Tribe Rehabilitation has taken a unique and fun approach to therapy. They believe in building a community for families that have children with varying exceptionalities through therapy, community gatherings, and so much more! 2103 Gilmore Street Jacksonville, Florida 32204 [email protected] Phone: (904) 906-3878 Fax: (904) 770-5596 FB/IG: Tribe Rehabilitation

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we sit and talk with The Talking Library. Kathy tells us all about the Library that is dedicated to reaching Floridians who are unable to use standard printed books due to a qualified vision loss, blindness, reading disability or a physical disability with our specialized free services. Florida Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services 421 Platt Street - Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Phone: 386-239-6000 Toll free: 800-226-6075 Fax: 386-239-6069 [email protected]

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we are highlighting another business geared towards supporting our families and children with special needs. Mrs. Karen shares all the details about "A Silent World Deaf Center." A Silent World Deaf Center assists, supports, and advocates for Deaf all over the world! It would have been great to have an interpreter to assist with this episode, but hopefully we can have that available in the future through A Silent World Deaf Center. So if you know anyone that could use these services, please share! [email protected] 904-554-9644 asilentworld.webs.com

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we were able to sit down with Jill Hill, Director of Family Engagement at Partnership for Child Health. Partnership for Child Health develops and implements programs and services to improve the health and wellbeing of all children, families, and youth in Northeast Florida. Jill talks about the PEEP Program she developed to assist and help families that have children with an IEP learn about their rights and how to be an advocate for their child. Jill Hill, CRPS Director of Family Engagement Partnership for Child Health [email protected] Cell (904)376-5983 Website: Partnershipforchildhealth.org Facebook: @ Partnershipforchildhealth @ FamilyEngagementPCH

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, Wendy, owner and advocate, for employment for individuals with disabilities. Wendy owns an employment consulting business that is geared towards helping individuals with disabilities secure employment. Wendy shares her personal and professional years of experience helping individuals prepare and find employment, as an individual with disabilities of her own. Dogwood Disability Consulting Wendy Vance, M.ED CRC [email protected] 800-493-9810 www.dogwooddisability.com

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we talk with Jennifer Nitz, Owner and Founder of Blossom and Grow OT. Jennifer talks about her DMI, or intensive OT program that is drastically helping change the lives of children and their functional skills and abilities daily. Jennifer also explains to us exactly what OT is, and what are some of the signs parents should be looking for that may imply a need for OT. IG: blossom.and.grow.ot bio.site/blossomandgrowot FB: Blossom & Grow OT, LLC [email protected] https://www.blossomandgrowot.com

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, I sit down and talk with Megan Stewart, owner and founder of "Senseable Literacy." Megan talks all things AAC and language and breaks down the purpose of AAC and how it is used to assist children breakthrough communication and language barriers. Make sure you check out her website and pick up her sensory literacy kits! senseableliteracy.com/links IG: senseableliteracy FB: SENSEable Literacy Youtube: SENSEable Literacy https://www.senseableliteracy.com

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we sit and chat with Megan, "The toilet training specialist," all the way from Australia! She breaks down all the hurdles and barriers to toilet training children with special needs, especially our children with Autism. Toilet training should not be a daunting or stressful task, and Megan helps bring some relief to not only parents, but the children as well, by bringing a little fun to toileting. IG: toilet_training_specialist FB: Toilet Training Specialist https://learning-life-autism-centre.teachable.com

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, I had the pleasure of speaking with two women who are advocating and bringing life-long change into the lives of families that have children with disabilities. If you have not heard of the Medwaiver program or you have those questions that you have been wanting to get answers to about the program, this is the episode to watch. Make sure you tune in until the end for a special discount code for assistance with your Medwaiver application! https://www.snggroup.org [email protected] Private FB Parent Group- Florida Medwaiver Parent Support

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, I sit down and chat with the Owners/Founders of Exhale Babysitting Company. Exhale Babysitting Company is bringing a unique and much needed service to Northeast Florida. As a parent in general, we get tapped out and just need a break. As a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs, a lot of times we get tired because we are the 24/7 caregiver, and it can be almost impossible to find a qualified and experienced caregiver to meet our child's medical and/or behavioral needs. And that is what makes Exhale Babysitting Company so different. The owners are Behavioral Analyst, so they get it, they have the experience, and they make sure their staff have the training necessary to handle various family needs. So listen carefully to this episode for a surprise at the end from Exhale Babysitting Company! FB: Exhale Babysitting Company IG: exhalebabysittingco [email protected] https://exhalebabysitting.com

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, I got to sit down and talk with a mother of a child with a disability, a community advocate, and the Vice President/COO of Henderson Haven, Sherri Henderson. I have never met someone so dedicated to putting the needs of children with disabilities, particularly with behavioral needs, at the highest level. At Henderson Haven, they are changing the lives of children with behavioral needs daily. They offer school services, behavioral services, and even a summer camp. Servicing children and adults as well. Sherri breaks down everything that Henderson Haven is doing to make a change in this community and the lives of children and families every day. Contact Info: FB: Henderson Haven, Inc. IG: hendersonhaven 772 Foxridge Center Dr Orange Park, FL 904-264-2522 [email protected] https://www.hendersonhaven.org

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels we highlight a business in the community that is bringing a great resource to Northeast Florida. Jacksonville Neuro and Clinical Psychology Group is a business that does evaluations for different developmental and neuro concerns. We all know about those long waitlists here in Northeast Florida. Listen in to find out more about what evaluations they provide. Jacksonville Neuro and Clinical Psychology Group 904-800-6116 jaxpsychology.com [email protected] 4500 Salisbury Rd, Ste 420 Jax, FL 32216 IG: jclark_jaxpsychology

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, I sit and chat with Ashley Plummer, DPT, and Owner/Founder of Jax Kids Aquatics. We talk about all of the benefits of aquatic physical therapy for children. Not only for the actual physical piece of it, but the therapeutic part that is helping children with disabilities every day. Who doesn't want a change from the clinical setting right?! linktr.ee/jaxkidsaquatics IG: jaxkidsaquatics FB: Jax Kids Aquatics 904-299-3430 [email protected]

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, I talk with Sade Mack, Founder and owner of, My Virtual Elite Assistance, and mother of two wonderful boys. Sade talks about her journey through motherhood, some of the disadvantages she has faced as an African-American mother of a child with a disability, what raising a child with Autism has been like, and how her son has helped push her to fulfill her dreams of entrepreneurship. 904-418-1938 www.myvaelite.com [email protected] FB: MyVaElite IG: myvaelite

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, I talk with Karen Howell, Clinical Director of Soundwaves Music Therapy. She breaks down and explains the what and how of music therapy, the qualifications of a music therapist, and where their services are offered. Did you know this is a free service for Medicaid holders?! There is so much science behind music and she explains how it is helping change the lives from infants to adolescents, but specifically for children with medical complexities. https://www.soundwavemusictherapy.com [email protected] 912-996-5040 6251 Phillips Hwy St 4 Jacksonville, FL

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, Katie Anderson, mother, educator, entrepreneur, advocate, and community leader, talks with us about her journey to finding her purpose. She talks about the hurdles that we as parents and caregivers of special needs children face daily, especially in the public education system, and how she is providing her services to help this community ensure that our children are receiving everything that they are legally required to have and so much more. Limitless Ability Educational Services Katie Anderson 904-613-2602 [email protected] limitless-ability.com Church of 11:22 Nathaniel's Hope Buddy Break https://www.coe22.com/specialneeds/

On this episode we had the pleasure of interviewing Lili, Outreach Coordinator, over at Cultivate Behavioral Health and Education. We have all heard about all the waiting lists and the hurdles that parents and caregivers have to go through to get ABA services for their child or loved one, and Lili breaks the process down for us and gives us a little more insight on the process of beginning ABA services. @cultivatebhe 904-544-5276 https://www.cultivatebhe.com

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels we sit and talk with mother and advocate, Felicia Charbonneau, as she gives us a little insight on a rare diagnosis of ACC that her daughter lives with and is thriving. She gives us education and encouragement on how to continue pushing forward and live beyond the diagnosis. Visit livingwithDCC Check out Felicia on IG!

Finding an inclusive and supportive education or even recreational activity can be very difficult for us parents that have children with disabilities. The summer is approaching quickly and year after year our heads are spinning to find appropriate and inclusive activities for our children to participate in. On this episode we interview Joanne Alicea, CEO of the Northeast Florida sector of Ability Tree, Pastor, and Mother. She has two children of her own with disabilities and discusses everything inclusion and support.

Dating is always a major topic of conversation, from one's likes and dislikes, to adding in children OR not. What about dating an individual that has a child with special needs? Could you handle that? Would you be ready for that responsibility? Would you be able to love that child or children and give your partner the love that they so desire?

On this episode we are interviewing Anna. A local parent of two children with exceptionalities looking to bring a balanced and comprehensive resource to help us parents and caregivers of children with medical needs to navigate this crazy system with as much ease as possible. With that, Anna brings us the Bright Feats resource directory for NE Florida to help connect, strengthen, and empower families with children that have various exceptionalities by bringing the resources to one place. It's all packed into this directory with our special kiddos in mind!

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels we are talking with Thomas LoBianco, Director of Marketing at Tender Care PPEC. He tells us all about what a PPEC is, or also known as a medical daycare is, what the benefits of being at a daycare are, and what services medical daycares provide. On Two Moms and Some Labels we bring this information to our listeners and viewers to let this community of families raising children with special needs know that there is still care available for our children.

Did you know that horses can provide therapy physically and emotionally to children with special needs? Did you know that this can all be covered by insurance? On this episode we talk with speech therapist Katie Cammack, SLP, as she discusses the wonderful things that Horse Play Therapy Center in St. Augustine is doing for children with special needs and the community as a whole, and the benefits of hippotherapy and equine assisted therapy.

On this episode we dive into the very much needed conversation of IEPs. Our featured guest is Meagan Avitable, the owner and founder of "Time to Talk IEP's." She breaks everything down to us, from the initial process to your right as parents.

On this episode of @twomomsandsomelabels2131 our guest @staarfields talks a little bit about her journey raising a child with Autism and how she is still able to "Win" through it all! Listen while she provides resources that she has used to be able to keep winning and push through misconceptions and hurdles!

On this episode I am doing what mother's do, and that is still pushing through it all. As a parent sometimes we have to do what is needed to still get the job done and meet our goals and aspirations. Dr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon shares how we as parents of children with disabilities can pull ourselves from that dark hole that we can so easily get drawn into with all of the stresses and responsibilities that come along with caring for our families. Often times it is so easy to forget about ourselves and how we too need to assure that we are addressing our mental needs as well as goals that we may have set forth before our lives were drastically changed.

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we sit and talk with Calonda Henry, SLP/Founder/Owner of Broad Horizons Speech Therapy here in Jacksonville, FL. We are getting through all the tough questions about what exactly speech therapy is, what is it's purpose, and how important it can be for children especially in their early developmental stages. We are breaking down barriers with this one as we also highlight this Black-owned, women-owned business for Black History Month!

On this episode we dive into music therapy and its benefits for children with disabilities. We answer all your questions about music therapy, why it is so beneficial, how it is different from your ordinary outpatient therapies, and how you can start receiving services in Northeast Florida.

The holidays can be quite tedious and stressful for us parents and caregivers of children with disabilities, but this time of the year is supposed to be happy for everyone with all abilities. On this episode we will talk about the highs and lows of the holidays, gift ideas, and how we accommodate our children and families during this time of the year.

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we talk with an Early Intervention expert with Early Steps Program in Florida. Early intervention is important for all children, but it really hits home for our kiddos with several disabilities. Melanie Provenza, the Family Resource Specialist, will chat with us about the importance of early intervention, what the Early Steps Program is, and what families can expect from the program. Early intervention is important for all children, but it really hits home for our kiddos with several disabilities. 

On this episode of Two Moms and Some Labels, we touch a little bit on ways that we can keep a clear mind and healthy spirit. As a parent or caregiver of a child with a disability, it can be very strenuous and stressful. It often takes a toll on us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. What we don't realize is that it is okay to say I need a break or find a way to care for yourself in order to find that little peace of mind. So we dive a little into inexpensive ways to provide a little TLC to ourselves as special needs parents. 

On Episode 4 we are touching on a very sensitive topic.  We discuss making the difficult choice of placing a child with disabilities into a respite facility.  We dive deep and talk with our special guest Melanie Oates, who is an entrepreneur, business owner of a tech company, a mother of 3, in which two of her children are twins with disabilities. Melanie will talk about how she went about making this life-changing decision, and how it has affected her and her children's lives. 

On today's episode we are going to dive into one of the things that most of us as parents of children with disabilities dread, going to the hospital. We know all too well that just an emergency room visit can turn into an all-day affair, or even a whole entire one-week inpatient stay. Many of us have also experienced premature births, which has been one of, if not the leading cause, of our children's disabilities. So, we want to get down to the core of what we would call, "living" in the hospital.

Two Moms and Some Labels is a platform created for families caring for a child with a disability to come together in a shared space to commune, network, and gain ideas on how to persevere through challenging times. Brittany and Nicole are both parents of children with a disability. On Episode 1, we want you to get to know a little bit about who we are, why we formed this podcast, and how we plan to support and encourage this community of families and caregivers.