Jess Quarello and Taryn Lagonigro join the podcast to talk about their organization ELM, formerly known as Extra Lucky Moms. Jess and Taryn catch us up on what they've been up to and the wonderful things ELM has done in the disability community. These two incredible women are extra lucky in many ways. They are parents to beautiful children, entrepr…

Anya Raetsch is a big part of the reason why New Jersey will now be providing NJ students in sixth through 12 grade with free menstrual products. Anya is a menstrual equity activist, who saw a problem and worked hard to find a solution. While attending her local NJ high school, Anya noticed a big need for her school to add FREE menstrual products t…

Ashleigh Frater the Anxiety Coach helping small female business founders and entrepenurs Ashleigh Frater is the anxiety coach you didn’t know you needed. Ashleigh and I talk about her journey becoming a coach and, imposter syndrome, work-life balance and more. Ashleigh is also the host of her own podcast, Free from burnout available on Spotify! Her…

Maryah Greene, a fellow Bank Street College of Education Alum joins me to talk about her debut children's novel Good Things. 🎓 We reminisce about our time and experience at Bank Street and the tools it provided us with to be successful. 🪴 While attending school, Maryah founded Greene Piece; a platform for plant lovers all over the world. Rooted in …

During Pride Month in June of 2023 I came across a segment on Bernie and immediately invited hero not the podcast. Bernie Wagenblast's voice is quite familiar to those of NYC as she voices the subway's "Next Train" announcements. Bernie shares her journey growing up wishing she was a girl, finding her love for news and where she is today. Bernie's …

Sprouting Minds update:After 2 years of running Sprouting Minds I finally took time off. I spent June and July not focusing on certain aspects of podcasting that would interfere with my love of connecting with people and sharing their story with the world. My head is clear and I am ready to dive back in and bring you all new episodes starting Augus…

Erika Joy Sneath is an educator, author and cat mom. Erika chats about her experience as a new teacher and the little things she started to notice that would ultimately affect her teaching career. Erika shares the time she injured her ankle at work and how that left her with chronic pain. Her journey is about overcoming obstacles, understanding tha…

Aaron Machbitz joins me to talk about his journey navigating his understanding and experience with mental health. Aaron is a former WWE wrestler who went by the name Jaxone Stone. After his sister died by suicide, Aaron began noticing how his WWE alter ego juxtaposed his real life personality. Aaron shares his struggles, wins and the tools he uses …

Tyrel Hunt is the author, director and producer of The Sound of Southside. The Sound of Southside is based in Queens, NY where both Tyrel and I are from. He captures the beauty, hardships and obstacles the community faces. Though fictional, the characters and storyline feel real. Tyrel and I talk about how he conceptualized this idea and the obstac…

Amalia Flecksteiner joins the pod to share her journey navigating her moms ALS diagnosis to self published her very own children's book. On Valentine's Day 2019, Amalia Flecksteiner's mom was diagnosed with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells. Though her mom passed less than 2 year…

Use code: VIP23 to get 10% off at ⁠https://www.stealthbrosco.com/⁠ As seen on Shark Tank! I first saw Braxton Fleming on Shark Tank when he was pitching his amazing invention; a Dopp kit bag. This bag was unique in the sense that it was not just for someone transition, but also for anyone going through IVF, diabetes or any other personel matter. Th…

Alessia Maria was living her average life with no experience with anxiety or depression. After being sick with strep like symptoms she started to experience depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety. At just 15 years old her life quickly was turned upside down. After what felt like ages, she was diagnosed with PANDAS disorder: Pediatric Autoimmune …

Jeff Corrigan and Sheldon Mills are the Habit Masters. Jeff, Sheldon and I talk about the identity of self and how we define who we are as humans. We talk about why certain habits don't last and a simple and easy way to approach starting good habits **spoiler alert: their tip does in fact work** Jeff and Sheldon blow my mind when they start talking…

Jeanelle Teves is taking the term boss mom to a whole other level. Jeanelle is a wife and a mom to two young children. She is also the General Manager for Bugaboo's North America and Canadian region. In 2022, Jeanelle gave birth to her son Max and when the preschool I worked for opened up virtual classes, Jeanelle took that opportunity to sign up h…

Join me as I talk to Rick Werry about how one event transformed his life. Rick grew up able-bodied, but one day while working on what was supposed to be his dream home, Rick fell and everything changed. Rick recounts his journey from the moment he found out he was quadriplegic to another life event that started his second life. TW: there is a trigg…

Join Aram and I as we talk about her journey to becoming a children's author and illustrator. Aram's books focus on universal themes while providing proper representation of her South Korean culture. Follow Aram Kim on her social media platforms: website instagram Sprouting Minds is now on YouTube! Follow along HERE…

They don't call him Donofriend for nothing! Donvoan Taylor Hall is an advocate for: youth empowerment, mental health and self growth. He is working to reframe the narrative we have of ourselves and the world we live in. Donovan's goal is to help young adults and children build positive relationships with themselves. Check out Donovan's social media…

Megan Sharp left her 9-5 job to fulfill her passion for working with people living with Intellectual and physical disabilities. Her older sister Jessie, who is living with Angelman Syndrome helped guide her in living in the now. Follow Megan and This Ability Recreation below: Website Instagram

Alnardo and I sit down and chat about anxiety! We focus on social anxiety and the amazing experiences we all have during middle school (that last part was sarcasm). We talk about being adults, young adults and kids and how anxiety effects all ages. Alnardo discusses different signs of anxiety and the different ways we can make it easier for us to n…

This month's featured young adult is Cherie Animashaun is a 17 year old author, leader, and student in Skokie, Illinois. She is committed to making welcoming and vibrant spaces for youth and women around the world. Since establishing her nonprofit, Her Rising Initiative in 2021, she has awarded scholarships, led statewide conferences for hundreds o…

Please note that there is a trigger warning for this episode as Cody Newman shares her personal experiences with anorexia, anxiety and OCD. Cody is raw and vulnerable as she shares the different treatments she has undergone and is currently going through. Cody's article on being a former D1 athlete. International OCD Foundation Sprouting Minds webs…

Whether you are a first year or veteran teacher you know how hard this profession can be. At any job we take the stressors and carry them on our shoulders, but as teachers we are told to suppress our feelings of burning out, growing and stress. We are told to remember our why, but our why is the only thing keeping us going. Not anymore! Caitlin has…

Gary Weitzen is the executive director of POAC: Autism Services. This non-profit helps educate children, teachers, officers and more about the Autism community. Gary is the father to two children one of which has inspired him to work with the Autism community. Christopher is now 28 years old and is sweet, intelligent, is a tv expert and he is livin…

As Sprouting Minds turns 1, please join me for a sprouting update. As the first year closes I want to share my goals for Sprouting Minds, my personal goals and an update on my healing journey. Sprouting Minds:WebsiteInstagramTikTok

When Covid-19 hit Olivia took up golf and quickly noticed that the sport was not accessible for all. She understood the importance of making golf accessible to children and young adults of color. She created Diversify Golf which is located in Evanston/Chicago Land area and is helping to make the sport more accessible, enjoyable and inclusive. Olivi…

At just 15 years old Sir Darius Brown is the CEO and Founder of Beaux and Paws. His mission is to help shelter animals get adopted. **just a reminder whether you adopt or shop make sure to do it responsibly!** Sir Darius Brown's social media:Website Instagram

Alexis Hillyard is the founder and creator of Stump Kitchen; the YouTube series showcasing different gluten free and vegan dishes. Alexis was born with a limb difference and we talk about how and if that effected her confidence and how it has led her to where she it today. Alexis's social media: Stump Kitchen's website Stump Kitchen's YouTube page …

Shea Hammond makes my soccer dreams come true by being this week's guest! Shea is just 20 years old and was officially diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 6 years old. We talk about his love for soccer and how he overcame injuries and physical challenges. Shea is an advocate for CP and is very vocal about making the world more accessible for all. **ma…

Kathy Tojaga is the faculty manager and instructional coach at Pacific Preparatory school. A K-12 school focused on individualized learning and forming a non-traditional learning foundation. With live 1:1 learning Pacific Preparatory is a homeschool and private school. We talk about the impact this form of education has on children, teachers and th…

Meet this mom and daughter duo; Londen and Autumn! Autumn was 11 when she was diagnosed with Juvenile Huntington's Disease. Listen to us chat about how this degenerative disease effects Autumn's body and life. Make sure to follow this duo below to see all the wonderful adventures they go on. Londen and Autumn's social media:TikTokInstagramfor more …

Dorothea Taylor is a mom, grandmother and a rockstar! Joining the Drum Bugle at a young age while there was only one other female didn't intimidate Dorothea! She stuck with the drums and is showing all generations that you should always follow your passion. Check out Dorothea's social media pages to see her rocking out. Dorothea's social media: Ins…

Meet Charity Alyse! Charity is the author of the upcoming book "Other Side of the Tracks," which will debut in November 2022! Charity shares her unfortunate intro to story telling and how her determination and passion got her to where she is today. ALSO a big congratulations to Charity and her engagement! Charity's Social Media:WebsitePreorder her …

Meet Declan Pierce! Declan documented his transition journey from the moment he came out to his parents to the time he decided he needed to find a professional to help with his newly grown in facial hair. He's an advocate and his story and insights are here to help others. Declan'a Social Media: TikTok…

Jenice Watson's youngest son was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 6 months old. She was living in a fog, until one day she went to the park with her husband two kids and their new puppy. Things changed from that moment on. Listen to Jenice's story and then show her non-profit "A Buddy Just Like Me" some support. A Buddy Just Like Me's social platfo…

Tre’ Mutava is a 20 year old musician from Kansas City. Tre’ uses his at home studio to form innovative and creative layered instrumental music combined with beautiful and meaningful lyrics. He's humble. He's kind. He's talented. Make sure to check out Tre's social media platforms below including dates to see him LIVE! Tre's Social Media platforms:…

Meet Jess, the co-founder of Extra Lucky Moms! Jess is a mom to two beautiful girls and an advocate. She works alongside Taryn Lagonigro to create an inclusive space for parents to experience the joy of raising children with developmental variations. Extra Lucky Moms Social Media:WebsiteInstagramEmailJess Quarello's Social Media:WebsiteInstagramTik…

This week's bonus episode is all about me, Andie! The other night I went to my office and sat down with zoom open and my microphone all ready to go and started chatting. I decided it was time to share more about myself and what better place to start then how I went from a teacher to podcaster. I hope you all enjoy the episode :) Sprouting Minds sit…

Meet Markita Staples-Green the author and illustrator of the Curly Crew Books series. Listen to hear how her older daughter influenced her passion for starting this series as well as why we believe diverse books are an important staple in children's libraries. Follow Markita: Website Instagram TikTok Amazon Link…

Meet Brian Simmons! At just 25 years old he started a clothing brand to help spread positivity and mental health awareness. We talk about his determination, work ethic and overall goals for Positive Mental. Positive Mental's social media platforms: Website Instagram TikTok Jed Foundation's platform Website Instagram TikTok…

Danielle Allore-Taylor-Taylor is using her passion to help restore beloved stuffed animals. Her work is more than just sewing the animal's seams together. She tells stories about heartbreak, overcoming obstacles and the true meaning of how a stuffed animal can restore one's heart. Danielle's Social Media: Website TikTok Sprouting Minds blog post: I…

Houston is a 24 year old world traveler and photographer. Houston was born with Down syndrome a genetic variation, which means he was born with an extra chromosome. Houston has used his photography passion to connect with those around him and spread awareness that anyone can do anything if they just try. For more information on Down syndrome: Natio…

Alnardo and I sit down to talk about all things OCD. We all have an idea of what OCD is, but Alnardo from the Child Mind Institute breaks down what OCD is and how it can effect someone's life. Make sure to share this episode with others.Alnardo's profileChild Mind Institute Child Mind Institute Instagram…

Cherish is a Special Education teacher in Illinois. She works hard to bring her own experiences into the classroom and include her students in every step of their education. Cherish's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cherishmsjay?lang=enPor Sprouting Minds

Get to know Yasmin as she shares how she wound up in the field of education. Yasmin owns her own consulting business for parents, teachers, directors and schools. Listen to what experiences have helped shape Yasmin into a mindful and meaningful educator. Special Instructions: a teacher who specializes in guiding, supporting and understanding the co…

When Aidyn was just 9 years old she came out as Trans. Listen to her story of coming out, dealing with adversities and becoming an advocate. Book:This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson https://amzn.to/3JlGXv0Terms:Transgender: people have a gender identity or gender expression that differs from the sex that they were assigned at birth.Gender dysphoria: A …

This week, Noelle joins the pod to share her experience raising a child with Sanfilippo Syndrome as well as being an incredible mom to two other children, a wife and an inspirational figure. For more information on Sanfilippo Syndrome please head to: https://curesanfilippofoundation.orgTo learn more about Logan please follow them on Tik Tok & Insta…

Andie & Annabelle update you on the future of Sprouting Minds!Por Sprouting Minds

In this episode, Andie takes 10 minutes and shares more about how she hopes to connect more with those around her and how she's working on her self!Por Sprouting Minds

Amy joins us to share her birthing experience, which didn’t quite go to plan. Don’t worry, the there’s a happy ending and with Amy’s great storytelling you’ll laugh and enjoy hearing her story.Por Sprouting Minds

In this episode we sit down with mama bear Shawn, mother of two beautiful children. We discusses her journey and experience raising her son with developmental variations while navigating her early childhood years.Por Sprouting Minds