In today's episode, we chat with Leo Cuello, J.D., a Research Professor at the Center for Children and Families in the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. Leo helps us understand what Medicaid is and the roles it performs as the U.S. largest health coverage program. Timeline of the conversation: 2:00 What is Medicaid is genera…

Jessica Awsumb and Hilary Travers are co-leads at Transition Tennessee Timeline: 2:15 Introduction 3:15 Hilary's work at Perkins School of the Blind and what led her to Vanderbilt and transitional planning 5:00 Jessica's pathway to transitional training and employment for students with IDD. 8:13 How do we prepare for transitions (legal and evidence…

I am excited to introduce you to Abby McCage, who will be one of our presenters at the upcoming Resource Ability Employment Expo to be held on May 7 at the Lannom Center in Dyersburg, TN, from 9- noon. Hello, my name is Abby McCage, and I am a young woman with a disability who is passionate about advocating for accessibility, inclusion, and equal o…

In this episode, I chat with Emily Moscoe about Catalyst Sports. Timeline: 1:30 Introduction to Emily Moscoe and her involvement with Catalyst Sports 3:34 Gol Ball 5:00 Catalyst Sports origin story 8:40 What does adaptive hiking/camping look like Freedom Chair 12:00 Overview of Catalyst Sports Programs 14: 00 Great Smoky Mountains Bike Program 14: …

Marsh Naidoo welcomes self-advocate Peach Chinratanalab and Milton Neuenschwande from the Department of Disability and Aging for an engaging discussion on the transformative power of technology in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Peach, a dedicated co-trainer at My Tech for All, shares her experiences and insights on enabling technology …

In Episode 136 of Raising Kellan, Marsh Naidoo sits down with Lindsey Lind from East Tennessee to discuss their shared experiences in the Partners in PolicyMaking program, a leadership initiative by the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities. Lindsey, a dedicated mother of three, shares her journey navigating the complexities of disability…

Maribeth Watson talks about Partners in PolicyMaking, Morningstar Ministries in Sweetwater TN, and proposed Medicaid budget cuts in 2025 #Protectmedicaid Timeline: 2:00 Introduction 3:00 Maribeth Watson's backstory 4:00 Morningstar Ministries 8:30 Assessing the needs of your community 11: 00 Respite Resources: J⁠oni and Friends⁠ and A Mother's Rest…

In Episode 134 of Raising Kellan, Marsh Naidoo engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tamara Tuckson, a passionate disability advocate and co-author of the book ⁠McKenzie Can Talk⁠. Tamara shares her journey as a mother to McKenzie, who was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, and how that diagnosis ignited her advocacy work to eventually found⁠ Mission…

In this episode, Anna Fields discusses her journey from a homeschooled upbringing to creating an inclusive workplace that champions individuals with disabilities. Learn about her experiences working with children in China, her challenges when starting Bubble Love, and how she found innovative ways to integrate employees with disabilities into her b…

Plant for a Change is a for-profit social enterprise based in Nashville, Tennessee, aiming to create an inclusive and accessible conservation workforce. The company sells native plant seeds and provides employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Timeline of our conversation: 1:44 Introducing Nathan Fi…

The Future City Health & Wellness Fair was a resounding success! Coming up next is a similar event at Bruce Community Center on Jan 25, 2025, from 1-3 pm. In this episode, I chat with Lisa Vinson about the work done by the Lions Club and the revitalized Dyersburg Lions Club which is actively recruiting members. For more information contact Mark Can…

A wheelchair basketball clinic is to be held in Charleston, South Carolina on January 11, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Charleston Baptist Church. The clinic is open to individuals aged 5-17 with physical disabilities, but the organizers encourage anyone interested in the sport or supporting the community to attend. The goal of the clinic i…

Welcome to the latest episode of Raising Kellan, where host Marsh Naidoo chats with Victor Mclin, the dynamic director of Bruce Community Center in Dyersburg, Tennessee. As we wrap up 2024 and look forward to a promising new year, Marsh and Victor discuss the upcoming community health screenings scheduled for January 4th at Future City Rec Center a…

In episode 128 of Raising Kellan, host Marsh Naidoo continues the enlightening conversation with Kristen Evans, co-author of "How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities." This episode serves as part two of the discussion, following Todd Evans' insights in part one. Kristen, a licensed master social worker, shares he…

In this episode of Raising Kellan, host Marsh Naidoo engages in an enlightening conversation with Todd Evans, co-author of the book "How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Your Children with Disabilities." Todd shares his journey with his wife Kristen, from their initial meeting in college to navigating the complexities of raising childre…

In episode 126 of Raising Kellan, host Marsh Naidoo welcomes DinaLynn Rosenbush, a parenting coach, speaker, and experienced speech and language pathologist, to discuss the intricacies of communication in children, particularly in the presence of speech delays. Dinalynn, who hosts the acclaimed Language of Play podcast, shares her insights on how p…

In episode 125 of the Raising Kellan Podcast, host Marsh Naidoo welcomes Vanessa Naidoo, a pediatric occupational therapist from Hernando, Mississippi, to share her curated Christmas gift list for children with disabilities. Vanessa's list is filled with creative and thoughtful ideas that promote independence, skill development, and fun for kids of…

Marsh Naidoo chats with Brandon Scarmardo, a Manager at Mental Health and Development Services in Jackson, Tennessee, about the MAPS program. This innovative three-year pilot initiative, facilitated by the Department of Disability and Aging (DDA), is designed to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by equipping them …

Woody Tatman is an occupational therapist and a certified driving rehabilitation specialist with West Tennessee Healthcare. He evaluates individuals, including those with disabilities, the elderly, and those with cognitive or physical impairments, to determine their ability to drive safely. He can recommend vehicle modifications and provide trainin…

In this insightful episode of Raising Kellan, host Marsh Naidoo sits down with Don Tate and Kim Shofinski from the Tennessee State Parks to discuss the incredible strides being made toward accessibility and inclusivity in outdoor recreation. As the Fall unfolds in Tennessee, there's no better time to explore the state's natural beauty, and the Tenn…

In this episode of Raising Kellan, host Marsh Naidoo reconnects with Dana Kramer to discuss an essential topic for families raising children with disabilities: home accessibility. Dana, a long-time friend and recurring guest, shares her recent experience remodeling her home to better accommodate her son Levi, who has cerebral palsy. The conversatio…

Mia Fox DPT, is a yoga teacher, physical therapist, and rock climber. Mia talks about how she got started in rock climbing and the therapeutic benefits it provides. The conversation then shifts to discussing ⁠Memphis Rox⁠, a rock climbing community, and the adaptive climbing program they offer through the ⁠Adaptive Climbing Group.⁠ Mia explains tha…

Join host Marsh Naidoo in this episode of Raising Kellan as she talks with Dennis Anderson, CEO of Anderson Consulting. Dennis shares his expertise on digital accessibility and safety, providing valuable insights for parents navigating the digital world.00:00 Introduction01:30 Dennis Anderson's background05:00 Business IT services and government co…

In this episode of Raising Kellan, host Marsh Naidoo sits down with Jeff Strand from the Tennessee Disability Coalition to delve into the significant legislative changes in 2024 and what's on the horizon for 2025. Jeff provides an insightful update on key bills, including the successful passage of the TCA cleanup bill, the impactful Right to Repair…

In this enlightening episode of Raising Kellan, host Marsh Naidoo is joined by Rev Dr. Felicia Ingram, the newly appointed pastor at Salters Chapel AME Church in Dyersburg, TN. Felicia is a native of Dyersburg and a graduate of Dyersburg High School. She highlights her plans for engaging the youth and fostering a supportive community. Don't miss ou…

In early May 2024, our Dyersburg First United Methodist Church church family went on a camp retreat to Camp NaCoMe in Centerville, Tennessee. In this episode, Kellan journals his time at Camp as he builds his capacity to tell his story. Enjoy! Other links: https://youtu.be/yWNwOpg_qbA?si=gqPGtHI4V9vqzNBO…

Welcome to episode 115 of Raising Kellan, where we delve into the harmonious world of music therapy. Our guest is Martha Summa Chadwick, a virtuoso pianist, music educator, and advocate for the transformative power of music therapy. Join us as we explore the neural symphony of music's impact on the brain and how it can be a powerful therapeutic too…

In today's episode 114, Carolyn Kiel from Beyond Six Seconds Podcast joins us. Carolyn talks to neurodivergent entrepreneurs, creators, advocates, and more about their lives and identities, their stories, shatters misconceptions, breaks stigma, and showcases the vibrance of neurodiversity. As always, remember, the content on this podcast is for you…

Thank you for joining us on Raising Kellan, a podcast to empower parents raising children with disabilities. Kellan is starting to build his breath control and confidence on the mike! You will be hearing from him more as he begins to tell his own story! Today's episode is dedicated to the memory of Steven Harrell…

Levi, Drake and Kellan chat on their annual meetup to honor CP Awareness Day. Timeline: 2:52 Drake's new job at Dyersburg State Community College 3:37 Kellan's first podcast! 4:21 Levi's 7th Grade will be at High School! 5:16 Drake's upcoming engagement 5:52 Levi's Trip to Gatlinburg 7:17 Levi's therapy 9:11 Kellans' classes 10:03 Levi's favorite s…

Jeff Strand Coordinator of Government and External Affairs from the Tennessee Disability Coalition will discuss the Priority Bills for Part 2/2 of the 113th Tennessee General Assembly. Here is a link to what we discussed last year (2023) on Episode 78 TDC Priority Bills for 2024 1) TennCare for Working Adults, where persons with disabilities can po…

In this podcast episode, Leanne Pirece from Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) talks about this unique program through the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Pre-ETS is a program that helps students between the ages of 14 and 22 with disabilities prepare for life after high school. The program offers services such as career counselin…

In this episode of the Raising Kellan podcast host Marsh Naidoo interviews Jennifer Cunningham, Vice President of Client Services at the Star Center in Jackson, Tennessee. They discuss assistive technology services such as pencil grips, screen readers, and augmentative communication devices for those who cannot speak. The Star Center provides visio…

Host Marsh Naidoo interviews Dr. Jennifer Graves, the president of the Star Center in Jackson, Tennessee. Dr. Graves discusses her connection to disabilities and her passion for helping individuals with differing abilities. She explains how the Star Center was founded by Margaret and Chuck Doumitt who wanted to provide services for their children w…

In this podcast episode, the host, Marsh Naidoo, interviews Kim Larrick about their experience at Hope Heals Camp. Kim shares that her son, Ben, has a rare genetic condition called Menkes disease, which affects his mobility and other aspects of his health. Her daughter, Kelsey, has cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Kim and her family learned about Hope …

In this podcast episode, Marsh Naidoo interviews Kali Decker, a pediatric physical therapist who recently went on a mission trip to Uganda. Kali discusses her journey to becoming a pediatric physical therapist and the need for specialized care for children with disabilities. She also talks about the equipment drive being organized to collect pediat…

Today we chatted with Ashley Roberts, MRC, CRC vocational rehabilitation field supervisor here in NortWest TN. Timeline: 3:27 What is vocational rehabilitation (VR)? 3:54 Who does VR service and what services does it cover? 4:16 How can parents get connected with VR? 5:47 Is VR part of school and when do you enroll for services? 11:58 Does VR invol…

Drake Box and Marsh Naidoo recap the highlights of 2023, including our first-ever "Day At The Lake" live event held in Dyersburg TN on August 26, 2023. Savannah Pham has contributed a blog of the podcast highlights titled: Navigating Possibilities: A Year of the Raising Kellan Podcast, 2023. (Link to blog) We are enthusiastic about 2024. Here is a …

Melanie Westmoreland's Top 10 Christmas Kid's Gift List Melanie shares the therapy and fun-focused toys that she has discovered for her children. Here are her Top 10 suggestions: 1) Magna-Tiles 2) Bubble Puzzles 3) Kinetic Sand 4) Weighted Stuff Animals 5) Sensory Swings 6) Bubble Lamp 7) Yoto Audio player 8) Osmo Kit for Tablet 9) Amazon Fire Tabl…

In this episode of the Raising Kellan podcast, host Marsh Naidoo interviews Jordan Collins, the Associate Director at Our Place Nashville, an organization that provides housing solutions for individuals with disabilities in the Nashville area. Jordan shares his personal journey and how he became involved with Our Place. He explains that the organiz…

In this podcast episode, Naveh Eldar, host of The Landscape Podcast chats about his experience with Disability First Employment and the Project Search program. He highlights the importance of disability inclusion in the workplace and the progress that has been made in raising awareness and promoting employment opportunities for individuals with dis…

In today's episode, I chat with co-leaders Ashley Parks and Ginna Rauls who tell us the backstory of Joy Life 901 and the Memphis Disability Network! We discuss the origin story and programs such as the Breakfast Club, fitness programs, and the Memphis Joy Prom. They emphasize the importance of community and connection for parents and individuals w…

In today's episode of the Raising Kellan podcast, Marsh interviews Lori Green, the Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Memphis and the Mid-South. Their mission is to empower and advocate for individuals with Down syndrome. Lori also talks about the various programs and services they offer, such as self-advocate classes, tutoring,…

In episode #98 of the Raising Kellan podcast, host Marsh Naidoo is joined by Professor Alex Capps who was interviewed on Episode #92, and four students from the Fab Lab at the Wond’ry Vanderbilt's Center of Innovation. They discuss their work in adaptive fashion and the impact it has on the disability community and beyond. The students share their …

Houston High School in Germantown Tennessee is on fire!!! They host a transition school-to-work program and today I chat with Catherine Sadler and O'Malley two incredible teachers who lead the program together with Mr Brian. Timeline 01:29 Memphis Disability Network 02:27 Introductions 04:09 What is the backstory of the transition program at Housto…

Today we are going to chat about the Eagle Access Program, a post-secondary program for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. We are joined by: Dr. Brigham Scallion, who is a co-founder of the program, as well as the Northwest Representative of the Tennessee Council for Developmental Disabilities; Dr. Jimmy Barham, who is the D…

Today we are joined by Rob Wrubel, CFP® AIF® AEP®. He is a best-selling, award-winning author of Financial Freedom for Special Needs Families, 30 Days to Your Special Needs Trust and Protect Your Family. He has been a contributing source for local and national media and is a sought-after speaker who regularly gives highly-rated, entertaining, and i…

Today Jay Camperlino presents information on a new program being rolled out by the Tennessee, Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, called MAPs Timeline: 01:56 Jay Camperlino's background and how he came to join the MAPs initiative. 08:11. What is MAPs? 17: 46 Selection Criteria to enroll in the program: 1) Transitional-aged st…

In today's episode, I chat with Debra Run a global disability inclusion strategist. She is the CEO of Ruh Global Impact, as well as Chairperson of a nonprofit, which is called Billion Strong. Timeline: 02:30 What is the benefit of visual description in a podcast? 03:31 What put you on the trajectory to become a disability and inclusion strategist? …

Today I chat with Alex Sargent Capps, Allie Schmidt and Stella Barron about Adaptive Fashion. Alex has served on the Vanderbilt University Theatre faculty since 2001. She is currently the director of the Fiber Arts Build (FAB) Lab at Vanderbilt’s Wond’ry Center for Innovation, serving the Vanderbilt and Nashville community by providing sewing and c…