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Overflow Church in McKenzie, TN, will be hosting Night to Shine on February 13 from 6 - 9 PM. To be sure to listen as Sydney Inman OTR talks about her journey as an occupational therapist, as well as her serving as part of her church team to host their first-ever prom for individuals with IDD here in Northwest TN. Sydney also describes her church's commitment to an inclusive environment, as well as supporting their families experiencing disabilities. Timeline: 01:00 Who is Sydney Inman? Her journey to becoming an occupational therapist. 04:00 What is Night to Shine (affiliated with the Tim Tebow Foundation)? Overflow Church and its Disability Ministry. 6:00 What does "Night to Shine" look like? 8:55 How to sign up? 10:00 Conclusion and encouragement to parents!

Today I got to chat with Keona Gwinn who I met at Tennessee Day on the Hill about a year ago. Keona is a MPH candidate at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee and recently delivered a TEDx talked based on the medical home model. Timeline: 1:00 Who is Keona Gwinn? 1:49 Tennessee Disability Day on the Hill 2026 3: 38 Keona's early years: spina bifida, CHOA, Camp krazy legs 4.30 Keona's TEDx talk on the medical home accessibility model 5:30 Adaptability Beyond Limits 6:30 Keona's Purpose and Calling - Maternal Child Health 7:33 Emergency Preparedness 8:20 Graduation and Career Plans 9: 00 Conclusion

Katie Moore is a dynamic self advocate from East Tennessee who will be holding a virtual conference in collaboration with community partners on January 22-23, 2026 from 5-7:30 PM. This promises to be an exciting opportunity to learn about resources and network with partners. Here is your link to register - LINK https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SobJ2FNKTUjIgFGtg_WANm_qcv85xtqfCGSuR9qpTHc/edit?usp=drivesdk We hope you will join us!

Jerri Green is a mom, a lawyer as well as a public servant raised right here in Tennessee. She will be running for the next Governor of Tennessee in 2026. Timeline 1:25 Who is Jerri Green? 3:39 What are the role and responsibilities of Governor? 7:04 How does your current work position you for Governor of TN? 9:51 Jerri Green's position on school vouchers? 11: 47 Jerri Green's position on Special Education? 12:42 Public Education and the Department of Education 21:51 Jerri Green's position on Healthcare? 25:21 How do we rise up to meet this moment? 26:26: Solutions 30:52 Jerri Green's position the cost of groceries. 35:05 Women in Leadership 39:29 Why vote for Jerri Green? 42:47 Conclusion Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the participants on this podcast are their own and do not reflect any organization they may work for or represent.

In today's podcast I chat with Zack Wilson, and his parents Anne Marie and Tom Wilson. Zack is an individual with Down syndrome, a recent graduate of Eagle Access here in Dyersburg TN, an avid CrossFit competitor and an artist. He will he hosting his first art exhibition at McIvers Grant Public Library in Dyersburg TN on November 6, 2025 from 4 - 6 PM. Please come see us if you can!

Today's episode is a great conservation with Maleia Evans from the Authentically You Network Podcast.I chat with Maleia about how her concept for 31 in 31: Conversations with Proverbs 31 women - a series she launched on her podcast. I often get asked about the origin story of Raising Kellan. I am super grateful to Maleia for telling our story on Episode 8 of the 31 in 31 series centered on faith and family. Here are your links to listen.  Watch on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/31in31Ep8MarshNaidoo Listen on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/31in31Ep8MarshNaidooSpotify*** Please note that an event discussed in this episode that was scheduled for Oct 11th has been postponed***

Steve Chatman is Vice President of Rising Above Ministries and host of the Rising Above Dads Podcast. Steve and his wife Lori have five children and four grandchildren. Steve is a special-needs dad as two of his children are living with Down Syndrome. Steve spent 30 years in church ministry before joining Rising Above Ministries in 2022. He loves encouraging and equipping families and churches. In this episode we chat about: Timeline: 00:46 Introduction and Steve's Bio. 02:46 Rising Above Ministries 04:00 Weekend Respite Program By the Brook & Base Camp. 06:00 How do wives give permission for husbands to rest. "What special needs dads want you to know but don't tell you about" 11:26 Communication between partners. How do you ask for a break or respite? 15:15 Find 30 minutes a week (suggestive but by no means minimum) to connect regard scheduling and updating partners 17: 00 Rising Above Dads Podcast 22:00 Conclusion Related Episode 146

We have exactly two weeks till U.S. Values and the Constitution, a free 4 part series taking place at McIvers Grant Public Library from Sept 11, 2025 to October 2, 2025- 5:30 to 6:30 PM. In today's episode Mary Palmer and Marsh Naidoo chat with some of the student leadership namely: Mickie Thach and Myren Hurst about their roles in the program. Timeline from unedited podcast: 3:35 Introductions 4: 28 Why did y'all decide to get involved with this program? 10: 59 What is something adults need to know about how students see history? 13:11 Prior to planning for series how much background did y'all have on the founding documents. 18: 03 What are the current Issues on young people's minds. 20: 00 Flip the Script - Students ask the questions. 20:04 How did this program come about? 22:24 What are your current perspectives about the U.S? 29: 03 Students perspective of meeting with Dr Stafford. 31:05 Conclusion N.B: Lillian Davis is an integral part of student leadership. She was covering an event for her school paper at the time of the interview. We look forward to our post series interview!

In today's episode I chat with Clare Saum, Marketing Director at Discovery Park of America about an exciting upcoming event: Pediatric Day. This day connects families with a wealth of local resources and services to support children’s health, learning and well-being. • When: Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Where: Discovery Park of America (Union City, Tennessee) • What’s happening: Vendors and organizations will be located throughout the park with information and fun, hands-on activities for families. Children can pick up a passport, collect a sticker from each organization and receive a fun activity prize when completed. • Admission highlight: Thanks to our sponsor, Pediatric Place of Union City, and Dr John Bates admission for children ages 17 and under is covered that day.Key messages • Follow Discovery Park of America on Facebook and Instagram for updates @discoveryparkuc

Marsh Naidoo, Mary Palmer, and Dr. Matthew Stafford chat about a four-part series on U.S. values and the Constitution that Dr. Stafford will be teaching at the McIvers Grant Public Library in Dyersburg, Tennessee. The series will cover the history and values behind the U.S. Constitution, with the aim of inspiring pride and hope in the audience by connecting them to the American story. The sessions will take place on Thursdays from September 11 to October 2, and will include a mixed media art contest where the public can submit their visions of "My America". Local students will also be involved in supporting the educational experience. Timeline of the podcast: 1: 40 Dr Matthew Stafford’s origin story. 4: 00 What is the relevance of history, how this is chronicled and how is it relayed from generation to generation? 5: 34 Was there a particular moment or mentor that sparked your interest in history or education Dr Stafford?  8: 27 In a world where you are constantly bombarded with information, what would be your advice on referencing validated sources of history? 10:52 So how do you handle the messy parts of history?  12:51 Tell us more about the four part series US values and the Constitution and the outline of what you will be teaching? 17:00 What do you hope people will still think about when they leave the library each week? 19:38 Logistics of the Series Keep updated on the Series by following our Facebook event page.  This series is made possible thanks to an incredible lineup of the following community partners: McIver’s Grant Public LibraryDyersburg State Community CollegeDyer County Historical SocietyDyer County SchoolsRaising KellanSons of the American RevolutionKey Corner Chapter of the American Daughters of the RevolutionSonicThe Bus Stop                Discovery Park of AmericaMaple Ridge Manor

On today's episode, Kate Mudge leads the discussion centered on Care Farming and the collaborative network. Please check out their interactive website. https://carefarmingnetwork.org/ Timeline: 01:54 Introductions 3:08 Origin Story and the Red Wiggler 6:00 Care Farming Network Conference 8:23 Old School Farm in Nashville 10:30 Benefits of Care Farm Models to Rural Communities 13:41 How to contact Kate 17:33 Big Dream (1 Care Farm in every county in the US) At present, there are 338 farms in the network - 3000 counties in the US! Be sure to check out Episode 132 with Nathan Fields and Jason van Wulven from Plant for a Change.

Call the US Capitol at 202-224-3121 and ask to speak to your Congress Representative.

On June 14, 2025, we were in Cookeville, TN, to participate in the Special Needs Resource Fair at Vine Branch Church. We got to chat with families, exhibitors, and service providers, including: Dawn Fry - Attorney at Law Selena Stewart with Omni Family of Services. Ashley McCloud with WorkAble TN Blake Shearer with the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities Jessica Moreles with Tennessee Caregiver Coalition Kristie Kirby with Structured Athletics for Challenged Children (SACC) Heidi Clopton with the Center of Development - Pediatric Therapies Trent Mills with TN Start Julie West and Clara with the Down Syndrome Association of Middle TN Jenna Clarin with Autism TN and Sensory Kids Life. Stephanie Hawkins with CASA of the TN Valley Steve Chatman with Rising Above Ministries.

Today I chat with Torben Jensen. He is the Ministry Relations Manager for Joni and Friends in Nashville, TN. His job focuses on helping churches of all shapes and sizes become better at including and serving families affected by disability. Timeline of our conversation: 01:30 Torben's origin story 02:40 Joni & Friends and its beginnings. The Story of Joni Eareckson Tada. 05: 00 Programs and the Outreach Ministry 10:00 Physical vs Emotional or Relational Barriers for families experiencing disabilities and the Church 16:15 Summer Camps at Joni & Friends 22: 00 Words of encouragement and Conclusion You can contact Torben at [email protected]

Jessica Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host at Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the documentary "Unseen", and caregiver advocate.  She is the founder and executive director of⁠ The Lucas Project⁠, a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition, resources, and respite support for special needs families. She and her husband, Ryan live in Michigan with their 8 children, including their son Lucas, who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail, and Huffington Post, and is detailed in her memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight.  To follow the ongoing saga, she can be found at ⁠www.jessplusthemess.com ⁠or purchase her latest books, Blended with Grit & Grace, Lovin’ with Grit & Grace, and Caregiving with Grit & Grace. Timeline 3:00 Introduction to Jess Ronne 4:36 How to ask for help as a parent and the value of consistent respite to fill your cup as a caregiver. 6:21 Where is the Village? 7:05 The Lucac Project 9:00 Coffee with Caregivers - Marsh's highlight, Episode 62 with Alice Foran. 10:00 The Intersection of Faith and Grief. 12:24 The documentary Unseen and the upcoming documentary Uncertain. 14: Jess's words of encouragement.