Advertise on podcast: Advocate For Me

Jessica B. is a dedicated entrepreneur, advocate, and founder of 4BrightStars, a support organization for autism families. With a background in healthcare, business, and community service, she empowers parents and caregivers by providing educational advocacy, IEP support, and access to essential resources. Passionate about making a difference, Jessica uses her expertise to uplift families, ensuring that every child receives the support they deserve to thrive.

Victoria uses the djembe to spread awareness for the Autistic community. As an advocate for autism, Victoria continues to make her mark. Victoria was diagnosed with autism when she was three years old and couldn't speak until she was seven years old. She developed a close relationship with music which led her to study the djembe drum. Victoria shares her passion with the autism community with an intention to inspire women of all races, gender, and creed. She is a principal performer in all-female drum and dance company, Ayodele Drum and Dance. Victoria has performed with various afrobeat, R & B, and hip-artist around the Chicagoland area. Victoria graduated from Western Illinois University in December 2012 with a bachelor's degree in communication and minor in theater. After graduation, Victoria Boateng studied West African drumming with master drummer Bolokoda Conde, Michael Taylor and Tosha Ayo Alston. Victoria is now a substitute teacher at Old Town School of Folk Music and host drum classes for the Autism community at Divine Purpose Fine Arts Center in Chicago, IL. In addition, Victoria has consistently practiced mastering her craft onstage with life artists throughout the city of Chicago.

We are excited to welcome back a past guest, A.C.A., on our podcast! In this episode, we dive into an important conversation about waivers, get an update on A., and learn how she is making a meaningful impact in her community—advocating for her son and supporting other families. You won’t want to miss this inspiring discussion!

Welcome to our latest podcast episode, where we spotlight the incredible Advocate for Me conference. In this session, you'll hear from a group of remarkable mothers who are not only dedicated caregivers to their neurodivergent children but also passionate advocates, mentors, and thriving professionals. They open up about their personal journeys—the trials they’ve faced, the victories they’ve celebrated, and how their strength is making a difference in the lives of many families. Join us as we dive into these inspiring conversations, filled with resilience, hope, and a commitment to change. (Live September 14, 2024)

This conversation features a group of advocates discussing their experiences and insights on self-care, advocacy, and community support for families with children with disabilities. The speakers share personal stories, emphasize the importance of mental health, and provide practical advice on navigating the system and building a supportive community. They highlight the power of advocacy and the impact of individual voices in creating change. This conversation explores themes of personal transformation, the power of affirmations, the importance of community support, and the journey of advocacy for individuals with disabilities. L'Vonne McMillan shares her experiences of overcoming adversity, the significance of faith and prayer, and the impact of self-care practices. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by parents of children with special needs and emphasizes the importance of connection and support within the community. In this conversation, L'Vonne McMillan shares her journey as a mother of a child with disabilities, highlighting the challenges faced in navigating early childhood intervention systems, Medicaid, and the inequities in special education. She emphasizes the importance of advocacy, community support, and the need for systemic change to better serve families with special needs. Through her experiences, she illustrates the power of resilience, the significance of representation, and the necessity of finding purpose in advocacy work. L'Vonne encourages others to engage in policy change and to support one another in their journeys, ultimately fostering a more inclusive society for all children.

As a certified Mental Health First Aider and a devoted mother of three beautiful children, I am passionate about fostering wellness and resilience in both families and communities. With a heart for advocacy and a dedication to breaking stigmas, I provide compassionate support and guidance to those navigating mental health challenges. Balancing the joys of motherhood with my commitment to helping others, I strive to create safe, nurturing spaces where healing and growth can thrive.

Latoya Washington is an entrepreneur, psalmist, Author, and servant in the Kingdom of God. She is the co-owner of RhemaCreationz Christian Apparel and works with her husband David Washington. She is the host of “Broken Vessels Podcast and Author of “Broken Vessels: Letters to Abba & Concrete Rose: Secrete place in Abba.

Roz Talley sounds like an incredibly dynamic and impactful person! Her commitment to sharing the gospel, advocating for her child with special needs, and leading in both her community and professional spheres is truly inspiring. Balancing her roles as a mother, author, motivational speaker, police officer, and CEO of Real Change Communications, LLC must be both challenging and fulfilling. Check out our latest episode with Roz Talley on Advocate For Me Podcast.

Marcus White is a writer, teacher, and entrepreneur based in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania. He hails from a large close-knit family that frequently spends time together, instilling a deep compassion within him from a young age. Aside from writing, he’s also passionate about educating students and positively impacting the lives of others. When he’s not doing all of the above, Marcus enjoys reading, drawing, traveling, and spending quality time with God. Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Marcus-White/author/B0CK72YXM4 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144272950 Pinterest: https://pin.it/1Sy8jV7Bo Email: [email protected]

Jenny Nechvatal is an Early Childhood teacher; she holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood from Macquarie University. Her 30 years of experience in the Early Childhood sector and 21 years of lived experience parenting two children living with a disability led to her writing a book for early childhood educators. “Embracing Disability in Early Childhood - supporting children living with a disability and their families in Early Childhood Settings” addresses the reality of receiving a diagnosis. To change educators understanding of family’s needs at such a time and the best way to engage and support them though conversation, pedagogy, and everyday practice. She lives with her family in Wagga New South Wales and has worked within numerous early childhood services before starting two businesses to support people living with a disability. Jenny has been a member of the Aspiring Leaders Forum, presented at the Riverina and the National Early Childhood Australia Conference in 2014. She contributed a chapter to “A Carers Journey, Stories from the Heart” in 2023. Jenny two businesses - Innovate Support Coordination (NDIS Registered Provider) and Innovative Disability Solutions. Jenny has established the Autism Families Thriving Membership for families worldwide, within the membership validation of their parenting skills, learning, connecting and sharing allows families to thrive. Jenny has been featured on podcasts, to provide others the opportunity to gain insight into the life of people living with a disability and their families.

Shana Francesca is a keynote speaker, consultant, and scholar of intentional and ethical leadership and living, Founder and CEO of Concinnate LLC. She believes we become infinitely more impactful as leaders and as humans when we understand the power of community and our role inside of it.  Knowing that an organization or family is a type of community and needs to be honored and cultivated as an ecosystem where every part and person must be honored and empowered. This transforms relationships, inspires creativity and innovation, and drives profitability. 

Today we interview Laverne Cheeseboro on the Podcast. Laverne Cheeseboro is a wife, mother of two sons, and a trailblazer in the childcare industry. As the owner and director of Heavenly Made Creations Family Group childcare program, Laverne provides high-quality early childhood education and care for children and families.   In addition to her work in childcare, Laverne is also the founder of Heavenly Made Blessings, a non-profit organization that supports the quality of childcare programs and provides scholarships to help eligible families pay for childcare tuition. Laverne is also a co-founder of The Family Childcare Coalition, an organization for childcare providers, by childcare providers, serving the childcare community.   In August 2023, Laverne launched her first book, He Chose Me, a book that shares her journey to uncovering her worth and is a Co-Author of a book Anthology, The Other Side of the Storm, and Wives on Fire.   Laverne's passion for education and advocacy has made her a respected leader in the childcare community, and she continues to inspire and empower others through her work. 

Kelly McAllister reopened We Rock the Spectrum - Northeast Philly in July 2021. It has been successfully open and serving the community for over a year now. Kelly has a degree in business and marketing that she earned from Penn State University. The vast majority of her experience has been in the hospitality and franchise industry for over 10 years. All of her work has revolved around the community and she believes that a strong focus on this is the key to successful relationship building. Her husband, Sean, was born and raised in the Parkwood neighborhood and most of their extended family still resides there as well. Kelly and Sean are extremely passionate about family and have three sons of their own: Logan (6), Jackson (3) and Cameron (1.5). Kelly frequently visited WRTS – Northeast Philly with her son Logan and felt that all children should have the opportunity to enjoy We Rock like he does. Having family members with special needs herself, Kelly has always wanted to find a way to pay it forward by owning a business with purpose.

Michele Abraham-Montgomery is a seasoned Family Peer Specialist providing self efficacy, empowerment, advocacy and resource information to families for over 20 years. She is the Co-Founder of Spectrum Success 911 alongside her son Khylil Robinson who is proudly working as a Community Autism Peer Specialist.  Spectrum Success 911 is a Nonprofit organization that supports families and individuals living with autism and mental health differences.

Alexandra Renée Poelstra is a speaker, consultant, and monsterprenuer known as THE MAVEN of ALL MAVEN, a small and mighty enterprise innovating bold and brilliant brands to shake up industries.She’s been featured in various notable and award-winning publications and media, from Carlsbad’s 40 under 40 and the Colorado Springs Business Journal to Gusto. She also spoke for Webflow’s Virtual World Tour and ALL MAVEN was a Finalist for Innovator of the Year at Carlsbad’s CBAD Awards. Known as THE MAVEN of ALL MAVEN, she dedicates herself to crafting bold and brilliant brands geared to shake up the industry.