Did you know that your Adjusting the Sails Host is also a parent to a child with Autism? She hasn't always looked at her life as a story to benefit other parents. Though she truly believes sharing experiences and being heard and validated in one's parenthood journey is healing for parents of children with special needs, it hasn't always been easy to see herself or story through the same lens as the families she works with every day. Many thanks to the listener that reached out and requested a "get to know you" type of episode. Please enjoy and remember, together, we can adjust the sails.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Maternal, Child, and Family Health/Children with Special Health Care Needs Program and the West Virginia Family 2 Family Health Information Center and Produced by the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

Episode Transcript Here

"As long as you have connections and a little bit of support from someone, somewhere you can find that [positivity in your situation] and that's what I try to do with the families that I work with."

Bonnie navigated life as a mother to her son with Cerebral Palsy mostly on her own until she found a supportive network of other parents to children with complex medical needs. Her journey as mom to Tony taught her so much about herself and what difference she was meant to make in the world that it lead her to her career as a Parent Network Specialist (PNS) so she can help others on similar journeys.

Connect with Bonnie and our team of other PNSes.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Maternal, Child, and Family Health/Children with Special Health Care Needs Program and the West Virginia Family 2 Family Health Information Center and Produced by the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

Episode Transcript Here

If you have a story that you would like shared on the podcast, please send us an email at courtney.ringstaff@hsc.wvu.edu

When a child is diagnosed with a neurological difference, disability, or medical complexity, emotional support is the first thing a parent needs according to UnPuzzed Parents Connect Support Group founder, Whitney Price. "The story you thought you were going to have is now being told in a completely different language" is how Whitney and her husband felt when their son, Connor, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Finding herself isolated, misunderstood, and unsure about the future, she and her husband were desparate for a support network and for resources for their son and their new life.

Listen in to hear about Whitney's journey and how through adversity she found a passion for helping others access services and for growing a support network for other parents navigating parenthood with a child with high support needs.

UnPuzzled Parents Connect Support Group

Check out our CED Paths for Parents and Family to Family Parent Network Specialist led support group, Circle of Parents.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Maternal, Child, and Family Health/Children with Special Health Care Needs Program and the West Virginia Family 2 Family Health Information Center and Produced by the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

Episode Transcript Here

If you have a story that you would like shared on the podcast, please send us an email at courtney.ringstaff@hsc.wvu.edu