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In this heartfelt episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa welcomes Kortnee, a 36-year-old Florida-based architect, entrepreneur, wife, and mother of two, to share her unique parenting journey. Kortnee opens up about raising her son William, who has a rare genetic condition leading to epilepsy, autism, and developmental delays, and her daughter Sophia, who is developmentally typical. Kortnee discusses the realities of balancing work, therapies, and family life, the emotional challenges of an unexpected diagnosis, and the misconceptions surrounding special needs parenting. She also emphasizes the importance of support systems and self-care. This episode offers invaluable insights and encourages parents to embrace their individual journeys with humor, grit, and faith.

00:00 Introduction: Embracing the Chaos of Parenting

00:39 Meet Kortnee: A Unique Family Dynamic

02:24 Kortnee's Parenting Journey: Challenges and Triumphs

03:30 Navigating Special Needs: William's Story

11:10 The Diagnosis Journey: Genetic Testing and Epilepsy

24:08 Balancing Parenthood: The Emotional Rollercoaster

35:40 Therapies and Treatments: Finding What Works

53:09 Common Misconceptions: Parenting a Special Needs Child

58:01 Navigating Public Perceptions

58:27 Special Needs Parenting Insights

01:02:36 Advice for Interacting with Special Needs Families

01:07:00 Personal Reflections and Parenting Advice

01:19:47 Balancing Family and Career

01:25:41 Support Systems and Asking for Help

01:29:30 Challenges and Acceptance

01:33:38 Coping with Emotional Struggles

01:36:55 Traveling with Special Needs

01:46:43 Final Thoughts and Advocacy

Visit Kortnee and Hector's Business sites:

https://echt-architects.com/

https://cayococolandscaping.com/

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨