What happens when personal experience meets professional
dedication? On this episode, we are honored to welcome Olivia Fryer, the
Executive Director of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Since 2014, Olivia
has been a tireless advocate for the disability community, a role deeply
influenced by her life as a mom to two sons, one of whom is an autistic AAC
user.

Olivia brings a powerful perspective to the conversation,
blending her insights as a parent with her professional background at
organizations like Southwest Human Development, Arizona Autism United, and
T.E.A.M. 4 Kids. A bilingual leader and recipient of the 2023 Gabe Zimmerman
Emerging Champion Award, she shares how she is turning passion into tangible
community action. Join us for a discussion on safety, sibling support, and the
future of advocacy.

Key Topics:

• A
  Mother’s Mission: Olivia shares how her personal journey raising an
  autistic son who uses AAC has shaped her compassionate approach to
  leadership and advocacy.

• Bridging
  Safety Gaps: We discuss the critical need for safety education and what
  led Olivia to become a certified instructor for programs like BE SAFE and
  Safety on the Spectrum.

• Supporting
  Siblings: As a Sibshops facilitator, Olivia offers unique insights into
  the sibling experience and shares practical ways families and communities
  can offer better support.

• Policy
  and Committees: From local commissions to national committees for the
  Autism Society of America, learn about the key issues Olivia is fighting
  to bring to the forefront right now.

• Advice
  for Emerging Leaders: Fresh off her recognition as an Emerging Champion,
  Olivia offers advice on how to turn a passion for service into sustainable
  change.

• Guidance
  for New Families: Looking ahead, Olivia shares what excites her most about
  her current work and leaves us with one essential piece of advice for
  families just starting their diagnosis journey.

Resources Mentioned:

Olivia Fryer at Autism Society of Greater Phoenix

Website: https://phxautism.org/

Phone Number: (480) 779-0899

E-mail: olivia@Phxautism.org

Enjoying the show?

If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and
leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us
bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent
families. Thank you!

Connect With Us:

§ Follow
us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

§ Email
us: Info@piecesformypuzzle.com

§ Learn
more: www.piecesformypuzzle.com

§ Check
it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

If you

Raising a child on the autism spectrum comes with incredible
joys—and unique financial challenges. In this episode, we talk with Mike
Ringel, a financial professional who helps families create long-term plans that
prioritize security, stability, and peace of mind.

We cover:

· The first financial steps parents of autistic
children should take

· How to plan for therapies, education, and
long-term care

· Why estate planning is essential for families
with special needs children

· How to move from feeling overwhelmed to
empowered with your money

Mike’s client-first approach is about more than numbers—it’s
about giving parents the tools and confidence to build a safe, supported future
for their children.

About Mike Ringel

Mike Ringel is a financial professional who specializes in
helping families plan for life’s biggest milestones with clarity and
confidence. With a client-first approach, Mike guides parents through
investing, retirement, and estate strategies—but what makes his work especially
meaningful is his commitment to families raising children with unique needs. By
thinking outside the box and focusing on long-term security, Mike helps parents
ensure that their children’s futures are financially supported, safe, and full
of possibility.

Resources Mentioned

o Website: https://www.mikeringel.com/

o LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeringel/

Connect With Us:

Follow us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

Email us: Info@piecesformypuzzle.com

Learn more: www.piecesformypuzzle.com

Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like,
share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to
share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with
you.

In this episode of Pieces For My Puzzle, we sit
down with MaLinda Perry—designer-turned-Gallup-certified Strengths coach and
founder of Happy Girls Don’t Do That. With over 20 years of experience in the
design world and a passion for strengths-based development, MaLinda helps
creatives, families, and leaders aim their natural talents for transformational
results.

We explore her bold career shift from
interior design to coaching, the story behind her unapologetic brand name, and
how Strengths strategies can combat burnout, heal family dynamics, and empower
young people. MaLinda shares practical tools for setting goals you’ll actually
follow through on, why focusing on strengths beats the fix-what’s-broken
mindset, and her mantra for living big: “Do epic sh*t!”

·
Topics Covered [bullet point 3 key
topics]

o
A fresh perspective on leveraging your natural
talents (not just fixing flaws)

o
Real-world tips for tackling creative burnout
and overwhelm

o
Insights on using Strengths to improve
relationships—at work and at home

o
One powerful action step you can take today to
aim your strengths with confidence

·
About: MaLinda Perry

·
MaLinda is a designer-turned-Gallup certified
Strengths coach and founder of MaLinda Perry Consulting LLC (aka “Happy Girls Don’t Do That”) in Gillette, WY. With 20+ years in the design world and a
passion for strengths-based development, she equips creative professionals,
teams, and families to unlock their natural talents using CliftonStrengths.
Whether guiding blended families, executives, or young people, MaLinda
champions a clarity-and-confidence-first approach—because “When you aim your Strengths, the outcome is profoundly different.
Learn more about MaLinda Perry at http://www.malindaperryconsultingllc.com/.
Connect with Malinda on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/malinda.perry.273768/
and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/malinda.perry/

·
Resources Mentioned [NOTE: all links must be
the full url link, no hyperlinks]

o
http://www.malindaperryconsultingllc.com/

o
https://www.linkedin.com/in/malinda-perry-60535b8

o https://www.instagram.com/malinda.perry/

·
Call to Action

o Connect
With Us:

§ Follow
us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

§ Email
us: Info@piecesformypuzzle.com

§ Learn
more: www.piecesformypuzzle.com

§ Check
it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like,
share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to
share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with
you.