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!

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§ Email
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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.

In this episode, we sit down with Andre and Constance Lewis,
the husband-and-wife duo behind Miles and the Colorful Capes of Feelings.
Inspired by their son Miles and their journey as parents, they’ve created a
children’s book series that empowers kids to express emotions, build
resilience, and strengthen family bonds through creativity and play.

We talk about:

The personal story behind the Colorful Capes of Feelings
series

How parents can support kids in navigating big feelings

Why “thinking like a kid” is a powerful tool for emotional
connection

Their mission to inspire confidence, compassion, and
resilience in families

Learn more about the
books: Colorful Capes of Feelings

If you’re a parent, educator,
or caregiver looking for fun, practical tools to help kids express emotions,
this conversation is for you.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more
episodes that support families navigating life’s challenges with hope and
creativity.

About Jane Elliot

Andre and Constance Lewis
are the husband-and-wife team behind Miles and the Colorful Capes
of Feelings, a children’s book series designed to help kids
navigate emotions with creativity and confidence. Drawing from their
backgrounds in pediatric dentistry and women’s health, as well as their own
parenting journey with their son Miles—who inspired the books—they’ve created a
mission-driven project that empowers families to embrace big feelings with
empathy, resilience, and play.

Resources Mentioned

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

o
Instagram: @colorful_feelings.books

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 powerful episode of Pieces For My Puzzle, we talk with Les Townsend, founder of BT Property Services, about how his son Colton’s autism diagnosis completely reshaped his perspective on parenting, purpose, and legacy. Faced with the reality of raising a child who falls into the “quiet space” between neurotypical and state-supported, Les turned frustration into determination—creating a business designed to provide stability, independence,
and a future not only for his son, but for other families walking a similar path.

Les opens up about the emotions of diagnosis, the challenges of navigating systems not built for kids like Colton, and how autism has taught him patience, resilience, and a deeper way of listening. We explore how his personal journey inspired his business, what it means to build a legacy rooted in love, and how his mission is resonating with other families in the Phoenix metro area.

Topics Covered [bullet point 3 key topics]

· A raw and relatable look at parenting a child in
the “gray area” of autism support

· Insights into turning challenges into purpose
and building a legacy for your child’s future

· Encouragement and practical wisdom for parents
feeling unseen by traditional systems

· This conversation is equal parts personal,
inspiring, and deeply practical—offering a reminder that while autism may
rewrite the future you imagined, it can also create a path filled with purpose,
community, and hope.

Learn more about Les Townsend at http://btproservices.com/

· Resources Mentioned

o To get in touch with Les, please visit him on
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/les-townsend-83a45a2/

o Visit BT Property Services: http://btproservices.com/

· 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/

#autism #autismparenting #parentingspecialneeds #specialneeds #autismcommunity #neurodivergent #neurodivergentsupport

In this episode of Pieces For My Puzzle, author Janet Elliot joins us to share her powerful memoir, The Alien Savant, and her deeply personal journey as the sibling of an autistic brother. Through her heartfelt storytelling, Janet
offers a unique lens on autism, weaving together humor, history, and hard-won wisdom from growing up alongside her brother Michael in Ontario’s special needs education system of the ’60s–’80s.



We discuss what inspired her to write the book, how she balanced authenticity with universality, and the lessons Michael taught her about resilience, connection, and seeing the world differently. Janet also opens up about her advocacy work, her approach to infusing humor into challenging topics, and what she hopes readers and listeners—whether caregivers or simply curious—will take away from her story.



Topics Covered

o A simbling’s honest and compassionate
perspective on Autism
o Insights into the historical landscape of
special needs education
o Practical wisdom for navigating advocacy and
storytelling with heart
o Encouragement to find humor and hope in even the
toughest seasons.





About Jane Elliot


Janet Elliot, author of The Alien Savant, shares a deeply personal and enlightening perspective on life as the sibling of an autistic individual. Her book highlights her brother’s unique experiences and strengths while offering powerful insights into the sibling dynamic within the autism community. Through her writing and storytelling, Janet provides a heartfelt and
nuanced lens on autism, fostering understanding and connection for families, advocates, and anyone seeking to broaden their knowledge.







Resources Mentioned


👉 Website: https://www.myguidedpen.com





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.

This week on Pieces For My Puzzle, host Nikki Shipp welcomes Gabs Hayes, an inspiring business coach and mother of three, including a child with special needs. Gabs shares her powerful story of navigating life’s challenges, from parenting a daughter with severe asthma to making life-changing decisions for her family’s well-being. With grace and resilience, she has turned her experiences into a mission to support other parents who are balancing the complexities of family life and entrepreneurship.
Join us for an honest and heartfelt conversation about motherhood, grief, inspiration, and finding a meaningful balance between your dreams and family commitments.

Key Discussion Points
Gabs’ Journey as a Mom
Gabs discusses her experiences raising a child with severe asthma and other conditions, including the decision to relocate her family from Georgia to Arizona to improve her daughter’s health.

Finding Strength Through Loss
After enduring the stillbirth of her son, Gabs explains how she found the strength to rebuild and offers practical advice for parents coping with loss.

Balancing Parenthood and Ambition
Gabs shares how she helps parents see that they can pursue their dreams without sacrificing family time, focusing on sustainability and realistic goals tailored to their lives.

Advice for Overwhelmed Moms
With empathy and lived experience, Gabs provides tips for moms struggling to keep up, reminding them that they are enough and that it’s okay to take care of themselves too.

Making an Impact
Gabs discusses her vision for her work, her passion for helping entrepreneurial parents, and her message for families facing similar struggles.



Resources Mentioned
Learn more about Gabs Hayes and her coaching services on gabshayes.com

About the Guest
Gabs Hayes is a business coach and mentor specializing in helping entrepreneurial parents achieve sustainable success. A mother of three, Gabs brings her unique perspective and practical strategies to support parents in building the lives they envision without compromising their family values.

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
Needs Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll see you next week for another heartfelt conversation!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with the founder of Dare To Be Academy, Ashlee Dollar, a passionate mom of an autistic child who turned her personal challenges into a groundbreaking educational mission. This episode dives into her extraordinary journey, from navigating life as a mother of a neurodiverse child to creating a home-based microschool where autistic and neurodiverse learners can thrive.

Learn how Dare To Be Academy is breaking barriers with its tailored, sensory-friendly learning environment, passion-driven curriculum, and focus on life skills. You'll hear about the obstacles faced during its creation, the profound rewards of working with neurodiverse children, and heartfelt advice for parents seeking the right educational path for their kids.

Key Takeaways

The Founder’s Journey

Discover how being a mom of a child with autism shaped her life and inspired a larger vision.

The Story Behind Dare To Be Academy

Learn what makes this microschool unique and its approach to supporting neurodiverse children.

Insight into the struggles of creating a school and the resilience required to succeed.

Advice for Parents

Valuable tips for advocating for your child’s needs and finding the right environment.

Dare To Be Academy’s Mission and Vision

Explore the future goals of the academy and how you can support this important work.

Links & Resources

Email Dare To Be Academy at daretobeacademy@gmail.com

Feeling inspired? Support Dare To Be Academy’s mission or share this episode with a parent who needs encouragement. Visit www.daretobeacademy.com for more details or connect with the academy to learn how you can get involved.

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/