On today’s episode of Rocking the Difference, I am honored to welcome an incredible guest whose story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of self-belief. Amanda Casarella grew up facing challenges that many of us can relate to—struggling with a learning disability, battling debilitating migraines that kept her out of school, and navigating the stigma of being placed in special education. On top of that, she endured shame and abuse that made her believe her identity and worth were tied to her disability.

She made the courageous choice to reclaim her narrative, break free from the limitations placed on her, and step into the truth of who she is. Today, she embraces her journey, knowing that every challenge shaped the powerhouse woman she’s become. She’s now a passionate actress and entrepreneur, using her experiences sharing her journey to inspire others, proving that our past does not define us—our determination does.

You can find Amanda Casarella here:

Instagram: @Amanda.Casarella and @alittlehouseorganized

www.amandacasarella.com

www.alittlehouseorganized.com

After the busyness of the holidays, I wanted to get back in touch with you all and talk about intention, creating community and upcoming changes and challenges this year.

Here is a quick episode to get reconnected!

Some great Podcasts to check out: The Special Needs Mom Podcast - Episode: Stabilizing After Winter Break and Moms Talk Autism Podcast

You can find me on Instagram @Rockin_the_Difference Email: rockinthedifference@gmail.com

Today I talk with my friend, Nada, on the sacrifices we make as parents of special needs individuals.

We all make sacrifices to ensure our kids are getting the best of what we can give them. With Nada, this meant moving countries with her kids, while her husband stayed. It meant giving up what she was familiar with to make sure her son lived a full life and adjusting to a new family dynamic with her kids and long distance marriage.

She's an amazing woman and I hope you can resonate with her story.

In this episode we discuss how life can just be OVERWHELMING.

In today's episode I talk with Erin and Bruce Wilson who founded If I Need Help.

They started this non profit which provides a system to help find special needs kids, as well as individuals suffering from dementia or Alzheimers, that go missing, especially for those who can’t communicate. It uses modern technologies to help reunite those who might become lost, disoriented or need assistance in a critical moment.

They share what inspired them to start this business, how it has impacted their family, how to learn more about it as well as some awesome success stories.

To learn more you can find the at www.ifineedhelp.org

In this episode I talk about my son, Ryan, reaching a milestone and moving towards that next phase from being in the school years bubble into adulthood and how that unpredictability and foreverness hit me hard.

If you have comments or ideas you'd like to share on this topic, I'd love to hear them and possibly expand on them in future episodes.

You can DM on Instragram: /rockin_the_difference or email me at rockingthedifference@gmail.com

Aubrie Forte has been a special person in our lives for almost 17 years now. She has been a teacher in special education and now works directly with schools to support programs on campus, with students, teachers and families. She was Ryan's teacher throughout elementary school and is lovingly known as Ryan's Forever Teacher because she continues to be a part of his life.

She has a BA in SpED and an MA in mod/severe disabilities. She shares her insights on what she has learned along her journey from the students and families she has been involved with. She also offers thoughts for parents, suggestions for those considering becoming a special education teacher along with funny and heart warming stories and learning experiences throughout her journey.

Being a mom of a blind and autistic adult, you have many experiences and learn so many things. Some of the most valuable things you learn are from your child themselves. In this episode I share 8 valuable things I have learned from my kid.

If you would like to share your stories please DM on Instagram @rockin_the_difference or email rockinthedifference@gmail.com

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Until next time, Keep Rockin the Difference!