Michelle Choairy is a mom of a complex kid. She has been her son’s best advocate and has learned through the years what it takes to get the best care for her child. She is the Founder of Collective Wisdom for Complex Kids, a support group for mothers with children with disabilities. She has a passion for helping families re-evaluate and prioritize their dynamics, along with guiding them from confusion to clarity while raising complex children. 

Michelle joins us to talk about why parents are the best advocates for their children and to talk a bit about what resources are avalible for parents of complex children.

Visit Michelle's Website here.

Check out Michelle's Episode here

Jeaneen Tang is a speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience working with early intervention (0-3 years old) to the elderly. She specializes in early language development and has a passion for training parents, caregivers, and other educators on how to best to address the needs of young children with learning to understand and express themselves. Her goal is to shake up how we approach language development and to decrease the number of children need speech therapy.

Jeaneen joins us to talk about her new book "Play Dumb and Sabatoge" and how dance teachers can bring Jeaneen's technique into the studio.

You can find Jeaneen's website here.

Jeaneen's Episode premieres on October 25, 2024 at 4:00PM MST.

LeeAnn Kay is a recurring guest on Leta's Tap Styles. LeeAnn owns Styles in Motion, a dancewear store in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She jumps on every couple of months to keep our audience up-to-date on the goings on in the dancewear world, what exciting new products are out there, and discusses Leta's wishlist of things Leta wants to see the dancewear companies to make and sale.

LeeAnn's shop's website can be found here.

You can watch LeeAnn and Courtney talk about their store here

To submit a topic/question suggestion for LeeAnn’s next apperance, click here and fill out the form

John Fela (Felageller) is the Ministry Relations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago, working with churches to equip and train them to help the disabled in their communities. Previous to that, he spent almost 20 years in education, working with children from Infants to Middle School, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacher and School Director. John lives in Lyons, IL, is married to his wife Faith and father to his son Christopher (ASD). He is a public speaker, multiple podcast guest, and regular contributor to Key Ministry’s Special Needs Family blog, as well as other special needs blogs including Hope Anew and The Mighty. Connect with John on his website: www.johnfela.com

Check out John’s episode here

For More Support for Dads Check Out:

Special Fathers Network: www.21stcenturydads.org

Rising Above ministries: www.risingaboveministries.org

Fatherhood CoMission: www.fatherhoodcomission.com

Samantha is neurodivergent and a mother to three neurodivergent children. She is a board-certified music therapist, a Positive Discipline Parent Educator, and a registered Music Together teacher. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University and completed her Masters of Music with a specialization in Music Therapy degree from Colorado State University. She is a Neurological Music Therapy Fellow and a Dialectical Behavior Therapy-informed Music Therapist.

You can find Samantha’s episode here

Listen to Samantha’s Podcast Every Brain is Different

You can find Samantha’s website here

In April’s own words “I’m a mom, occupational therapist, Podcaster with a son who is on the autism spectrum as well as I am that didn’t have any type of transition program after high school. EKU took advantage of him and made him feel worthless. There was no one to help us navigate the best options for him so I created a podcast to help other parents navigate the pitfalls because these young adults are falling through the cracks when they have the potential to be independent with a little more help.”

You can find April’s website here

You can find April’s episode here

Bio: Eric Chessen, MS, is the Founder of Autism Fitness and creator of the PAC Profile method. For 20+ years Eric has led the Movement for Movement, developing and implementing effective, meaningful fitness programs for the autism and neurodivergent population of all ages and ability levels. In 2017 he launched the Autism Fitness Certification for professionals and parents who want to deliver the highest level of programming. The Autism Fitness Certification has over 500 certified pros worldwide. Eric is also the Director of Programming for Inclusive Fitness. He resides in Charlotte, NC and consults with schools and organizations worldwide. For certification and services visit AutismFitness.com and follow Eric on YouTube (TheAutismFitness) and Instagram (TheAutismFitness)

Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judiuttal/

Judi Uttal is president of the Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG) a nonprofit organization improving the quality of life for individuals and families dealing with high-functioning autism. Judi Uttal is a member of the Competitive Integrated Employment Blueprint, Orange County Local Partnership Agreement (OCLPA) and the Thompson Policy Group Chapman University Transition Initiative. Judi founded OCASG Career Club, a holistic program providing training and support for college graduates with ASD to achieve short and long-term career success. In 2022, Judi founded the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup and is leading the Autism In Entertainment Conference to be held during Spring 2024.

Judi retired from a career as a high technology marketing executive. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Math/Computer Science from UCLA and an MBA from the Tepper School of Management at Carnegie Mellon University. Judi is married and is the mother of a 31-year-old son, Joshua, who was diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism at the age of three. Josh graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a major in Cinema and Television.

Donations to Orange County Asperger’s Support Group can be made here

Connect with Autism in Entertainment here

Find Judi’s episode here

Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlenesharp/

Marlene Sharp is a creative and business-savvy entertainment multi-hyphenate who originally hails from New Orleans but is now a (San Fernando) Valley girl. Firmly ensconced in LA life, Marlene is top dawg at Pink Poodle Productions and Executive Producer of Rainshine Entertainment's forthcoming animated feature film trilogy YOUNG CAPTAIN NEMO. Noteworthy clients and collaborators include Neko Productions, Austism in Entertainment Conference 2024, LAPMF, and The Center of Learning Unlimited/Brainstorm Productions. Prior to Pink Poodle and Rainshine, Marlene served as Director, Production at LEVEL-5 abby, home of YO-KAI WATCH and other Japanese hit video game-based franchises.

Formerly, as Producer, TV Series, at Sega of America, Marlene worked on much more than Teen Choice Award-nominated Cartoon Network series SONIC BOOM. For example, her extensive Hedgehog duties took her to the heights of nerd-dom as an official San Diego Comic-Con 2017 panelist. She also contributed significantly to the 2020 Sonic the Hedgehog feature film.

As a freelance journalist, Marlene concentrates on pop culture for noteworthy outlets, such as GlobalToyNews.com, GameDeveloper.com, DOGTV, Geekified.net, and CultureSonar.com. As a short film auteur,  she has snagged recognition at La Femme Film Fest, Autism Comedy Film Festival, KIDS FIRST! Film Festival, Canine Film Festival, and San Luis Obispo Film Festival. Marlene is a proud winner of the LA Shorts International Film Fest Script Competition (an Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying fest), at which her backdoor sitcom pilot received a staged reading courtesy of The Groundings.

Connect with Autism in Entertainment here

Find Marlene’s episode here

You might recognize him as the 'Question Mark Guy,' or from his unforgettable infomercials and TV appearances that showed millions of Americans how to unlock government grants and benefits. Matthew Lesko has spent over four decades uncovering ways for people to access funds they never knew were available, and he’s sold over four million books in the process! Now, at 81, Matthew is still on a mission to help others through his platform, Lesko Help, where he’s guiding a community of thousands toward the resources they need.

Find Matthew here https://www.leskohelp.com/

Find Matthew’s episode here

My name is David Chalk, and I learned to read at the age of 62. I am featured in the documentary The Truth About Reading because I know firsthand the life-altering impact of illiteracy.

Despite reading at or below a sixth-grade level for most of my life, I manage dyslexia, ADHD, prosopagnosia—the inability to recognize faces, a rare condition—and numerous other cognitive challenges. I barely survived school and was told by counselors that I would amount to nothing in life. They said people like me end up on the streets or in jail. Yet, at 20, I became an airline pilot. By 23, I started my first business, and at 28, I earned my first million—all driven by the power of goal setting, focus, and determination instilled in me by my mother.

The unconditional love of my mother was the foundation of everything I achieved. Her belief in me taught me the power of resilience and guided me through some of life’s greatest challenges. She showed me the importance of unconditional love, acceptance, and self-worth—lessons I now share with others to help them overcome their own struggles and reach their full potential. The statistics around literacy are shocking and egregious.

Over 52% of children graduate with low literacy, and more than 140 million adults in North America read at or below a sixth-grade level. I was one of them. I have spent years understanding why the education system is failing to teach reading effectively and how the brain learns. I know the neuroscience behind how we can change these outcomes, and I am committed to global change. Through ReadingRoad.ai, the groundbreaking technology I am developing, I aim to help millions of children and adults learn to read. This work combines science-based methodologies with emotionally responsive AI, unlocking the potential for transformative and lasting success in literacy. I speak across North America on artificial intelligence and its transformative potential for education and beyond. Recently, I was a guest of honor at Stanford University’s Advanced Education Symposium, where I shared insights into AI’s role in addressing learning differences.

With over 15 years of experience in artificial intelligence, I combine cutting-edge innovation with a deep understanding of human potential to inspire meaningful change. What makes my journey unique is that much of my success has been self-taught. In business, technology, and personal growth, I relied on curiosity, determination, and an unshakable belief in the power of learning.

My story proves that success doesn’t require traditional pathways. It requires resilience, passion, and the willingness to adapt and grow. 🧩 Through my personal experiences and lifelong learnings, I’ve developed a strong awareness that we are not the negative thoughts or limiting stories our minds tell us. 🦋 I have created practical methodologies to manage those thoughts, thrive despite them, and ultimately achieve more than we believe possible.

These insights are at the core of how I’ve overcome challenges and are tools I share with others to help them succeed. At the foundation of everything I do are my three core values: family, respect, and agency. These values guide my work and life, reminding me of what truly matters and the importance of empowering others to achieve their potential.

I bring an informed, dynamic, and engaging presence to every discussion. With expertise in AI, neuroscience, and education—and the lived experience of overcoming profound challenges—I provide fact-based, inspiring, and transformative insights.

My goal is to empower audiences to think differently, act confidently, and see the incredible possibilities within reach.

Description goes hereI bring a unique blend of experiences and perspectives to the conversation, shaped by an unconventional journey. Diagnosed as Autistic in adulthood, I’ve come to see the world through the lens of empathy, adaptability, and the power of authentic connection—values that resonate deeply in the disability justice community. As a City Commissioner for Disabilities, I work to create tangible, systemic changes that foster inclusion and accessibility, offering practical insights for anyone looking to make their spaces more welcoming. Leaving behind a successful corporate career, I became the Executive Director of an award-winning circus school. There, I’ve learned how creativity, collaboration, and play can unlock human potential—lessons that transcend the arts and apply to all walks of life. I also own a float spa and have a deep interest in meditation and mindfulness, areas where I help people explore the importance of rest and self-awareness in a noisy, fast-paced world. Through my work and personal journey, I’ve developed a passion for speaking about empathy and the transformative power of leading with understanding and peace. Whether discussing the practicalities of inclusion, the value of creative leadership, or the quiet revolution of mindfulness, I aim to leave your audience with tools and inspiration to foster change in their own lives and communities.

Find Murphy’s episode here

As a child, I had difficulty controlling my emotions and was placed in therapeutic schools that relied on detrimental methods of behavior modification such as physical restraint. Nothing helped from a team of doctors to heavy medication. Then in 2010, I was voluntarily committed to a mental hospital for further evaluation. My parents were counseled to place me in a group home. They refused. Two years earlier, after an impulsive decision to take my skiing, my dad discovered a different child than the version experts were so sure about. By my second day of skiing, I was executing advanced runs, and with each conquest in the winters that followed, my dad began to question the path laid by the professionals paid to judge me. He later convinced my mom to fight the medical and educational complexes over my care and school placement, and together they fostered the freedom I needed to pursue my dream of becoming a professional ski mountaineer. Written in two voices, our book Without Restraint is a joint father-son memoir told with both pain and levity, struggle and strength, adventure and heart. It is the story of a misunderstood boy, a father’s growth, and a shared love of the outdoors that formed their unbreakable bond.

As a child, my son Ryan had difficulty controlling his emotions and was placed in therapeutic schools that relied on detrimental methods of behavior modification such as physical restraint. Nothing helped from a team of doctors to heavy medication. Then in 2010, he was voluntarily committed to a mental hospital for further evaluation. My wife and I were counseled to place him in a group home. We refused. Two years earlier, after an impulsive decision to take Ryan skiing, I discovered a different child than the version experts were so sure about. By his second day of skiing, Ryan was executing advanced runs, and with each conquest in the winters that followed, I began to question the path laid for his son by the professionals paid to judge him. Later, I convinced my wife to fight the medical and educational complexes over Ryan’s care and school placement, and together we fostered the freedom Ryan needed to pursue his dream of becoming a professional ski mountaineer.

Find Their Episode here

Leanne Pritchett is a Veteran Special Education Teacher, Advocate with over 19 years experience.  For the past three years, she has been employed as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, along with providing Respite Care to Special Needs families. She is also a former Judaic /Hebrew School Teacher and a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. Being Diagnosed with Specific Learning Disabilities has given Leanne an insight to how differently students learn and to tailor make her lessons to suit her student’s needs. She excels at getting to know her students and build a safe and nurturing learning environment where her students are set up for success. She has worked with children and adults ages 3 years on up, with many different types of morbid diagnosis, from Autism Spectrum Disorders, Specific Learning Disabilities, Visual Impairment, Cancer, Speech and Language Impairments, Cerebral Palsy, and Traumatic Brain Injuries, and chemical imbalances in the brain, to name just a few. In her spare time, Leanne enjoys hanging out with her cats, reading, baking and taking nature walks. She has a micro-podcast where she advocates for the Special Needs populations as well as discussing every day relevant topics for us all. The podcast can be found at:

Swellcast.com/thems.leanne

She can also be found on Facebook under her name, Leanne Pritchett

She can be found on link tree at:

linktr.ee/thems.leanne

Find Leanne’s Episode here

Jennifer Celeste Briggs' memoir, Watching Sarah Rise, is a deeply personal and transformative story that would make for an inspiring and insightful podcast interview. Her journey, rooted in unconditional love and resilience, showcases how a parent can turn hope into action by creating an individualized program to help her autistic daughter thrive. Jennifer’s pioneering approach to using the Son-Rise Program and adapting it into the Sarah-Rise program demonstrates the power of play, community, and meeting children where they are. Her story is not only a beacon of hope for parents of neurodivergent children but also a testament to the impact of grassroots, family-driven interventions. A podcast featuring Jennifer could explore themes of parenting, innovation in autism therapy, and the importance of rethinking societal norms about neurodivergence, making it both heartfelt and enlightening for a broad audience.

Buy Jennifer’s Book here

Jennifer’s Website is here

Facebook

Instagram

Jennifer’s Episode can be found here

Dr. Bibi Pirayesh is an educational therapist and learning rights advocate based in Los Angeles, CA. She has spent the last 15 years working with hundreds of children, parents, teachers, and schools to enhance the lives of children with learning disabilities. She regularly speaks on neurodiversity, educational therapy, and learning disability as a social justice issue on podcasts, and stages, and as a university lecturer. As a first generation immigrant and English language learner, she draws on a unique multicultural perspective, years of specialized education on these topics, and over a decade of community experience and advocacy. Helping parents, students, and teachers recognize the power they hold is shifting our systems toward equity and inclusion is her passion. She is especially interested helping psychologists and therapists divest away from traditional medical models and center radical love in their practice. She does this by utilizing her 4C Framework for decolonizing therapy. Outside of work, she is an avid traveler and dog mom to "Booboo," everyone's favorite therapy dog.

Visit Bibi’s Website here

Hi, I’m Dr. Kristen Williamson—licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, and proud ringleader of a “neurospicy” family. My life is a mix of late-night epiphanies, juggling mental health myths, and a daily dose of laughter as I navigate autism, ADHD, and parenting kids who keep me on my toes (and sometimes hiding snacks). Here’s the deal: growing up, I always felt like I was dancing to my own beat—but nobody gave me the playlist. It wasn’t until adulthood that I realized I was neurodivergent, and suddenly, my quirks and challenges made sense. That “ah-ha” moment didn’t just change my life—it gave me a mission to help others embrace their differences and thrive. Now, I blend humor, personal stories, and practical advice to tackle big topics like: Why neurodivergent brains are the secret weapon every workplace needs. How to turn “chaotic energy” into a leadership superpower. And why mental health isn’t all doom and gloom (yes, we can laugh about it sometimes!). When I’m not counseling clients or speaking on neurodiversity and DEIB, you’ll find me debating the merits of pineapple on pizza, struggling to perfect my meme game, or plotting my next adventure with my husband and kids. I keep it real, relatable, and a little ridiculous—because who says growth can’t be fun?

Kristen’s Website

Kerie Logan has helped people all over the globe live better lives and lives they love. She has been a therapist and empowerment strategist for over twenty years. In 2004, she was awarded the best coach of the year at the PCH Yearly Convention. She has been voted the best hypnotherapist in my area for the past 14 consecutive years. She is also an author, spiritual advisor, blogger, and podcaster.

Connect with Kerie here

Rebecca Engle is a passionate advocate for inclusive education, an author, and a public speaker. As an autistic educator, she focuses on creating supportive learning environments for students with disabilities. Rebecca earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in literacy, history, and special education from the University of the Incarnate Word and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Policy and Leadership at Texas Tech University, focusing on Special Education. She is also working on improving support models for autistic students, particularly addressing the limitations of traditional behavioral support and resource classrooms. Beyond her work in education, Rebecca is an author of Step Into My Shoes, a book inspired by her experiences navigating school as an autistic student. Having been non-verbal until age four and on an IEP until fifth grade, she is dedicated to advocating for students with disabilities and ensuring they receive the support they need. In addition to her writing and advocacy, Rebecca serves as a non-profit board member and enjoys knitting, writing, and volunteering in her free time.

Buy Rebecca’s Book here

Rebecca’s Instagram

Rebecca’s LinkedIn