Hello, everyone! ๐ I'm Courtney, and I want to share a little bit about my journey with you. Living with muscular dystrophy and having survived a stroke has given me a unique perspective on life. I've been navigating chronic illness and disability from a young age, and it's shaped who I am today.I've made the choice to launch a podcast dedicated to bringing attention to the genuine concerns within our disability community. It serves as a safe haven for us to engage in open, meaningful dialogues, extend a helping hand, and ignite each other's inspiration.
Joy Unbound: A Mother's Journey of Love and Inclusion
We are thrilled to welcome Abbey, a remarkable mother, nurse, disability advocate, and self-published childrenโs book author, to our podcast! ๐ธ
Abbey's journey is one of resilience and love. As a mother of two children, one of whom has a genetic disorder, she shares how her family ensures that disability does not define their daughter, Avery Joy. They embrace life, making sure Avery is included and cherishes every moment to the fullest. ๐
Avery Joy, now 7, has overcome years of seizures, medical stays, and challenges that others might take for granted. Despite these obstacles, she remains a source of joy and inspiration to everyone she meets. Avery loves dance, being held, and being surrounded by others. ๐โค๏ธ
Tune in to hear Abbey's heartfelt story about finding joy in the everyday journey of life and how they celebrate Avery's spirit and resilience.
5 Apr 2024
Empowering Inclusion: Insights from a Mom, Educator, and Advocate
๐๏ธ Had an incredible conversation on my podcast this afternoon with Kayla. She's a former para, special education teacher, and education specialist who has transformed into a small business owner, inclusion specialist, and mom of two. Since 2011, she's been deeply involved in the education sector, and at every step, her focus has remained on inclusion.
๐ Kayla noticed a significant lack of representation in books, so she decided to take matters into her own hands. She's authored two children's books already, with a third in the works. Moreover, she's currently crafting a book for adults titled 'Raise Inclusive Kids'. Her passion for inclusion shines through in all her endeavors.
๐ Kayla strongly advocates for the right of everyone to be included in their chosen community, and she's dedicated to supporting individuals in any way she can. Keep an eye out for her upcoming projects โ they're sure to make a positive impact!
29 Mar 2024
Breaking Barriers: The Power of Inclusive Storytelling with Jannesy Deleon
As the author of โTag! Youโre Itโ and โNot A Shot!โ - two inspiring childrenโs books featuring Gabby & Nicky, characters with multiple disabilities -ย @jannesydeleon (https://www.instagram.com/jannesydeleon/)ย is passionate about creating a more inclusive literary landscape for young readers.
In this episode,ย @jannesydeleon (https://www.instagram.com/jannesydeleon/)
shares the personal journey that led them to become an advocate for disability representation, the challenges of balancing caregiving with writing, and why childrenโs literature must feature diverse characters.
Tune in to gain insights, inspiration, and actionable steps toward fostering empathy and understanding for individuals with disabilities. Letโs work together to create a more inclusive society for all children! ๐
29 Mar 2024
Embracing Inclusion with Sydney: Navigating Life with Chromosome 18q-Proximal Deletion
Just wrapped up an incredibly insightful episode on my podcast, Episode 15, where we dove deep into important topics with Sydney! We discussed her journey with Chromosome 18q-proximal deletion, the hurdles she faced navigating life with a disability, and the beautiful moments of acceptance and inclusion she experienced along the way. ๐
Sydney's perspective on creating a more disability-inclusive society is truly eye-opening. She passionately shared her insights on what changes are needed and why it's crucial for individuals with disabilities to be their own advocates. ๐ช
If you missed the live session, don't worry! You can catch the replay on Instagram. And make sure to follow Sydney's advocacy account,ย @disabilitiesunite21 (https://www.instagram.com/disabilitiesunite21/), for more inspiring content and to learn about her journey firsthand!!!๐
Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions on my podcast, and thank you toย @sydalpsss (https://www.instagram.com/sydalpsss/)ย for sharing her story with us! ๐ง
14 Mar 2024
Wheeling through Adversity: A Journey of Inclusive Yoga and Resilience
8 Feb 2024
Empowered Journeys: Navigating Life with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2B on Her Chronic Wellness
"Empowered Journeys: Navigating Life with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2B on Her Chronic Wellness"
In this episode, we delve deep into the remarkable story of Amanda, exploring the unique challenges of living with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2B. Join us as we unravel her inspiring journey and learn how her experiences have shaped her outlook on life.
Discover the roots of @herchronicwellness as Amanda shares the motivation behind creating this extraordinary platform. From its inception to the present, witness the evolution of a space dedicated to chronic wellness, radiating positivity and fearlessly addressing taboo topics within the chronic community.
A highlight of the episode is Amanda recounting a powerful instance where Her Chronic Wellness made a significant impact on someone's life. Join us in spreading awareness and support for the chronic illness community, as we share empowering stories and uplift the spirits of those facing similar challenges.
Tune in now to be inspired by Amanda's resilience and the transformative narratives shared on Her Chronic Wellness. ๐ง๐ช #HerChronicWellness #PodcastAlert #Inspiration #LimbGirdleMuscularDystrophy #ChronicIllnessCommunity
8 Feb 2024
A Journey from SLP to Author-Tales of Inclusion
As a wife, mom, and SLP with 13 years of experience, her passion for storytelling took an unexpected turn. ๐๐
Being a tortoise mom adds an extra layer of joy to her life! ๐ขโจ Over the years, she's immersed herself in various aspects of speech-language pathology, from schools to private practice, aquatic therapy, and even hippotherapy.
The idea of becoming an author wasn't in her plans, but after hearing from parents about the need for more representation in children's books, she took the leap. ๐ Her series and characters are inspired by the amazing kids she's had the privilege to work with.
Exciting news! ๐โจ She's already published three books, and she's hard at work crafting individual stories for the rest of her characters. ๐ Thank you for the continuous support on this literary adventure. Stay tuned for more tales of inspiration and inclusion! ๐
29 Jan 2024
Rising Tides: The NeuroMermaid's Journey of Resilience and Advocacy
In the depths of life's challenges, Tawnie emerged as a true warriorโconquering not one but two brain aneurysms. Her journey is a testament to resilience, a story etched with courage and unwavering spirit. ๐ช
Now, she gracefully glides through the waters, a living beacon of hope, spreading awareness about this silent affliction. ๐ Tawnie's tale is a reminder of the incredible strength within us, a celebration of the human heart's power to overcome.
Join us in applauding Tawnie, the NeuroMermaid, for turning adversity into advocacy and inspiring us all to keep swimming against the currents of life. ๐
21 Nov 2023
Exceptional Journeys: Navigating Autism Advocacy, Education, and Applied Behavior Analysis with Michelle of Exceptional Shell
๐ Just had an incredible conversation on my podcast with Michelle Vinokurov, a powerhouse in the autism community! ๐ Diagnosed at age 2, Michelle wears many hats โ Behavior Specialist, RBT at Full Spectrum ABA, Blogger, and Co-Director of the Autistic Advocacy Program. She's making waves in FL public schools and beyond! ๐ When she's not wearing her professional hats, Michelle runs the inspiring Exceptional Shell brand (@selfadvocatemv (https://www.instagram.com/selfadvocatemv/)) and shares her insights on "The World of Autism" through her blog. ๐โจ
Dive into her world and discover the incredible work she's doing! ๐ง ๐ย #AutismAdvocate (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/autismadvocate/)ย #PodcastChat (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/podcastchat/)#ExceptionalShell (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/exceptionalshell/)ย #AutismAwareness (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/autismawareness/)#SelfAdvocateMV (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/selfadvocatemv/)
21 Nov 2023
Breaking Barriers in Digital Marketing: A Conversation with Olivia Holler
๐ Just wrapped up episode nine of "Chats with Courtney" and WOW, what an eye-opening conversation with the incredible Olivia Holler! ๐๏ธ๐ฌ
๐ A recent graduate from the Missouri Journalism School, Olivia brings a powerhouse combo of communication prowess and media know-how to the table.
๐ But here's the real magicโher journey into digital marketing is deeply rooted in her personal experience as a disabled woman. ๐ฆฝโจ Her passion for disability advocacy shines through in every endeavor.
๐ฃ๏ธ Olivia is on a mission to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, and her commitment to making a positive impact in the healthcare industry is truly inspiring. ๐ช๐ฅ
๐ Don't miss out on her fresh perspective and unique insightsโOlivia is a game-changer, and we're here for it! ๐โจย #DigitalMarketing (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/digitalmarketing/)ย #HealthcareAdvocate (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/healthcareadvocate/)#ChatsWithCourtney (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/chatswithcourtney/)ย #InclusionMatters (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/inclusionmatters/)
10 Nov 2023
Rolling Through Life: A Wheelchair's Perspective with Rosie Dunn
Just had an amazing chat with the incredible Rosie Dunn on my latest episode of "Chat with Courtney"! ๐๏ธ Meetย @rosieroaming (https://www.instagram.com/rosieroaming/)ย , a 23-year-old powerhouse hailing from Nashville, TN, currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Disability Studies all the way from Dublin, Ireland. ๐๐
๐ช Rosie's journey is nothing short of inspiring. A manual wheelchair user with a T6 complete spinal cord injury, she's embraced her unique path since a young age. ๐ Her determination led her to create the beautiful space known as Rosie Roaming - a blog and page that connects her to the disability community and shares her adventures as a wheelchair user, proving that life knows no bounds! โฟโจ
๐บ๐ธ And guess what's next for Rosie? She's heading back to the US next year to pursue her dreams in Occupational Therapy school, with the goal of making a positive impact on the lives of spinal cord injury patients! ๐
3 Nov 2023
Delia Sosa: Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Patients and Shaping Medicine's Future
๐ Delia Sosa: A Medical Trailblazer! ๐ณ๏ธ๐
Meet Delia Sosa in our latest Chats with Courtney episode. As a second-year medical student, Delia's journey is truly inspiring.
๐ **Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Patients**: Delia, a transgender nonbinary individual, is passionate about serving 2SLGBTQIA+ patients, especially those of transgender and intersex experience, and those with marginalized identities.
๐ **Community Advocate**: Beyond medical studies, Delia is deeply involved in community-centered work, ensuring their impact goes beyond the classroom.
๐ **Shaping Medicine's Future**: Delia is committed to building a more inclusive future for medicine and future generations of physicians.
Join us in celebrating Delia's remarkable journey and dedication to inclusive healthcare. ๐๐ฅ๐
3 Nov 2023
Living My Best Disabled Life with Olivia
๐๏ธ Meet Olivia! ๐ Episode six of "Chats with Courtney" is now live on my podcast.
Hey there, I'mย @olivia__murphyy (https://www.instagram.com/olivia__murphyy/)ย , or you can call me Liv. I'm a young woman in my twenties, navigating life with cerebral palsy, a neuromuscular disability that challenges my mobility. ๐ถโ๏ธ๐ช
I hold a Bachelor's degree in communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in marketing, and recently, I earned a master's degree in digital journalism and design. ๐โจ
Through my blog and podcast, I'm thrilled to share my experiences and insights with you. ๐ฌ๐ง My topics often align with my podcast episodes, and my goal for "Living My Best Disabled Life" is to raise awareness, advocate for disability, and celebrate the incredible diversity within it. ๐โค๏ธ
In this latest episode, I also share my unforgettable experience with theย @rollettes_la (https://www.instagram.com/rollettes_la/)ย in Los Angeles this July - trust me, it was a blast! ๐ด๐
Tune in to hear more about my journey, insights, and the incredible stories we explore on "Chats with Courtney." Thank you for your support and for joining me on this empowering journey! ๐๐
I'm thrilled to bring you the fifth episode featuring the incredible Maria Cristina Donadio from Michigan. Her unwavering spirit and determination shine brightly as she shares her remarkable journey living with muscular dystrophy. ๐ฆ
In this heart-to-heart chat, Maria opens up about her experiences growing up, her pursuit of an independent college life, and the challenges she's gracefully overcome. ๐ช She also takes us on a profound exploration of her stem cell journey, a testament to the power of hope and resilience. ๐ฑ
We dive deep into the health crisis aspect, shedding light on the realities of living with muscular dystrophy. ๐ Maria's story is a source of inspiration, reminding us all that strength can be found even in the face of adversity. ๐
3 Nov 2023
Beyond Barriers: The Dateability Chronicles๐ค๐ปโฟ๏ธโค๏ธ
๐ *Breaking Barriers in Love and Life! ๐*
Just wrapped up an inspiring chat on the *Chats with Courtney* podcast, where we delved into the incredible journey of sisters, Jacqueline and Alexa, the dynamic duo behind @dateabilityapp ๐
Jacqueline's resilience in the face of chronic illness is nothing short of awe-inspiring. ๐ผ She's battled not only the physical challenges but also societal misconceptions, all while searching for love. ๐
Navigating the world of dating with a disability can be a daunting task, with stereotypes and misconceptions casting a shadow on what truly matters โ the beauty of the soul. Jacqueline's strength and Alexa's unwavering support have paved the way for something incredible. ๐
๐ฑ *Introducing Dateability - The Dating App for All Abilities!* ๐ฑ
Together, they've created a space where love knows no boundaries, where disabilities and chronic illnesses don't define you, but your incredible personality and spirit do. ๐
Jacqueline finally found her purpose, and we couldn't be more excited about the future they're shaping for all of us. ๐
Join us in celebrating their journey and the power of love that transcends all barriers. ๐
3 Nov 2023
Inspiring Resilience: Allie's Story of SMA and Overcoming Adversity
I just wrapped up an incredible conversation with Allie, a remarkable 42-year-old with SMA Type 2. Her journey took a profound turn when she began her EVRYSDI treatment in September 2020. ๐
๐ฅ SMA Awareness Month and Advocacy: ๐ฅ
We dove into the significance of SMA Awareness Month in August, and how this treatment has transformed Allie's life. She even took to TikTok to document her inspiring journey! ๐๏ธ
๐ต From Music to Advocacy๐ต
Allie is not just a survivor; she's a thriver. Alongside her roles as a musician, educator, and gamer, she's become a passionate advocate for disability rights. ๐ฎ๐
๐คChanging the System for Equal Rights ๐ค
Our conversation delved deep into our shared mission - a commitment to changing the system and securing equal rights for all in America. ๐บ๐ธ๐ช
๐ Connecting through Shared Experiences: ๐
What made this conversation even more special was connecting with a friend who, like me, lives with muscular dystrophy. ๐ค
โจA Remarkable Journey โจ
Talking to Allie was not just inspiring; it was a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of a brighter future. ๐
3 Nov 2023
Introducing Rayven: From Avid Surfer to C6/7 Quadriplegic
Hey there, awesome folks! ๐ Today, let me introduce you to someone truly amazing - Rayven Hennecy
So, picture this: Rayven used to be this hard-core surfer, riding the waves like a champ. But then life threw her a curveball, and two years ago, she became a C6/7 quadriplegic. ๐ But here's the deal, the way she's tackled these challenges is downright inspiring. She's not just living life; she's totally owning it with some serious guts.
Now, Rayven's been part of the disability community, and it's changed her whole outlook on life. ๐ค๐ She's found a community that knows what it's like, that understands the ups and downs. And guess what? Every obstacle becomes a chance, and every setback is just a stepping stone to a brighter future.
What's truly cool is that Rayven's journey isn't just her own โ it's a shared adventure. ๐ง๐
So, here's the scoop: Head over to the Chats with Courtney podcast, where Rayven's taking center stage as the very first guest. We're going deep into her story, unpacking the awesome qualities of courage, resilience, and that unbeatable spirit. ๐๏ธ๐
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