Sharing the real stories of people who love, empower and champion children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.
Policy, Advocacy and the Future of Disability Services - Part 2 (Guest: Kathy Carmody)
On this episode of Little City, Big Voices, we continue our conversation with Kathy Carmody, CEO of the Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities. With more than 40 years of advocacy experience, Kathy shares her insights on Medicaid cuts, new federal requirements, and the policy issues shaping the future of Illinois’ IDD community. In this second part of our two-part conversation, we continue to dive into why these issues matter and why advocacy is more important than ever.
9 Sept 2026
Policy, Advocacy and the Future of Disability Services - Part 1 (Guest: Kathy Carmody)
On this episode of Little City, Big Voices, we’re joined by Kathy Carmody, CEO of the Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities. With more than 40 years of advocacy experience, Kathy shares her insights on Medicaid cuts, new federal requirements, and the policy issues shaping the future of Illinois’ IDD community. In this first part of our two-part conversation, we dive into why these issues matter and why advocacy is more important than ever.
11 Aug 2026
Designing Possibility: IKEA, Little City, and the Bell Family Arts Center (Guest: Todd Mrowice)
Todd Mrowice of IKEA Schaumburg joins Little City, Big Voices to share how a simple campus visit grew into a meaningful partnership that helped transform the new Bell Family Arts Center. Todd talks about community engagement, corporate partnerships, and IKEA’s role in furnishing and designing a space built to support creativity, connection, and skill-building.
The conversation comes just ahead of the Bell Family Arts Center ribbon cutting on August 15, celebrating the many partners who helped bring the new space to life.
17 Jun 2026
Empowering Through Recreation: A Story of Success (Guests: Mike Cusick & Nick D.)
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Cusick, Director of Recreation Services, and Nick D., a Little City resident and Special Olympics athlete, to talk about the importance of recreation, connection, and community. Nick shares his experiences, interests, and the role meaningful activities and relationships play in building confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.
22 Apr 2026
Big Footsteps and Bigger Connections - Guest: Andrea Biwer
Andrea Biwer has spent 30 years building relationships across the Chicagoland business community, and in this episode she talks with host Rich Bobby about why those connections matter beyond the bottom line. As president of the Schaumburg Business Association, she shares how partnerships between local businesses and nonprofits like Little City create real, lasting impact.
25 Mar 2026
Creating Space to Shine - Guest: Julie Bell
On this episode of Little City Big Voices, Julie Bell shares a personal perspective on the power of creativity and connection. Inspired by her sister Andy, she reflects on her belief that art can open doors, creating opportunities for expression, learning, and meaningful social engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Julie also recognizes the people who make that impact possible every day, expressing gratitude for DSPs and staff whose compassion and commitment help create fuller, more vibrant lives. It is a conversation rooted in love, advocacy, and the idea that when we invest in creativity and care, everyone benefits.
27 Jan 2026
Families: Take a Breath, You Are Not Alone Guest: Samantha Alloway
Little City, Big Voices welcomes Samantha Alloway, Executive Director of the Arc of Illinois, to the podcast this week. A former Director of Government Relations at Little City, Samantha now advocates for Illinois families supporting loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She shares her powerful personal story—including her cancer journey and her son’s Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis at age 3—and how those experiences fuel her work today. Under Samantha’s leadership, the Arc of Illinois gives families a place to turn, take a breath, and know they are not alone.
19 Dec 2025
Human First: Mental Health Advocacy - Guest: Quinette Hobson-Robb
Quinette Hobson-Robb, Executive Director of the Township of Schaumburg Mental Health Board, highlights the importance of human connection, prevention, and community support in mental health advocacy.
9 Dec 2025
Living Big: Howard's Journey Guests - Little City Resident Howard and Sarah Sanariz, Employee Development Operations Manager
Little City resident Howard and Sarah Sanariz, Employee Development Operations Manager, talk about Howard’s journey, his work history, his involvement in Special Olympics, and the support that helped him succeed. An inspiring look at what a meaningful life can look like at Little City.
24 Oct 2025
Empowering Through Employment - Guest: Jenny Boland
Jenny Boland, Director of Employment Services shares how her team helps people with disabilities build job skills and connect with inclusive employers across the community.
2 Oct 2025
The Roadmap to IDD Support - Guest: Ann Morris
Ann Morris discusses the new IDD Navigator website, built to make it easier to find intellectual and developmental disability services in Illinois and connect families, caregivers, and professionals with support.
8 Sept 2025
DSP's Make the Difference - Guest: James Sitati
What does it mean to be a DSP? James Sitati knows better than most. For 22 years, James has dedicated himself to supporting people with disabilities at Little City. On this episode of Little City, Big Voices, he reflects on his journey and the powerful impact DSPs make every day.
22 Aug 2025
Marty's Story - Guests: Gil and Betty Fergus
Gil and Betty Fergus join the podcast to share the story of their son, Marty, who has called Little City home for more than 25 years. They reflect on their family’s journey to finding Little City, their deep connection to the mission, and their excitement for the upcoming Hero Walk.
6 Aug 2025
Expanding Behavioral Health in the Community - Guest: Amy Board
Amy Board, Director of Community-Based Clinical Services at Little City shares how her team is breaking barriers in mental health care for children and families. She also highlights how the new Little City Behavioral Health Center will expand access to vital services.
9 Jul 2025
Episode 1 - Empowering Big Lives (Guest: Lisa Pollard)
Lisa Pollard joins the show to talk about her son Brady and her journey as a parent of a child with I/DD.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Contact Little City, Big Voices
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Little City, Big Voices?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
