The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast: Recent Episodes

The Shining Beautiful Series

Listen to this podcast and discover the power of "Shining Beautiful" in life and in your community. Mikelle is perhaps the only non-verbal podcaster in the world. How does she do it? With technology. Meet Mikelle, who experiences cerebral palsy, her mother, Katherine Carol, and Gretchen Storm, speech therapist, and assistive technology guru. Together they talk about everyday life with a disability, how technology empowers people with disabilities to own their lives. This sassy team of coffee drinking techies interview technology and rehabilitation experts as they sit around the kitchen table at Mikelle's home.

The Architect of Hope

What does it mean to stay hopeful when the world feels divided and uncertain?

In this mid-month update of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine reflects on the quiet work of becoming an architect of hope. Through stories from nature, mentorship, caregiving, and community, she explores the difference between hope and despair, the powerful role of both nature and nurture in shaping our lives, and how mentors plant possibilities that continue to grow long after they are gone.

She also shares why building authentic relationships with people who may see the world differently—even those with whom we may have voted differently—is one of the most important acts of leadership and citizenship today. Hope, she suggests, is not a passive emotion but a daily discipline rooted in curiosity, compassion, and connection.

Finally, Katherine reflects on the often-overlooked relationship between hope and self-care. Caring for ourselves is not an act of selfishness; it is what allows us to continue showing up for the people, causes, and communities we love.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation about resilience, belonging, and the quiet architecture of hope—one relationship, one act of kindness, and one intentional choice at a time.

Because hope isn't something we wait for. It's something we build.

What makes a great support team?

It isn't the agenda, the meeting notes, or the action items. It's the relationships built around the table.

In this heartfelt episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle, Katherine, and team member Torie explore why team meetings are about so much more than logistics. They share how open communication, mutual respect, and shared purpose create a support system where everyone has a voice—and where Mikelle feels seen, heard, and deeply supported.

Together they discuss:

Why trust is the foundation of every successful support team
Creating meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in decisions about their own lives
How different forms of communication strengthen a team
The invisible work that allows people to live independently and confidently
Why the greatest outcome of any meeting is knowing you belong

Whether you're a family member, direct support professional, case manager, self-advocate, or simply someone who believes in building stronger communities, this conversation offers a thoughtful reminder that the best support plans aren't created through paperwork—they're created through relationships.

Because when people come together with kindness, respect, and a shared purpose, they're not just building a plan.

They're building a community.

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Katherine reflects on the complicated emotions of this Fourth of July.

As the mother of an adult daughter with significant disabilities and someone who has spent more than four decades advocating for community living, employment, and self-determination, she celebrates the extraordinary progress our nation has made while also sharing her growing concern about recent policy shifts affecting disability rights.

This deeply personal episode explores what freedom has meant for Mikelle's life—from becoming a homeowner and entrepreneur to building a life surrounded by friends, neighbors, and a dedicated support team. It also considers how current discussions surrounding disability policy, community living, and civil rights invite us to ask an important question:

How do we protect the freedoms that generations before us worked so hard to achieve?

Rather than choosing between patriotism and advocacy, Katherine reflects on how the two belong together. Loving our country means celebrating its accomplishments while continuing the work of ensuring that every person, including people with disabilities, has the opportunity to live, work, belong, and determine the course of their own lives.

Join us for a thoughtful Fourth of July conversation about freedom, belonging, responsibility, and the promise we carry into America's next 250 years.

What happens when a tattoo artist with social anxiety joins the support team of one of the world's first nonverbal podcasters? You pull up a chair, pour a cup of coffee, and discover that community grows one conversation at a time.

In this heartfelt episode, Mikelle introduces listeners to Rachael, one of the newest members of the Shining Beautiful team. Together, they share stories about friendship, finding confidence, and the unexpected ways people change one another.

What begins as a conversation about supporting Mikelle quickly becomes a story about mutual growth. Through neighborhood coffee dates, sharing laughter, selling Mikelle's handmade bracelets, and meeting new people together, Rachael discovered that support is not simply about helping someone else. It is about becoming part of a community where everyone learns, contributes, and grows.

Mikelle has always had a gift for bringing people together. Whether she's giving away one of her bracelets, introducing a new friend, or simply inviting someone to sit and share a cup of coffee, she reminds us that belonging is built through everyday moments of generosity and connection. Along the way, Rachael found her confidence growing, while Mikelle welcomed another friend into the circle that surrounds her life.

As Katherine guides the conversation, the three reflect on the beautiful reciprocity at the heart of authentic support. The people who come to support someone with a disability often discover that they, too, are changed. They become better listeners, stronger advocates, more confident in themselves, and more connected to the communities around them.

Whether you're a family member, direct support professional, educator, advocate, or someone who simply believes in the power of human connection, this episode is a reminder that the strongest communities are built through relationships—not transactions. True support isn't measured only by the care we provide, but by the friendships we create and the ways we grow together.

Sometimes all it takes is a cup of coffee, a handmade bracelet, and someone willing to say, "Tell me your story."

A Closing Thought This episode celebrates something we don't talk about enough: the reciprocal nature of support. We often describe direct support professionals as people who give. But in reality, the best support relationships become partnerships. Each person brings gifts. Each person teaches. Each person leaves the relationship changed.

At The Shining Beautiful Series, we believe that belonging isn't something one person gives another. It's something we build together, one relationship at a time.

Dr. Peter Smith on Family Discovery and Customized Employment

In this warm and thoughtful episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Katherine sit down with longtime friend and customized employment leader Peter Smith from the Centre for Disability Employment Research and Practice in Australia for a casual conversation about families, Discovery, and the importance of truly getting to know a person before trying to build employment opportunities around them.

Rather than focusing on assessments and paperwork alone, Peter shares insights from his evolving work around the Family Discovery Model — an approach that values the lived knowledge families carry about their loved one's interests, routines, strengths, relationships, and potential. Together, they discuss how employment professionals can grow alongside families and job seekers by listening closely, building trust, and learning from everyday life.

The conversation stays grounded and practical, exploring:

why relationships matter in employment success
how families often notice gifts and interests that others miss
the challenges created by constant turnover among support staff and employment specialists
and how meaningful jobs are often discovered through simple conversations, shared experiences, and community connection

At its heart, this episode is about slowing down, keeping things human, and remembering that customized employment begins with understanding the person — not just searching for an available job opening.

Friendly, hopeful, and down to basics, this conversation offers encouragement for families, employment professionals, and anyone working to build more meaningful and inclusive employment opportunities

In this encore episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Katherine revisit an important conversation with Debra McLean and Emily Harris from Washington Initiative on Supported Employment on how person-centered planning can create a pathway — and even a prophecy — for employment success.

As families, educators, providers, and systems across the country navigate workforce shortages, Medicaid pressures, and growing uncertainty, this conversation feels more relevant than ever. Debra and Emily explore how truly listening to a person's interests, gifts, relationships, routines, and vision for the future can shape meaningful employment outcomes and stronger community connections.

Meanwhile, life here at home has been full as well. Mikelle and I have spent the last several weeks painting, refreshing, and updating her home — the kind of everyday work that quietly reminds us how important it is to build lives people genuinely love living. Sometimes podcast schedules fall behind while real life takes center stage, and perhaps that, too, is part of person-centered living.

This thoughtful encore reminds us that employment is never just about a job. It is about identity, belonging, purpose, and creating a life rooted in choice and community.

Join co-host Katherine Carol for a powerful mid-month update on Colorado Medicaid cuts—and what they mean for families, care teams, and the future of support.

The sky feels different these days.

Here in Colorado, we're watching another kind of storm roll in—not one you can see building over the mountains, but one you can feel in policy decisions, budget sheets, and quiet conversations around kitchen tables.

Through lived experience, we explore what it takes to build and sustain a care team over time, what families risk losing, and what communities across Colorado are quietly navigating right now.

We also talk about where we still have influence—how we can help shape implementation, reduce harm, and stay connected even when resources feel scarce.

In this return conversation, Brittany "Lenny" Gilbert joins us again—this time stepping into an exciting new chapter as she begins work on her first fiction book. Many of you will remember Brittany from our earlier conversation around Ruby and Me. Now, her storytelling is stretching in new directions, shaped by imagination, lived experience, and a deep desire to reach the next generation.

Together, we explore what it means to move from telling your own story… to creating stories for others. Brittany shares how her experiences as a writer and as a person with cerebral palsy are influencing her approach to fiction, and why representation, creativity, and voice matter.

This episode is about growth. About creative risk. About trusting that your voice can evolve—and that your story doesn't end with the first book.

It's also about something bigger: the quiet power of writing stories that help young people see themselves, imagine more, and believe in lives that are wide open with possibility.

Pull up a chair, pour a cup of coffee… and settle in for a conversation about new beginnings, creative courage, and the stories we write.

Here is the link to our first interview with Brittany and her author website.

Our first interview with Brittany: Ruby and Me.

Brittany's website

As grocery bills climb, gas prices rise, and budgets tighten, caregivers are feeling the pressure in real and immediate ways.

In this mid-month reflection from The Shining Beautiful Series, Katherine shares a deeply personal story that reaches back through generations—from a rustic mountain cabin in Colorado to the pioneers who endured hardship on the plains, cutting lumber, and in coal mines.

At a time when families are navigating increasing costs and uncertain systems, this episode explores a powerful truth: while systems may shift, it is community, resilience, and the strength we inherit that continue to sustain us.

From stories of survival and sacrifice to the everyday realities of caregiving today, this episode offers both grounding and perspective.

Because even in the squeeze of rising costs and shrinking resources, something steady remains.

What happens when we begin the employment journey not with a system—but with the people who know someone best?

In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, Katherine and Mikelle welcome Peter Smith, a long-time leader in the customized employment movement in Australia, for a thoughtful conversation about his emerging work on the Family Discovery Model.

Discovery has long been a cornerstone of Customized Employment, helping people with disabilities identify their strengths, interests, and ideal conditions for work. But Peter's recent work asks an important question: What role do families play in that process—and what happens when we intentionally bring their knowledge, history, and insights into Discovery?

Drawing from research, practice, and decades of experience, Peter explores how families often hold the richest understanding of a person's talents, rhythms, and possibilities. Yet too often that wisdom sits quietly on the sidelines of formal employment services.

Together we discuss:

How Customized Employment and Discovery open doors to meaningful work
Why families are an untapped resource in employment planning
The ideas behind the emerging Family Discovery Model
How practitioners and families can work together more intentionally
What this means for people with disabilities seeking real jobs, real belonging, and real contribution

This conversation is not about learning a new "program." Instead, it's about sharing ideas across communities, reflecting on what we've learned through experience, and continuing to build pathways to employment that honor the full story of a person's life.

For families, employment professionals, and advocates, this episode offers both insight and encouragement: the journey toward meaningful work is strongest when the voices closest to the person are invited into the conversation.

Sometimes the most powerful discovery begins right at the kitchen table.

Here is a link to Peter's work on Family Discovery.

In this mid-month reflection, Katherine shares a deeply personal experience from a friend's celebration of life — a gathering that revealed what real community looks like when it has been intentionally nurtured over decades.

Drawing from the work of Peter Block and his book Community: The Structure of Belonging, this episode explores how belonging is built through invitation, small gatherings, shared ownership, and love.

This was not just a memorial. It was a living ecosystem.

Women from college days. Women from work life. Neighbors. Mothers. Children who will now grow up together because their mothers loved well.

Katherine reflects on creative community — how women weave connection through crisis, how leadership often looks like hospitality, and how the spirit of one woman continues through the people she gathered.

She also reflects on how this friend was one of Mikelle's first roommates, and how over time she has found herself a kind of surrogate mom to many of the young women who orbit Mikelle's life — women who are now carrying the torch of thoughtful, inclusive leadership into the next generation.

Community is not a program. It is an act of creation. And creativity may be our most powerful form of resistance in uncertain times.

In this special Valentine's Day episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, Katherine, Mikelle, and Maryann gather for a heartfelt conversation about what they truly love and appreciate — in their lives, in each other, and in the communities they're building together.

This isn't a sugary sweet Valentine's episode. It's honest. It's grounded. It's real.

Together, they reflect on:

The friendships that have lasted decades
The caregivers, colleagues, and quiet leaders who show up every day
The small rituals — coffee time, creative work, shared laughter — that sustain them
And yes… the subtle undercurrent of anxiety many of us are carrying in uncertain times

In a year marked by policy shifts, funding questions, and a rapidly changing landscape for families and people with disabilities, love can feel both powerful and fragile. This conversation explores how gratitude and worry can coexist — and how choosing appreciation, even now, is an act of courage.

Mikelle shares what she loves about her work and friendships. Maryann reflects on mentorship, inclusion, and the next generation of leadership. Katherine offers perspective from decades of advocacy — reminding us that even in seasons of change, we are more resilient than we think.

This episode is a reminder that love is not naïve. It is strategic. It is sustaining. It is how communities survive.

💛 As you listen, we invite you to ask yourself: What do you love right now? Who do you appreciate but haven't told? What steady presence in your life deserves your gratitude?

Still, we love. And that matters.

In this solo episode of Shining Beautiful, Katherine reflects on the legacy of nurse, mentor and caregiver Alex Pretti--and the profound, often unseen impact caregivers have on our lives, families, workplaces and communities.

Through personal insight and gentle storytelling, Katherine explores the quiet leadership of caregiving: the small acts of kindness, presence, and compassion that shape human connection and create lasting change. From hosptial rooms to grocery store liens, this episode is a reminder that caregive is not only what we do--it is who we are.

A thoughtful pause, an invitation to lead with humanity, and a tribute to those whose lives continue to ripple forward through the people they touch.

There's a particular kind of laughter that shows up when people have lived through enough systems change to know two things at once: that the work matters deeply—and that taking ourselves too seriously won't get us very far.

That spirit framed our recent conversation with Cary Griffin, a longtime leader and truth-teller in the field of customized employment. We came together to talk about what's shifting at the federal level, what those changes mean on the ground, and how individuals with disabilities and families can continue shaping meaningful employment journeys in an increasingly uncertain environment.

The headlines can feel heavy. Policy priorities change. Funding structures wobble. Programs are renamed, restructured, or reduced. Families and self-advocates are often left translating vague language into very real, very personal decisions.

And yet—this conversation wasn't rooted in fear.

It was rooted in perspective.

Cary reminded us that customized employment was never about fitting people into tidy systems. It has always been about creativity, alignment, relationships, and listening deeply—to individuals, to businesses, and to communities. Those fundamentals don't disappear when administrations change. In many ways, they become even more important.

We talked about what it looks like to:

Stay grounded when policy signals are confusing or discouraging
Reframe employment as an evolving and meaningful journey rather than a fixed outcome
Help individuals and families focus on strengths, contributions, and relationships instead of program limitations
Keep joy, humor, and humanity at the center of serious work

There was laughter—real, unfiltered laughter—because sometimes humor is how we tell the truth gently enough to hear it ourselves.

As a new year begins, Katherine reflects on the mixed emotions many of us are carrying—hope, fatigue, uncertainty, and cautious optimism.

In this episode, she shares her honest thoughts about the changes ahead, including concerns about funding, policy shifts, and the stability of long-term supports for people with disabilities. Drawing on decades of lived experience as a parent, advocate, and community builder, Katherine reminds listeners that we are not entering this year unprepared.

She explores how the skills developed over years—storytelling, resourcefulness, advocacy, and translation—equip individuals, families, and communities to navigate change without losing sight of what matters most: meaningful lives, inclusive communities, and shared responsibility.

This episode is an invitation to begin the year grounded, nimble, and connected—trusting what we've already learned, and moving forward together.

In this festive and heart-warming episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle leads us into the spirit of the season as she celebrates Secret Santa with the Shining Beautiful team and hosts a joyful holiday brunch with longtime friends — including Ian, the former barista who helped inspire the very concept of Shining Beautiful by ensuring she was fully included as part of the Starbucks community over 20 years ago.

We're joined by team member Torie, who shares her perspective on finding belonging in a new role and discovering how inclusion is lived — not just talked about. Together, we explore what makes friendships endure, how everyday acts of kindness shape a lifetime of connection, and the power of showing up for one another over time.

Filled with laughter, gratitude, and reminders that the smallest gestures can become the biggest gifts, this episode is a celebration of what truly matters during the holidays: the friendships that stay, the communities we build, and the love that continues to grow.

Happy holidays from all of us at Shining Beautiful — may your season shine bright with kindness and connection.

In this heartfelt episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle sits down with her longtime friend and fellow podcaster, Win Charles, for a candid conversation about aging, disability, and navigating life's next significant transitions.

Win—who also has cerebral palsy—is preparing for an upcoming hip replacement surgery. While it's a routine procedure for many, it becomes a very different experience when disability shapes your daily life, communication, and recovery. Together, Mikelle, Win, and Katherine explore how the medical system responds to "typical" surgeries in not-so-typical bodies, and what it means to advocate for yourself at every step.

The trio opens up about the realities of getting older with a disability—from shifting physical needs to rethinking living arrangements, strengthening support teams, and building communities that adapt with you. Their conversation is honest, hopeful, and full of lived wisdom.

This episode is a reminder that aging isn't something to fear—it's another chapter to write with courage, creativity, and connection. Whether you're a family caregiver, a person with a disability, or simply someone navigating change, you'll find insight, humor, and heart in this powerful exchange between two remarkable women who have spent a lifetime redefining independence.

This month — as we honour National Family Caregivers Month — we turn our attention to the 63 million Americans who provide unpaid care for loved ones with disabilities or chronic health needs. That staggering number is nearly one in every four adults. (AARP) Here in Colorado, roughly 600,000 family caregivers contribute 560 million hours of unpaid care annually — a value of about $11.2 billion. (AARP States)

On this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, host Katherine sits down with Cary Griffin to explore how caregivers are at the heart of employment and inclusion systems — yet often overlooked in policy, funding and workforce narratives. We'll dig into:

How the caregiving role intersects with paid employment, training and economic security
What budget-pressures in Colorado, including recent cuts to critical programs like the Family Provider rates within the DD waiver and the Community Connector services, mean for caregivers and the people they support
Survey findings from Our Back Office research: how caregivers are juggling employment, support teams, aging, and systems change
Actionable ideas for families, providers and employment professionals to re-frame caregivers as part of the solution—not just recipients of support

Whether you are a caregiver, a support professional, an employer, or someone who wants to understand the invisible backbone of community inclusion models better — this conversation is for you.

Join us and discover how supporting caregivers isn't a side conversation — it's central to sustaining employment, inclusion and dignity for people with disabilities and their families.

Additonal Data Resources:

Administration for Community Living. (n.d.). 2022 National strategy to support family caregivers. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://acl.gov/CaregiverStrategy
Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services. (n.d.). Colorado aging and adult services. https://aging.colorado.gov/
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. (n.d.). Bridging aging and disability networks. https://nacdd.org/bridging-aging-disability/#1709588308515-08fd8ab9-5944

In this inspiring episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine and Torie join Mikelle in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by sharing the heart and hustle behind Mikelle's entrepreneurial journey.

Mikelle opens up about why she loves making and selling her handmade bracelets — from the joy of choosing colors to the pride she feels when someone buys a piece of her art. Katherine reflects on how meaningful work builds purpose and independence, while Torie adds a fresh Gen Z perspective on teamwork, inclusion, and the power of believing in your own creativity.

Together, they show that employment isn't just about a paycheck — it's about belonging, confidence, and shining bright in the work you love.

The October 2025 government shutdown isn't just a headline — it's a story unfolding in kitchens, care teams, and communities across the country. Katherine reflects on the real-life impact for people with disabilities and aging caregivers who keep going even when government doesn't. This mid-month update calls for action, awareness, and compassion — reminding us that the nation's care infrastructure depends on the families who hold it together every day.

In this lively episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Katherine sit down with Torie — the newest member of the Shining Beautiful team. At just 21, Torie brings a fresh Gen Z perspective, a fearless spirit, and a contagious laugh that fills the room.

Together, they talk about learning the ropes of supported employment, finding rhythm in teamwork, and discovering joy in meaningful work. Torie shares what drew her to this role, what she's learned so far, and how she's building connections with Mikelle and the rest of the team.

It's a conversation full of laughter, insight, and heart — a reminder that every generation has something beautiful to bring to the table.

On this rainy first day of fall, Katherine reflect on transitions—both seasonal and systemic. Just as summer turns to autumn, Colorado is shifting from long-standing waiver programs to Community First Choice. What does this mean for individuals with disabilities, families, and support teams?

In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine explore the importance of advocacy during times of change—listening first, defining the problem, showing the impact, asking questions, and making clear what we want for the future.

We also connect these themes to September’s Emergency Preparedness Month, highlighting how preparedness extends beyond natural disasters to encompass life transitions and succession planning. Katherine reflects on her own journey in preparing for who will succeed her, ensuring Mikelle’s team and vision remain strong for years to come.

This episode is a quiet but powerful invitation: to listen, to speak up, and to prepare for the future—together.

In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine pull back the curtain on the heartbeat of life in Mikelle’s downtown Denver condo: the calendar.

What seems like a simple tool—paper and ink, squares and notes—becomes a lighthouse guiding continuity of care and protecting Mikelle’s privacy. With ConnectTeam supporting scheduling and reminders beyond the condo walls, the balance of paper and digital creates both structure and freedom.

But the real story unfolds around the kitchen table, where the team gathers over watermelon, pizza, and laughter. Here, Mikelle’s voice leads the way, and new ideas—like the September “no daytime TV” challenge—are born.

Join us for a conversation about how calendars, apps, and kitchen tables weave together to create not just continuity of care, but a community of love, joy, and resilience.

In this heartfelt episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Katherine sit down with Shannon, the eldest member of Mikelle’s support team, as she prepares to head off on new adventures.

Over the past year, Shannon has brought boundless energy, sharp organizational skills, and her unique background as a blacksmith and metal artist to the team. Together, we reflect on what drew her to the job, what she’s learned about working with someone with cerebral palsy, the challenges she’s faced, and the unexpected gifts along the way.

Mikelle leads the conversation with thoughtful and fun questions, including a lighthearted rapid-fire round that will make you smile. While we’ll miss Shannon, this episode celebrates the friendships and connections that last far beyond the job.

In this heartfelt midsummer episode, Katherine reflects on a season full of sparkle, growth, and the power of a strong support team. From Mikelle’s night out at Film on the Rocks to the everyday victories made possible by a dedicated crew of caregivers, The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast celebrates the joy that comes when everyone has space to shine.

Katherine also shares a timely update on the ongoing impact of the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB), and why staying connected—and taking care of ourselves—is more important than ever. With warmth and honesty, this episode offers a glimpse into how families like Mikelle’s are navigating uncertainty while continuing to show up for joy, community, and creativity.

Whether you’re a caregiver, advocate, or just someone trying to catch your breath this summer, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, we celebrate a milestone moment—Mikelle’s powerful story being featured in the Beam+ Mini-Doc, now streaming on BeamPlus.org.

Join Maryann, Katherine, and Mikelle as they reflect on the filming process, the energy on set, and what it meant to stand alongside eight other fierce self-advocates whose lives challenge stereotypes and ignite conversations. From wardrobe choices to what made Mikelle laugh during production, we take you behind the scenes of this empowering experience.

More than a documentary, Beam+ is a movement—and Mikelle’s voice adds depth, dignity, and joy to the story of disability and self-advocacy in America today.

Tune in as we beam with pride, share the impact of this storytelling project, and encourage others to raise their voices, too.

🔗 Watch the mini-doc at BeamPlus.org 🎧 Subscribe and share if you believe stories change the world!

In this powerful episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine shares her perspectives on the recently passed "Big Beautiful Bill"—legislation that slashes billions from Medicaid over the next few years. While politicians celebrate budget cuts, people like Mikelle face an uncertain future. What happens when the supports that make independence, employment, and dignity possible are suddenly on the chopping block?

Through honest storytelling, lived experience, and advocacy, this episode challenges the narrative surrounding this bill and invites listeners to stand up, speak out, and shed light on what’s truly at stake.

Whether you're a policymaker, caregiver, self-advocate, or ally—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this urgent and emotional episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, Katherine dives into the devastating impact of the HB-1 “Big Beautiful Bill,” passed during the June 30th vote-a-rama. As the federal government moves to gut Medicaid and unravel decades of disability rights progress, people with disabilities were zip-tied in the U.S. Capitol simply for demanding their right to live with dignity.

Katherine contrasts this cruelty with a brighter vision from Colorado, where Governor Polis is set to sign three powerful bills—HB25-1239, HB25-1017, and HB25-1154—that protect civil rights, expand community integration, and invest in communication services for people with disabilities.

This is a story of two Americas: one where disabled voices are silenced, and another where they’re heard, valued, and supported.

Tune in to hear why we must resist with hope, organize with urgency, and never stop fighting for the people we love and support.

In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine Carol explores what it really takes to stay positive in uncertain times. Spoiler alert—it’s not all sunshine and good vibes. It takes discipline, intentional resets, and a willingness to live life like improv: one unexpected moment at a time.

Drawing from her own experience as a lifelong caregiver, advocate, and mother, Katherine shares how she and Mikelle navigate daily challenges with humor, creativity, and just enough structure to keep going. Whether it’s tuning out the chaos, starting the day with gratitude, or simply showing up—this episode is your reminder that living lightly is a radical act of resilience.

Tune in for stories, strategies, and soul-fortifying inspiration for anyone trying to stay grounded while living life unscripted.

In this joyful and fashion-forward episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Maryann take us behind the scenes of their unforgettable modeling moment at Denver Fashion Week. Learn how this dynamic duo created the opportunity, from networking and bold visioning to connecting with inclusive fashion leaders. They share what it was like backstage—the energy, the nerves, the laughter—and the powerful experience of strutting down the runway in bold red looks.

More than just a moment in the spotlight, this episode highlights how Mikelle and Maryann, with the support of Denver Fashion Week, challenged stereotypes and showed the world that people with disabilities are not just present—they're paving the way, gracing the runway, and landing on the covers of publications with style and power.

Skye Barber Maa designed the ladies fashion. https://skyeaire.com/collections/electric-love-fall-2024

In this powerful episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, we unpack the devastating implications of the federal HB-1 bill—an aggressive piece of legislation that slashes Medicaid funding and threatens the stability of home- and community-based services for people with disabilities. While Washington proposes deep cuts, Colorado offers a different path forward.

We highlight three landmark bills soon to be signed by Governor Jared Polis:

HB25-1239 expanding the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act,
HB25-1017 establishing a strong Community Integration Plan, and
HB25-1154 launching a new Communication Services Enterprise for people with disabilities.

Join us as we contrast these vastly different visions of the future—one that dismantles support, and another that invests in inclusion, dignity, and accessibility.

In this insightful episode of The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine and Mikelle sits down with longtime educator, administrator, and special education consultant Bob Barrows. Together, they explore the evolving relationship between general and special education—and compare services and supports in both urban and rural settings. Drawing on his decades of experience, Bob shares what’s working, what’s not, and where innovation is taking us. T

he conversation also dives into how artificial intelligence might support—or complicate—the role of special educators. Tune in as we examine the biggest challenges and emerging risks facing special education in the coming years, and what families, educators, and policymakers can do to prepare.

You can find Bob @ https://www.bobbarrows.com/

In this inspiring episode and inn honor of last month's celebration of Cerbral Palsy Awareness, we sit down with the multitalented Brittany "Lenny" Gilbert—an author, filmmaker, and lifelong entrepreneur who’s been dreaming big since the age of sixteen. With a notebook in one hand and a pencil in the other, Lenny began crafting the stories that would shape her future.

Mikelle and I dive into the making of her 2018 self-published book Rudy & Me, a heartfelt story that later blossomed into her first short film in 2022. Brittany shares her creative process, what it’s like turning words into moving pictures, and the lessons she’s learned while carving her path as a storyteller and entrepreneur.

Whether you're a fellow dreamer, a lover of indie films, or someone walking the winding road of creative self-expression, this episode will remind you that beautiful things happen when you believe in your story.

✨ Tune in and get inspired by Brittany’s shining journey.

In our upcoming episode, "From Denver to D.C.: Updates on Medicaid & Community Living Policies," Katherine delves into recent policy developments impacting Medicaid and community living services at both the state and federal levels.

She discusses Colorado's proposed 1.6% increase in Medicaid provider reimbursement rates amid a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, and the federal government's plan to dismantle the Administration for Community Living (ACL), which could affect programs like Meals on Wheels. Tune in to understand how these changes may influence services for older adults and individuals with disabilities, and learn about advocacy efforts to support these vital programs.

In this episode, Katherine breaks down the latest legislative updates impacting Medicaid in Colorado and across the nation. With potential budget cuts looming, we explore what these changes could mean for individuals who rely on Medicaid for essential services — including people with disabilities, caregivers, and families. Join Katherine as she discusses the key issues, shares personal insights, and highlights ways you can stay informed and get involved. Don't miss this crucial conversation about how policy decisions today could shape the future of healthcare access.

Here's an episode description you can use:

In this episode of the Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Mikelle and Katherine introduce one of the newest members of the team—Kiara!

Kiara, on the Autism Spectrum, was drawn to this role because of her mutual love of coffee and checking out the neighborhood as well as its flexibility, inclusivity, and focus on individual strengths. Mikelle and Katherine discuss what makes this job an excellent fit for Kiara, the support to help her thrive, and why inclusive employment benefits everyone. Tune in to hear how Shining Beautiful continues to create meaningful opportunities that empower individuals to shine in their own way!

Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone who might find it inspiring!

Episode Title: The Huddle – Teaming Up for Inclusion

Inspired by Brad Pitt’s Huddle segment during the Super Bowl pre-game, Katherine recognized how a sports metaphor perfectly applies to person-centered planning, teamwork, and the foundation of the inclusion movement. In this episode, we break down the strategies that brought us together to build inclusion, why unity is more critical than ever to protect it, and how we can support each other as teammates. Just like any great team, we need to stay strong, train for the challenges ahead, and rally together to ensure that inclusion remains a lasting victory. Tune in as we explore what it means to be in the huddle and how we can all play a role in shaping a more inclusive future.

We’ll explore the details behind the Medicaid freeze, how it has been affecting individuals and families, and the potential long-term effects of these policy decisions. Plus, we’ll discuss the role of advocacy in ensuring that voices are heard and that Medicaid remains a resource for those who need it the most. Whether you're someone directly impacted by Medicaid or simply want to learn more about this crucial issue, this episode provides the clarity and insights you need.

Key Topics Covered:

Recent statewide Medicaid changes and their implications
The White House Medicaid freeze: what it means for beneficiaries
The importance of advocacy in health policy reform
How you can get involved and make a difference

Join us for a crucial conversation about how Medicaid is evolving and why your voice matters in this ongoing fight.

Feel free to tweak or adjust any details to match your podcast's style!

In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, we explore the persistent dream of a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can live with dignity and access the care they need. We discuss the vital importance of Medicaid and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) in making this dream a reality, and how these programs are essential to the independence and well-being of countless individuals. Despite challenges, the fight for inclusion continues, and we call on listeners to take action. Join us as we share insights, personal stories, and a call to contact your legislators to ensure that Medicaid and HCBS remain protected for all who rely on them. The dream of inclusion is persistent—together, we can save our services.

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Mikelle and Maryann as they explore the transformative power of art at Access Art Gallery. Join us as they share their experiences creating art together, the sense of community fostered by the gallery, and the profound benefits that art brings to Mikelle's life. From enhancing emotional well-being to fostering creativity, discover how art is a vital outlet for self-expression and connection. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that celebrates the healing and enriching qualities of artistic endeavors.

This week on the Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, Katherine takes the lead as Mikelle rests up, recovering from COVID. Despite the challenges, the spirit of Christmas and the strength of Mikelle’s incredible team continue to shine brightly. Katherine shares heartfelt updates from Mikelle, celebrates the creative and compassionate energy of the team, and reflects on how the holiday season reminds us to embrace resilience, connection, and joy—even in the face of setbacks.

Join us for an episode filled with holiday cheer, stories of inspiration, and the unwavering light of Mikelle's crew spreading warmth this holiday season.

In this episode of What Now?, Shining Beautiful Co-host Katherine Carol dives into the crucial choices we face in times of uncertainty post-election.

Should we respond with panic, prepare ourselves for what’s to come, or stand up in protest? Katherine explores these distinct paths with her trademark insight, sharing the concerns of individuals and communities as the reality of an administration who aims to make cuts entitlement programs.

Together, we’ll unpack each response, its potential consequences, and how to decide which path resonates most with your values. Whether facing a personal crisis or community challenges, this episode offers clarity and wisdom on staying grounded.

In this powerful episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, co-hosts Mikelle and Katherine Carol discuss the critical issue of voting for Medicaid and examine each candidate's position on healthcare and disability support.

With Medicaid as a lifeline for millions, this episode sheds light on what’s at stake for people with disabilities and their families. Join Katherine as she explore each candidate’s platform, break down key policy differences, and discuss how to make informed decisions at the polls. This is more than a vote—amplifying voices, securing essential resources, and driving meaningful change.

Whether you're voting for the first time or are a seasoned advocate, this episode is a must-listen for everyone invested in the future of Medicaid and the well-being of all.

Tune in, get informed, and take action.

In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, co-host Katherine Carol takes us behind the scenes of her recent training in North Dakota, where she explored the evolution of the disability civil rights movement. Drawing on her experiences from the event, Katherine shares powerful stories from this movement, the historical milestones that shaped the it, and why understanding this legacy is essential for creating a truly inclusive future. Tune in to hear her unique perspective and learn how we can contribute to advancing disability rights in our communities.

n this episode, we explore the unique dynamics of parenting, independence, and proximity as Katherine, Mikelle's Mom and an aging caregiver, begins her move out of Mikelle's place just 80 vertical feet above Mikelle's condo.

With Katherine setting up her future home directly upstairs, their lives intertwine in new ways, striking a delicate balance between closeness and personal space. We'll dive into the joys, challenges, and adjustments of living so near yet apart—sharing moments without sharing walls.

Tune in for insights on creating community within the walls we call home and redefining what it means to truly live close but separately.

In this heartfelt episode of the Shining Beautiful Series, join yourt host, Katherine Carol as she shares her deeply personal journey of finding a place for both her and Mikelle in her daughter Mikelle's building.

As an aging caregiver, Katherine opens up about her emotional and practical journey, from the difficult decision-making process to the joy and relief of finding a welcoming the question of how do Mikelle and Katherine thrive as they age.

Katherine shares steps to ensure her new future home met her needs and still allows her to support Mikelle as they prepare for the day, Katherine can know Mikelle is set up for a life on her own.

This episode dives into broader themes of aging, caregiving, and community, providing insights and inspiration for those in similar situations. Whether you're an aging caregiver, supporting a loved one, or interested in stories of resilience and community, Katherine's story offers valuable lessons and hope.

Listen in as Katherine recounts her experiences, The creative solutions she and Mikelle discussed and the challenges she overcame, and the joy she discovered in her new home.

Don't miss this touching and uplifting episode on finding a home and the strength of the community. Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

This episode explores how supported housing programs can make homeownership accessible to many. Mikelle, a homeowner for 15 years, shares her insights as we cover:

What Supported Housing Programs are: Understand the basics, who qualifies, and the types of programs available. The Benefits: Learn about financial assistance, counseling, and community support with real success stories. The Challenges: Discover common obstacles like application processes and eligibility criteria, with tips on overcoming them. Tune in for a thoughtful perspective as Mikelle and Katherine share Mikelle's navigational the path to homeownership through supported housing programs. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

For more detailed information, check out our blog post on housing.

https://theshiningbeautifulseries.com/2024/03/19/embracing-the-beauty-of-home-ownership-through-section-8/

Navigating the Complexities of Waiver Services for People with Disabilities

This episode delves into the increasingly complicated world of waiver services for people with disabilities. Join us as we explore the challenges that individuals and their families face when trying to access the support they need.

Katherine discusses some of the latest changes in policies and procedures. Whether you’re a caregiver, advocate, or someone seeking services, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice on managing the complexities of waiver programs. Tune in to learn how to better advocate for yourself or your loved ones in the ever-evolving landscape of disability services.

n this episode, Mikelle and Katherine we delve into the transformative impact of AI on the employment landscape for individuals with disabilities.

Join us as Shea Tanis, Ph.D and Associate Research Professor at the Kansas University Center on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and Jim Corey, Senior Program Director, as we explore how AI-powered platforms and tools are revolutionizing the job search process, enabling job seekers with disabilities and job developers to navigate barriers and find meaningful employment.

Tune in to discover how AI is reshaping the employment journey for jobseekers with disabilities, one opportunity at a time.

In this episode, join Katherine as she embarks on a necessary journey to a tranquil, rustic retreat nestled in the serene foothills of Colorado.

As she shares her experience, she explores how busy moms can find solace and rejuvenation amidst nature's embrace as she nestles in a cozy cabin to rest, restore and replenish her soul.

Tune in as Katherine shares the transformative power of disconnecting from the chaos and reconnecting with the simplicity of life even if only for a little while.

In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of navigating Social Security benefits for those people with disabilities interested in getting a job or starting a business with super-savvy expert Sandy Smith from Imagine Enterprises in Seabrook, Texas.

Sandy is a pioneer in the field of benefits navigation. Trained by David Hammis of GriffinHammis, LLC, she worked with Virgina Commonwealth University training new navigators from all over the country.

Join us as we unpack key strategies, demystify common misconceptions, and provide practical tips to help you maximize your social security benefits. This episode offers invaluable insights to empower you in making informed decisions about your social security benefits.

In this episode of The Shining Beautiful Series, we explore the power of effective communication within caregiving teams. We'll discuss how clear and empathetic communication fosters trust, enhances collaboration, and ultimately improves the quality of care provided.

Join us as we share how Mikelle and her team leader, Maryann detail their ideas and insights to help you strengthen communication skills within your caregiving team.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a family caregiver, or someone navigating the complexities of caring for a loved one, this episode offers valuable strategies for building stronger, more resilient teams in the realm of caregiving.

Tune in and discover how to cultivate connections that elevate the caregiving experience for everyone involved.

Welcome to the Shining Beautiful Series podcast. This episode details the exploration of non-resolution resolution as Mikelle and Katherine explore the transformative journey of adopting the Mediterranean lifestyle embracing the the art of slowing down for a richer, more fulfilling life.

From what we are learning the secret to long life is not only eating well, it is living well in a simple and satisfying way. It concerns diet, outdoor activities, social connections, and simple appreciation. As caregivers this can be daunting, but we are giving it a try.

Welcome to The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast, where we're diving into the enchanting spirit of the season in our latest episode, "Season's Sparkle: A Festive Journey Through Winter Wishes." Join us as we unwrap heartwarming tales, share cherished traditions, and explore the magic that makes this time of year truly special.

In this episode, we'll be your festive guides, taking you on a delightful journey through the winter wonderland of holiday joy from Mikelle's point of view.

Whether you're cozied up by the fireplace or braving the winter chill, "Season's Sparkle" is your companion for a joyous and reflective holiday experience.

So, grab a cup of cocoa, snuggle into your favorite blanket, and let the twinkling lights of our podcast illuminate your path through a festive journey of winter wishes. Subscribe now and join us in spreading the Season's Sparkle!

In this inspiring episode, join us for a heartfelt conversation with two remarkable women, Win Charles and our co-host, Mikelle Learned, who are not just breaking barriers but shattering stereotypes while living with cerebral palsy. Their stories are a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit.

🌟 Meet Win Charles, a trailblazer in the podcast profession, whose journey with cerebral palsy has not hindered her pursuit of excellence. Discover how she navigates challenges, embraces her unique abilities, and transforms obstacles into opportunities.

🚀 Joining her is Mikelle Learned, a true force of nature in living well and enjoying life. From conquering personal milestones to advocating for inclusivity, she shares her experiences, shedding light on the strength that lies within diversity.

🎙️ In this candid interview, we explore their personal stories, the misconceptions they've faced, and the impact they are making in their respective communities. From career achievements to personal triumphs, these women redefine what it means to be extraordinary.

🌈 As we delve into their journeys, we also discuss the importance of representation, the role of community support, and the strides being made toward a better society where everyone has opportunities to succeed. Prepare to be inspired and gain a fresh perspective on ability, ambition, and the boundless potential within us all.

Tune in to this empowering episode and discover the extraordinary stories of Win and Mikelle, proving that limitations exist only if we let them. Subscribe now and join us on this uplifting journey of strength, courage, and the pursuit of dreams.

Dorothy, we are not in Kansas anymore. Mikelle and I realize that our previous experience with the strength and beauty of person-centered planning services and supports differs from what it used to be.

We ask ourselves: What will we find at the end of the yellow brick road? Over the last few months, we felt the impact of system lead services throwing us into the wicked crystal ball as we have to justify Mikelle's support needs to the nameless and faceless Teligen. This entity gives Mikelle's funding a thumbs up or a thumbs down.

Could this experience be more like Squid Games?

On this show we dive deep into inspiring stories and conversations that matter. Today, we are incredibly honored to have a special guest with us. She's a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion in the gaming world, significantly impacting the lives of gamers with disabilities. Cheryl Mitchell, the Director of User Research at AbleGamers.

AbleGamers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking down the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from enjoying video games providing custom gaming setups, equipment, and support to gamers with disabilities, ensuring they can play games comfortably and competitively. We love a good tech talk! Join us in learning more about 21st Century opportunities for people with disabilities.

In this episode, Mikelle and Katherine continue exploring the ever-changing special education landscape with Gretchen Storm of Storm Speech Therapy and a Shining Beautiful team member.

While schools move towards greater inclusion and person-centered practices on a policy level, staffing shortages make implementing these practices challenging. Gretchen shares the challenges and the creativity of the classroom with us. Do yesterday's strategies work for today's families? We are sure they do.

Summer flew by so quickly this year. For Katherine and Mikelle, the passing of Katherine's mother triggered an urgency to make plans for Mikelle's future. Critical to those plans are maintaining Mikelle's history and future of full inclusion into her community honoring her lifestyle and wishes. There is a plan in motion. Come check it out on this episode of The Shininig Beautiful Series.

Here is the link to the blog title the same.

https://theshiningbeautifulseries.com/2023/07/20/will-the-pioneer-generation-become-the-generation-in-crisis/

We are delighted to introduce Hanni Raley, the Executive Director of the Arc of Aurora, Colorado. In a conversation with Mikelle and Katherine, Hanni discusses various topics such as diversity, technology, and new learning technologies. The Arc of Colorado has expanded its traditional advocacy support to the 21st-century version of advocacy, using microlearning, vlogs, podcasts, and traditional training to cater to the diverse needs of the Aurora community.

https://thinkchange.training/

In this episode, Katherine recounts how she managed to balance taking care of her daughter, Mikelle, with her responsibilities as a co-executor of her late mother's estate. She details the difficulties she faced during this period and how it prompted her to reassess her estate planning for herself and Mikelle.

New Tech! Yay! Mikelle, Katherine, and Kaitlyn, one of Mikelle's support team, discuss the often long process of obtaining new technology for Mikelle. This episode focuses on the arrival and set up of Mikelle's new iPad.

The bonus segment highlights a new device for folks who experience low vision and/or dyslexia--something Kaitlyn has recently discovered about herself. Kaitlyn is checking out this new device Katherine learned about at the recent WISE Community Summit. Here is the link to that device. Worth a look! Check this out. https://www.orcam.com/en-us/orcam-learn

Correction: Katherine mentioned the subscription but not the price of the device.

No one can deny schools are in transition. From school safety to staff shortages, students with disabilities often lack the support for a robust education. In this episode, Gretchen Storm, speech and language therapist for a local school district, Mikelle and Katherine examine the good, the ugly, and the unknown schools to create a better future for all.

Some people change the course of our lives. In this episode, we pay tribute to the quiet pioneer in special education who changed the lives of Katherine and Mikelle forever. This pioneer is Katheine's mom, who passed away on her birthday just days ago. Katherine's mom's legacy and gifts stoically changed the world in ways she will never know.

The more we think about advocacy, it seems to us that we are in a time of NextGen Advocacy as schools undergo some dramatic changes. Still, some old-school strategies may play well in this new world.

In this episode, Katherine Carol shares her unique approach to working with the schools at the inception of full inclusion in public education. In fact, inclusion wasn't happening at all until Mikelle came along. Listen for some practical ideas on working with educators and other teams to create winning outcomes for everyone. And, please share!

From 21 to 29 years old, Liz has been a mainstay at the Shining Beautiful household. It is a bittersweet moment of celebration of friendship, loyalty, and sisterhood. One of the most difficult experiences Mikelle and Katherine go through is the inevitable leaving of trusted caregivers and friends.

In this episode, Liz, Mikelle, Katherine, and Lex look at the reciprocity of caregiving, what makes a person dedicate their time to in-home care, and what sweet memories the ladies at the Shining Beautiful community will treasure for years to come.

When the controls no longer work, the batteries won't charge, and the seat just isn't comfortable enough, it could be time for a new wheelchair.

In this episode, Mikelle, Maryann, and Katherine share their often frustrating and sometimes rewarding journey in getting Mikelle a new wheelchair. Katherine also shares how to get some unexpected extras by leveraging resources.

What do friends, floods, and futures have in common?

February! While these events all happened during the month of love, they are not exclusive to a time period. Although most of the floods we have had...there have been three so far happened in February.

In this episode, Katherine updates listeners on her continued journey to help Mikelle plan for a future where Mikelle can manage her life more independently, working with other moms with family members with disabilities all around the same ages. Two other topics for discussion are managing the flood, which coincided with Mikelle's Affordable Housing house inspection, and the notion of a second podcast titled Shining Beautiful, too! This podcast is for caregivers and systems navigators. Like Mikelle gives voice to the often voiceless, this podcast would give attention to the often overlooked role of caregivers and the challenges of navigating a rehabilitation system going through significant change.

Your thoughts on these topics are welcomed. Please reach out to Katherine at tangoresults@gmail.com.

This small woman is doing big things in the Colorado sports world. As a sports media producer for the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Avalanche, and the Denver Nuggets, Jenny is shaping the modern workplace as a woman in a wheelchair working in a predominately male-oriented business. Join us for this engaging conversation with Jenny Seigle as we discuss her career, her family, and her concerns for the future.

Mikelle and Jenny have much in common as trailblazers, their struggles with finding and keeping caregivers, and the parents growing older. Join us for this inspiring episode!

Happy New Year!

Let's face it. Mikelle turns forty this year, and Katherine had her major milestone senior citizen birthday last year. As successful as our partnership has been, it does have an expiration date. We have been wrestling with this noticeable change for years now.

This year is the year to discover our plan and implement it. Why now? A key person, namely Liz, is leaving us after eight years to move into a new phase of life. This significant change gives us the opening to take a deep look into what we want Mikelle's support team to look like soon.

Maryann Nilsen is joining us on this episode. Maryann is a crucial member of Mikelle's support team. The hope is Katherine can leave her leadership position, not Mikelle's life.

From our hearts to yours, we wish you the happiest of holiday seasons.

Peace, love, and shining beautiful always and in all ways!

See you next year!

Succession planning is on our minds daily. In this follow-up episode, Katherine details her lunch meeting with several other mothers who share her concerns. It was a meeting of the moms minds. Everyone came to the meeting wondering about the next step in life's progression. And, just like that, these moms are stepping into their familiar lane of pioneering the future with their family members with disabilities as they move into a new life phase.

A Quick Mom Moment! This Saturday, the coffee will brew, and the moms who met when our children were in elementary school will gather not to discuss school strategies or setting up our children for entrance into adulthood but to discuss how we replace ourselves as we grow older. Collectively we have over 300 years of experience.

We have been pioneers in inclusion from the time our children were born. Once again, we find ourselves on the forefront of change. Good thing we have all that experience.

Double the fun...triple the work? The holidays for a family with a differently abled family member can be full of love and stairs, staff taking vacation time, extra work and shopping, etc.

Mikelle, Katherine, and Liz share their plans to make the holiday accessible for everyone. After years of doing too much and trying to meet everyone's needs, the ladies are chillin' this holiday season. Come chill with us.

PS. We are thankful for you and your support of this podcast!

Listeners, thank you for listening to Katherine's rather raw thoughts on today's election. Katherine articulates one family's concerns about the future and her ideas on negotiating the changing landscape, no matter which party wins. Hint: One person at a time.

Happy Halloween!

It is October, and the realities of teacher shortages are frightening. The hard work and best intentions of providing a good education might fall short due to staffing shortages. Is this a time for innovation? If so, what might the future hold in education?

Join us for a candid discussion of the topic with Gretchen Storm, who is currently working for a local school system and is Mikelle's tech guru.

Meet Shaun Woods from WISE (GoWise,org) in Washington State. Shaun and his organization are dynamic innovators. During COVID, WISE pivoted faster than most organizations using this chaotic time to fuel innovation through technology, learning systems, organizational capacity, and investments in stabilizing provider networks and discovering new methods to support individuals experiencing a different ability in their employment experience.

Shaun shares how curiosity and discovery lead to cutting-edge strategies for the future of rehabilitation services in this engaging episode.

(We are using a new recording platform and haven't figured out how to balance audio in this episode. Still working on our tech skills!)

We always wonder if our passion for advocacy will live on past us. In this episode, you will meet Jackson Learned, a young filmmaker. Jack is Katherine's grandson and Mikelle's nephew and as will hear, our legacy lives on in the next generation. Even more important is how Mikelle has become a role model for negotiating adversity for Jack. Thank you for listening to our proud family moment.

This episode is short but very sweet!

Balancing during these times of constant change is challenging. Long-term planning is less predictable than in the past. The team at Shining Beautiful is navigating the increasing pace of change by focusing on balance.

In this episode, Mikelle, her support team member, MaryAnn, and Katherine share their unique perspectives on maintaining balance and "the art of the bounce."

We welcome back our friends, Jen and Codi Mendenhall, from Grand Junction, Colorado. Jen and Codi are entering that critical transition planning phase as Codi celebrates her sixteenth birthday, has her first date and finds a valuable volunteer experience, all preparing her for a bright future.

This is a fun episode as Codi speaks using a speech-generating device like Mikelle. These ladies talk transition and summer fun, and their moms share summer strategies.

"I love to work." "Be sure to think out of the box." These are just some of the comments from Texas advocate Ricky Broussard. Ricky's unique perspectives include having lived in several more extensive institutional settings before being able to live in his apartment and hire his own staff. MIkelle and Ricky share thoughts on living with cerebral palsy and still getting the best out of life. They both make the world a better place.

The Shining Beautiful team shares the ups and downs of navigating two weeks without Katherine. It wasn't perfect, but it was good. Listen as MaryAnn and Mikelle share their experiences including a team member who came down with Covid, a minor incident that required some leadership and problem-solving. The good news is that Mikelle has more confidence in her team.

Caregivers and parents need a break from time to time. Time to think, reflect, and turn back the clock on always being available. As we find out, it isn't easy to leave emotionally, financially, or logistically. As special needs parents, you just don't back a suitcase and walk out the door.

It has been three years since Katherine had a real vacation. The islands are calling and she must go...especially after the last few months.

Meet Doug Crandell, author of 22 Cents an Hour, Disability Rights and the Fight to End Subminimum Wages. Join Mikelle and Katherine as we explore with Doug, the history of subminimum wages, and the challenges which are still present after all these years to gain pay equity for workers with disabilities in this lively podcast episode.

Doug's book is available on Amazon. Here is the link. Get your copy now!

https://www.amazon.com/Twenty-Two-Cents-Hour-Disability-Subminimum/dp/150176358X

At the time of Mikelle's diagnosis of cerebral palsy, the path was uncharted. Expectations for her were low, and while willing to learn, her doctor knew little about her condition. Katherine and Mikelle share the great, the good, and the ugly parts of their journey to help Mikelle navigate the medical system and beyond.

Oh, the holidays created some challenges for the ladies. Family in the hospital, Mikelle's van totaled by a DUI driver on Christmas Day, a missing new computer, and continued staff shortages, but with persistence and plenty of patience--they prevail!

A new meeting of the moms! So what does inclusion look like in the age of staff shortages and COVID and in rural Colorado?

Meet, Jen Mendenhall, parent, advocate, and a new member of the State Rehabilitation Council.

After months of frustration, Jen and Codi found the perfect balance for them with hybrid education. Join us in learning how parents have to carve out education and inclusion with what resources they can find.

Well, 2021 had to end with some chaos. Sandwiched in between a couple of family ER visits (not us) and a drunk driver crashing into Mikelle's parked van, we had a great holiday. Join Liz, MaryAnn, Mikelle, and Katherine as they share what they like best about the Shining Beautiful holiday celebration. Wishing you the best!!

It is time to get honest about education and the impact of COVID on both teachers and students. Educating students with special needs presents opportunities and challenges even when everything is working well. The glue that holds special education together is The Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). This tool is critical to the successful education of students with special needs, or is it?

Covid has altered so much. Has COVID changed the power of the IEP?

Join Mikelle, Katherine, and favorite contributor, Tech Guru Grethen Storm, in this thoughtful discussion as Gretchen details her experiences working with public schools in the time of Covid.

It isn't all good news, but it isn't all bad news either.

It is Halloween and we are supposed to be scared, right? While the jack-o-lantern glow fades, the staffing shortages burn brighter every day. Mikelle, Katherine, and Kendyl, a direct service professional discuss the why, the impact, and strategies to create a new future in this transitional time including how Colorado is using its American Rescue Plan to improve recruitment and retention of DSP's.

P.S. We are scared! For real.

Oh, boy! Not even sure where to start on this episode, but it feels like chaos cause it is like chaos. Good times mix with challenging times. Change is complex and confusing.

Perhaps, the most challenging aspect of 2021 for us is the labor shortage in all aspects of service delivery for people with disabilities. We have never seen it like it is now. In this episode, see how Mikelle and Katherine are coping and what they are trying to address this growing crisis.

Please forgive the tech advocates for the slow start on this podcast. We are not perfect but we are smart enough to invite Rehabilitation Subject Matter Expert, Amy Gonzales to our podcast! In this episode, we cover the gambit of working with other communities, learning cultural sensitivity, and the future of employment for people with disabilities. Amy is so fun!

This is not our first hiring rodeo. Over the years, we have pretty good luck building an amazing team. However, this year everything is different. Confronting a labor shortage in health care, we had to get creative. Try a few new things and search for deeper understanding for those who are in education and direct support.

This episode is all about adventuring into our post-COVID world and listening and learning from those on the frontline.

We are fascinated with Win Charles's courage and grace. After both her parent's passed, she found herself facing a dilemma about where she should live. None of this was planned. Listen to see how Win dealt with difficult decisions and determined her destiny. Win candidly shares the ups and downs of being on her own.

Check the literature and there isn't much on wellness and cerebral palsy. MaryAnn, a nutritionist in training, Katherine, and Mikelle discuss the unique needs of people with CP and how they approach health and wellness together.

There are days....and this is one of them. Katherine planned a quick road trip to look at reality, clear her mind and seek new vistas for both her and Mikelle. Celebrating moms! We all need a chance to vent.

What a great episode with Jerome Deroy from Narativ.com! This episode is all about the story. How to listen to it. How to tell it. And, the importance of sharing it. Shining Beautiful was awarded a small grant from the Creative Ideas Fund as part of the Denver Mill Levy to offer four workshops on Adding Voice to Advocacy.

Let's face it, we are all done with this pandemic. Unfortunately, it is not done with us. Mikelle grew tired of seeing the same four faces each week. She started Zoom bombing Katherine's calls just to connect with someone new. Listen to this quick story of how the team rejuvenated MIkelle's spirit and expanded her community. In other words, Mikelle gets her Mojo back.

Podcasting pays off! Mikelle and Katherine prepare to be interviewed by KUNC's Henry Zimmerman of the Colorado Edition. Nervous, the ladies discuss how they prepared for the big moment with Gretchen Storm and Lex Pummer.

https://www.kunc.org/show/kuncs-colorado-edition

Hello, dear listeners. Thanks to you, we are now celebrating two years of podcasting. Listen in to hear what wonderful opportunities are coming our way because of you!

February is typically the month of romantic love, but this year isn't any more typical than the last one! For the gals at SB, the month has been jammed packed with unexpected events, which if allowed could be exasperating. Today's episode is all about finding sunshine in winter, self-love as opposed to romantic love, and generally walking on the bright side of the street. Join us!

We apologize. We failed to introduce you to a valued team member and now she is leaving us! So, say hello and goodbye to Danika. Unlike some of our other fabulous team members, Danika is older, a mom of two children, and works for a local police department. We miss her but celebrate her time with us.

Hiring a friend has its risks. What happens to the friendship? Can your boss still be your friend? All these questions were asked by Mikelle and her friend, Lex. Complicating a new hire is the onboarding process during COVID-19.

Listen to this episode as the ladies "Dish the Dirt" on they made it work.

Whew! The holidays are over and the ladies are focusing on new goals for 2021 and celebrating some last-minute victories in 2020. The ladies have been wickedly busy this winter and thank you for all your support as they wind up season two of the Shining Beautiful Series Podcast.

The experts warned us. We did our best to avoid it, but it still entered our circle--even our house! Yep, we had to get tested and went quarantine. Mom and Mikelle and no one else. That was a first. The result is a few changes in the roles and responsibilities of Mikelle's support team members.

As far as support services have come for people with disabilities, dentistry lags behind. Part funding, part lack of trained dentist and a system overwhelmed with patients, it is tough to get great care when your teeth aren't great.

In this episode, Katherine details Mikelle's dental journey and recent implant surgery. The struggle is real. The optimism is high. The determination on Mikelle's and Katherine's part...substantial.

Allison and Katherine discuss the difficulties of educating Jack who is in his final year of high school. There are many losses but are there some precious finds for everyone.

Arghh...tech is ever-evolving. In this episode, you get a peek behind the scenes as the SB team explores new podcasting tools in an effort to provide you with higher quality podcasts. It is goofy, messy and it is real. We understand why folks are reluctant to engage with this often steep learning curve. Listen in and laugh a lot as we wipe up our tech spills and thrills.

Shockober, Rocktober....we decided it is Thoughtober--a time to reboot, reflect and renew. Katherine shares her fall sojourn to nurturing herself through nature and updates on the ladies.

PS. Vote!

The problem: Mikelle's on/off switch to her wheelchair broke three times. A $2 part that cost $4,000 to fix. A frustrating problem which causes Mikelle to be without a working chair for weeks.

The solution: Go outside the rehab system to crowdsourcing within our community. In this episode, listen in to how Salena, one of Mikelle's team members, taps into her network of creative artists and designers to find an innovative solution to Mikelle's problem.

Kyler Rolo, a product designer, utilizes 3D Printing to solve the problem and build a community. krolodesign@gmail.com

We all know MIkelle is a star that shines beautifully!

Now, she gets to shine on the new Colorado Office of Employment Firsts soon to be launched website. Karen Ferrington for COEF and well-known photographer Darcy Keifel came to Mikelle's home to capture her magic. (All done carefully with masks and social distancing!)

COVID is kicking the can of inclusion way down the road for Mikelle and Katherine. This acclaimed blog post viewed by many policy professionals and advocates is an updated audio version. Thought-provoking, this podcast looks at how life has changed for Mikelle since the virus landed in our state.

Like many families, the SB Community is figuring out and concerned about inclusion during the colder months ahead.

We have read during this pandemic organizations are focusing on rethinking, reimagining, resilience in a quickly changing world. We decided to take a queue from business and do some reimagining ourselves.

We asked each of our team members who were interested in more responsibility to write their own job descriptions. They did. What follows is their perspectives on the experience of carving out their job at The Shining Beautiful household.

The times, they are a-changing. Mikelle's team is transitioning members with a couple of returning members and one departure. It might be time to rethink how we pay Mikelle's support team. Creativity and innovation are going more critical fall/winter approaches in the time of COVID. How do we reward innovation? Time to re-imagine our model. Listen in as Katherine shares her perspective on this somewhat challenging topic.

In the last episode, Katherine shared her concerns about traveling in the time of COVID-19. This podcast gives Mikelle, Mo, and Mary Ann describe the worries, preparation, and impact of Katherine's sojourn into the Rocky Mountains. It can be a rough but beautiful road.

Let's face it. We are all feeling a little COVID-Cabin Fever. Traditionally, Katherine and Mikelle's lives overlap, yet, leave each has their own space to do "their thing." Every year, Mikelle kicks Katherine out for a week to 10 days. But, this year is different in so many ways. Mikelle was so sure she wanted Katherine to getaway, and Katherine wasn't so sure she wanted to go. In this episode, Katherine shares her struggle. In the next episode, Mikelle shares hers with her team.

Nice podcast here. It starts with Mary Ann, a member of Mikelle's support team, spotting a mural on a garage wall along a nearby alley. "Mikelle, you give me hope. Let's stop!" The conversation evolves into mental health support and creative celebrations in the time of COVID-19 and ends with a sweet, somewhat philosophical conclusion.

Join Beth Keaton and Katherine Carol on this powerful episode on working with parent expectations, foster parental involvement in preparing their family member for employment success using customized employment. It is a real treat to hear these two ladies explore the possibilities of parent power.

In this vibrant and fun interview with Co-Director of The Coleman Institue for People with Cognitive Disabilities, Shea Tanis, Mikelle and Katherine peer into the future of support services for people with disabilities with Shea. Eerily predictive, we discuss how technology becomes far more important for people with disabilities than it has ever been before.

The world is regrouping and recovering, but a grocery worker at our local store passed away from COVID-19 and eleven others have tested positive. We are not jumping back into the community and are for the most part staying safer at home.

Technology continues to be our connection to Gretchen and others. In this episode, Katherine shares how the ladies are getting creative with Zoom making it more meaningful for Mikelle. Check out their Zoom recorded technology calls on YouTube.

We meet some interesting people. Corey Davis served in the Navy and is currently in film school here in Denver. He met Mikelle through his girlfriend, Monique, who works for Mikelle. Amazed by her story, Corey has decided to document Mikelle's story and her use of technology for his film project. Here is a short interview on why he chose to work with Mikelle.

Yes, we have moved from social distancing to social isolation. Like you, we are trying to figure out what works and what doesn't. A quick update and intro into some concrete tools you can try to make life more meaningful for you and those who you support remotely or in the home as families take it all on!

Let's have coffee and chat. How are you doing? We are in week 4 of social distancing and lockdown. Looks like we have a few more weeks of this new reality. In this short episode, Katherine shares how she and Mikelle are working through the lack of social connection and self-care. It is nice to know we are not alone.

The voices and experiences of people with disabilities and their families need to be heard during this COVID-19 crisis. Our guest this episode is our friend, Win Charles from Aspen, Colorado. Aspen was the first Colorado community for the virus outbreak in Colorado. Win shares her worries, her challenges, and experiences in self-isolation.

Time for a new normal? How do we building community when we can't get out in our communities? Like you, we are figuring this out at the Shining Beautiful household. We are bringing the team together to come up with a game plan for keeping life fun, engaging and how to amp up both low and high tech solutions. Give us a listen. You are not alone.

Recently, several listeners asked to learn more about Katherine and her journey as a parent. How did she figure out this crazy system of supports? And, how, as a parent, did she figure out who she needed to be to support Mikelle. It's complicated. Let's start at the beginning as Katherine shares the people and events that shaped her approach to life and disability.

Each parent has a unique journey, we can all learn from each other.

Hello Everyone! Thank you for your ongoing support for our podcast! It has been exactly one year since we launched and to date we are right at 2000 downloads. Not bad for a kitchen table podcast by two newbies!

While that is great news, the focus on this episode is on telling your story and how it can change funding opportunities, build community and just make life more understandable.

Here are some links for you to continue to learn more about the power of storytelling.

Feeling the Power of Stories

In Search of a Good Story

In a time of differences, it so refreshing to celebrate enduring love and friendship. Jerome and Mikelle met in high school and their friendship is stronger than ever. I think this just might help you believe in the power of love once again. Enjoy.

Happy Valentine's Day!

From Army to Advocate. From Job Coach to Cultural Creative. If you are looking for ways to help people with different abilities transform their lives, it might be best to start with your own.

Oh, boy! Did Jim and Katherine cover a lot of territory in this week's episode which captures the essence of the human potential and transformation experience? One of Katherine's favorite moments--learning to listen to personal genius.

Jim is Program Development Director at the Washington Initiative on Supported Employment.

You probably need to do it. We just did it. De-cluttering that is...time to make room for new opportunities, quit wasting time searching for things and create an environment ready for learning new things.

In this episode, you meet the youngest member of Mikelle's team, Mary Ann. Sweet, sassy and like Mikelle, a little bad assy! Mikelle interviews Mary Ann on why she chooses to be a member of the Shining Beautiful Community. Friendship grows by the day as these two ladies take on Denver.

In this episode, you meet the youngest member of Mikelle's team, Mary Ann. Sweet, sassy and like Mikelle, a little bad assy! Mikelle interviews Mary Ann on why she chooses to be a member of the Shining Beautiful Community. Friendship grows by the day as these two ladies take on Denver.

Join Mikelle and Katherine as they explore new ideas and set new goals for 2020 using the "Life Planting" metaphor of planting new intentions/seeds and goals for this next year using various planning and reflection tools for Mikelle's life, technology and business. Salena Salinas and Gretchen Storm join them in tilling the garden for future success for Mikelle.

Tis' the night before Christmas and we are settled in watching Christmas movies and gazing fondly at the Christmas Tree remembering Mikelle's kick-ass holiday party last week! What a blast we all had. Our smiles are shining beautifully and we hope yours are too! Love and light to all of you!

Recently, Katherine keynoted the Louisanna Developmental Disabilities 2019 Conference. Katherine focused on the steps and stages of navigating the system from birth to adulthood to get the best out of the educational experience to create the most meaningful life for family members who experience different abilities. Navigating the system is essential not just to gain supports but to ignite a compelling vision and goals for creating a bright future and satisfying present. Here is Katherine's keynote. Enjoy.

This episode is a shorty filled with love and laughter as Mikelle and Ian reminisce about old times and develop a plan to do some "fixin' up for the holidays".

Celebrating friends, family and all of you listeners!

Arghhh! After 25 years of receiving Long Term Care Benefits, suddenly MIkelle is no longer disabled enough to receive them. Had she suddenly become "less disabled"? No. So why was she kicked off the very benefits that make her life work? And, why were other people like Mikelle getting the same bad news?

Learn how we found out why and what we needed to do to restore them.

Referenced book on negotiation. Never Split the Difference, Chris Voss.

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It

As founder and president of Warrior Society Development, Jim incorporates traditional Warrior Society philosophies in his daily life. "Many think of a warrior only in physical terms, but a true warrior is a protector, guardian, educator, and advocate guided through integrity."

We speak with Jim about the Native American Medicine Wheel Philosophy as a model of balance and inclusion. Plus we talk a little football, as Jim played in the NFL. This week's podcast is an exciting and fun episode captured via Zoom. We experienced a few technology glitches. Please forgive the sound variation in spots.

Here is the link to Jim's profound and hopeful movie. 7th Generation.

https://www.amazon.com/7th-Generation-Jim-Warne/dp/B07BFW55R1

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In our final episode on our series on leadership and customized employment with Cary Griffin and Bob Niemiec, Griffin Hammis & Associates, we discuss advice to emerging leaders in the field of Customized Employment for people with disabilities. With their usual sense of humor and brilliance, they lay out a roadmap for the 21st Century version of Customized Employment. Here's to two national treasures and examples of exemplary leadership. Listen and learn!

Customized employment revolves around creating a job that is just right for the job seeker. Cary and Bob discuss strategies helping those supporting job seekers to set the job seeker up for success with their new employer, how to help organizations build support for customized employment and so much more. Cary and Bob are masterful storytellers in part because of their incredible success.

Wow! Almost two hours of storytelling and wisdom for leaders Bob, Niemiec, Cary Griffin and Beth Keaton! These experts in customized and supported employment were some of the early pioneers in getting people with disabilities working in the community.

Whether you are a parent, a person experiencing a disAbility or a professional in the field, this is a great episode to become inspired and motivated to raise the bar on employment.

Mikelle and Katherine welcome Salena Salinas to the Shining Beautiful team! Talking with Salena touches your artist's heart and gives yet another reason to believe in the younger generation. Salena is one of our youngest team members. You will enjoy the maturity and wisdom these two ladies share in their almost instant bond.

Welcome, Salena!

Why do we like this app? Because it is more like a real conversation and it gives Mikelle time to compile her message with a video expressing her nonverbal communication. And, it is fun!!

Here is a link to Mikelle using Marco Polo with Salena, one of her team members who is going into one of Mikelle's favorite stores. Target!

We wish our best people would stay forever. Simply put. They don't. We have been down this road before, but this time we are losing a 7-year veteran of Mikelle's support team--Taylor Mason. You have met her before. She is wonderful and here is one reason why.

The Mikelle Bootcamp for new team members. Listen and learn how to minimize the impact of turnover on the person receiving support services.

Since our last posting on EVV, folks from the State of Colorado reached out to us to learn more about our frustration and the Center for Medicaid Services changed the requirement for live-in caregivers letting states decide what direction they want to do on this issue.

Laurie Phipps and Katherine Carol recently met with the folks at Healthcare and Public Financing (HCPF), Colorado's Medicaid agency. Listen to this episode to learn about strategies on how to present your concerns to state agencies.

We hesitated in recording this episode. After all, we have had a wonderful relationship with Colorado's state leaders. Together, we have attempted to work out the bugs with Colorado's efforts to comply with the Federal Electronic Visit Verification Program rollout on January 1, 2020. The effort to reduce fraud in Medicaid Waiver programs includes our cherished Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services, affectionately known as CDASS.

Fighting fraud sounds like a good idea, right? Not for families.

Join Laurie Phipps, powerhouse mom, and Katherine Carol as we share the realities of life as we know it changing under E.V.V.

Here is our blog on the subject. http://www.theshiningbeautifulseries.com/clock-in-clock-out/

We rarely talk about grief in our society. It seems an even more distant discussion if you have a disability and lose your parents. This is the first of episodes to talk about grief in an intimate and loving way. It needs air to breathe, it needs time to transform and it needs our attention.

Our listeners may remember Win Charles from an earlier episode titled "Extraordinary Women". Win recently became an adult orphan. Listen to her sage advice to parents.

Finding the right title for this podcast was a bit challenging. The experience of living with disAbility impacts families and communities for generations to come. Grandson and nephew, Jackson Learned, joins us at the kitchen table to share his experiences growing up with Auntie Mikelle and the impact she has had on his life and his future as a filmmaker and young man.

We had hoped in doing our podcast, others might be inspired to start their own. Lucky us, Colorado Apse decided to start podcasting and started with interviewing as their first episode. Never to miss and opportunity, we were delightfully accepted. This episode is full of laughter sprinkled with a good dose of community. Enjoy. Please share!

Yahoo! The Shining Beautiful Series Podcast has inspired Colorado APSE to begin their own podcast series. Their first interview is US! Interestingly enough, this is a simulcast. We are interviewing them at the same time they are interviewing us. Together, we discuss the future of Employment First for Colorado citizens with disabilities and the new Office of Employment First... more about that soon!

First of all....Happy 4th of July! This podcast is short and focused. We all want to spend time with family and friends, play games and eat burgers and barbeque. Next week we are back on track. We have several excellent episodes to share with you this month.

A few weeks ago, Katherine attended the Washington Initiative on Supported Employment's Community Summit in Wenatchee, Washington. She just happened to sit in on a session on person-centered planning and was blown away by Presenter and Senior Program Manager, Debra McLean's approach to finding genus and competence in daily activities using Person Centered Planning.

Debra shows us how to build on strengths, order, process, and sequence when supporting a person with disabilities as they seek employment or reach for other life goals.

Her motto? Clarity, not Charity.

We are so sad when team members move on. We dread looking for new folks but do it because we have to fill a vacancy. Our newest team member comes from an unexpected source. The Navy. On this podcast episode, listen to how this former sailor sailed into our lives and our hearts. And, why it is nice to think outside the box when hiring team members.

Cesilee Coulson, Executive Director of the Washington Initiative on Supported Employment(WISE) is one of the foremost leaders in the country regarding employment for people with disabilities. She leads a progressive training and technical assistance organization in Washington. Katherine had the opportunity to interview Cesilee right before the Community Summit, a yearly conference with over 1,000 attendees in Wenatchee, Washington.

Katherine is lucky enough to serve on the WISE Board of Directors and has seen Cesilee in action. It is a sight to behold. Enjoy!

How does a woman who can't walk or talk run a small business? With technology supported employment, Mikelle has been working steadily for 20 years.

Listen to Mikelle discuss her needs for communicating with customers to get the all-important sale. Gretchen Storm shares how to build appropriate speech for working adults with disabilities and Katherine gives you the back story on Mikelle's success.

Listen to two veteran mom's discuss the importance of having a clear vision for our children with disabilities starting when they are in young. Learn effective strategies for getting the best from school systems, planning for adulthood including employment and creating a home of their own. Katherine and Anne discuss different models and their challenges for supporting their family members to live inclusive and self-determined lives.

Mikelle and Anne's son, Chris, have known each other since elementary school. One of these days, we will have Mikelle interview, Chris. The two are quite the pair.

Inspiration fires us up. It helps us see ourselves beyond our current vision. Mikelle inspired Win to become an author and speaker. Win inspired and coached Mikelle and Katherine on the intricacies of podcasting.

Trust us. This is a great podcast where extraordinary women are shining beautifully.

In our last podcast, Saying Goodbye to Liz, we mentioned how we have been fortunate to have some great ladies working for Mikelle.

In this podcast, Katherine reveals her secrets to pre-screen quality candidates for Mikelle to interview.

It is all in the wording of the ad.

Here is a link to the ad.

http://www.theshiningbeautifulseries.com/writing-an-ad-that-works/

In few days, longtime team member Liz Lichty leaves for the Oregon coast to join her family. Saying goodbye to a beloved team member is difficult. As many of you know, finding the right support is tough enough, but when a great team member leaves everyone feels the separation. Join Mikelle and Liz as they chat about their three years together as they walk and roll down memory lane. Listen for some small references to a subject rarely discussed--Chronic Grief.

Every day each of us text our friends, reach out to loved ones and even do business via texting. Except if you are non-verbal and have limited motor skills. What then?

In today's episode, we will demonstrate why and how the ability to text is a health and safety issue and an important life management tool.

Check out our video demonstrating how it works.

https://youtu.be/kKfIKnHnFsU

For people with communication and mobility challenges and other disabilities developing enduring friendships can be difficult. Mikelle is fortunate to have several amazing friends who have shared her journey into her 30's.

Discover how Mikelle and Ian met over coffee, became friends through a sport Mikelle had never played before and how Ian helped to sculpt Mikelle's future by being part of her Group Action Plan, filled with big goals and smart folks like Ian who helped her launch into adulthood.

Fifteen years later, here they are celebrating with tears, laughter and their secrets on enduring friendship.

Revolutions start with a single idea and a passionate leader. Disability Cocoon is igniting a technology movement where people with disabilities can have easy, understandable access to technology.

Join us as Mikelle and I interview, Dusting Wright, Founder of Disability Cocoon. It's a treat to talk with a visionary embracing the genius of people with disabilities expressed more potently with the use of technology.

The Shining Beautiful Podcast Series is thrilled to have Corry Robinson Rosenberg from the University of Colorado School of Medicine and JFK Partners and Angela Samson,Programme Manager at SENSE International, Tanzania, an NGO that supports individuals with deafblindness.

Corry and Angela came to our studios at the kitchen table to both see how Mikelle uses technology to support her business and how she lives in her downtown Denver condo. Of course, we couldn't miss the opportunity to have them join our podcast series.

Tune in to see how people with disabilities are supported in Tanzania and learn from our guests about trends that delight us and trends we worry us.

Hello Listeners. Apparently, we had a glitch in our recently uploaded episode of Mikelle interviewing her brother. The last three minutes are sweet. Take a listen.

Welcome to the Shining Beautiful Series podcast where we celebrate the brilliance of community in the lives of people with disabilities. Today, we highlight the importance of siblings in the life of a person with a disability. Mikelle Learned, experiences cerebral palsy and is now thirty-five, interviews her brother, Kasey, thirty-nine. Mikelle is using an iPad and the TouchChat application to assist her in speaking with Kasey.

Stay tuned for a few comments, for Mikelle and Kasey's mom, Katherine Carol on setting expectations for both children as a single parent.

Please visit www.TheShiningBeautifulSeries.com

Today's episode is focused on how technology enhances self-determination, teamwork and how it lets everyone know who is the boss!

Mikelle Learned interviews Taylor Mason, former roommate, and current support team leader. Taylor worked for Mikelle for over six years. Discover Taylor's Tips for Teamwork and creating lasting relationships.

Let's face it. Technology is overwhelming for families and individuals with disabilities and the folks that support them. So many devices, virtually unlimited apps. Mikelle Learned, Gretchen Storm and Katherine Carol share a strategy for getting started.

Be sure not to miss our BONUS SECTION at the end as Gretchen and Katherine talk about Indiviudual Technology Plans.

Last week, we talked about the importance of access to technology for people with disabilities. This week, Mikelle interviews her mom, Katherine, to get their backstory and define the purpose of this podcast.

Technology Matters! Especially if you have a disability! The problem? Many people don't have access either to needed technology and the support they need to use it.

Join Gretchen Storm, Mikelle's assistive technology guru and resident genius and Katherine Carol, Mikelle's mom discuss strategies to assist individual's with disabilities, and their families launch their technology plan.