Seizing Serenity: Embracing the Mediterranean Lifestyle and Slowing Down for a Richer Life

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/