Waves of Awareness - WOA it's A Podcast
The Waves of Awareness podcast is all about the amazing work being done by Waves Inc. Waves serves individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities through life skill training, community involvement, employment training and more! This podcast is helping people learn new skills, tell their story and raise awareness for people with disabilities! Be sure to check out wavesinc.com for more information!
10
Human Flourishing Initiative: A Conversation with Will Acuff
<p>On this episode of Waves of Awareness, we welcome Will Acuff from Human Flourishing Initiative for a conversation about community, connection and what it takes for people and families to thrive.<br /> <br /> Human Flourishing Initiative brings together state agencies, faith communities and local nonprofits to build county-level alliances where families can find coordinated support, from times of crisis to long-term flourishing. With 20+ years of experience in the nonprofit industry, Will joins the WOA team to share the story behind the initiative and his perspective on what it means to create communities where everyone belongs.<br /> <br /> Tune in...
WOA Season 14 Kickoff in Fairview
<p>Season 14 of Waves of Awareness is here! We're kicking things off in Fairview with our Waves adults for a conversation full of summer memories, fall favorites, and Halloween fun.<br /> <br /> From favorite summer activities and seasonal foods to the excitement of cooler weather, our co-hosts share what makes this time of year special. Then, things get spooky as we talk Halloween traditions, favorite movies, costumes, candy, and memories from the Fairview Halloween Party. Plus, find out what costumes might make an appearance this year!<br /> <br /> Waves of Awareness is a podcast that brings people together through real...
WOA Season 13 Finale: A Family's Early Learning Journey
<p>Wrap up Season 13 of Waves of Awareness with a heartfelt conversation about early intervention, family, growth, and the impact of developmental therapy. In the Season 13 finale of Waves of Awareness, we're joined by Shanelle Rauh, a mom of twins who receive developmental therapy through the Waves Early Learning Program.<br /> <br /> Shanelle sits down with Matt "The Man" Moore, Johnny Sunshine, Jeni the Star, and Waves CEO Staci Davis to talk about her family's journey with Waves, what led them to the Early Learning Program, and the hopes she has for her children as they continue to grow and...
Person-Centered Practice: Supporting Choice & Independence
<p>What does it really mean to put people at the center of the support they receive?<br /> <br /> On this episode of Waves of Awareness, Amanda Brewer from the Person Centered Practice Unit at the Tennessee Department of Disability & Aging joins us for a conversation about person-centered support, choice, self-advocacy, and the importance of listening to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).<br /> <br /> Amanda shares insight into what this approach looks like in everyday life—not just as a concept, but as a way to help people have greater choice, control, and opportunities to shape their own li...
Their World Collective: A Community for Moms
<p>On this episode of Waves of Awareness, we're getting to know Their World Collective, a new nonprofit focused on connecting and supporting moms of children with autism.<br /> <br /> Lindsey Pagley, Executive Director, and Sasha Prince, Operations Director, join us to share what inspired them to start the organization, the community they're building, and the families at the heart of their work. Both Lindsey and Sasha have personal connections to Waves through their children's experiences with the Waves Early Learning Program.<br /> <br /> Waves Early Learning Program Co-Director Jen Choate joins the conversation as well. Jen provided developmental therapy...
Growing Side by Side: A Twin Family's Journey
<p>What does early intervention really look like for a family? On this episode of Waves of Awareness, you'll hear from both sides of the journey.<br /> <br /> Parent Callie Ballard joins the podcast alongside Waves Early Interventionist Michelle Baker to share the story of Callie's twin boys and their experience with developmental therapy through the Waves Early Learning Program. Together, they talk about recognizing developmental delays, taking the first step toward support, and what early intervention looked like in everyday life.<br /> <br /> Callie opens up about the emotions that often come with seeking services, the progress her sons...
Visit Franklin: Beyond the Brochure
<p>On this episode of Waves of Awareness, we're joined by Heather Doleshel, Senior Manager of Stakeholder Engagement at Visit Franklin, for a conversation about what makes Franklin, Tennessee such a special place to live, work, and visit.<br /> <br /> Heather shares how Visit Franklin supports the local community, the role tourism plays in strengthening small businesses and the local economy, and why partnerships between organizations like Visit Franklin and nonprofits such as Waves are so important. Along the way, she also highlights a few local favorites and hidden gems that both visitors and longtime residents can enjoy.<br /> <br />...
"Access for All: The Heart Behind Elizabeth's Gift "
<p>On this episode of Waves of Awareness, we're joined by Jonathan and Stephen Smith, two of the founders of Elizabeth's Gift, a nonprofit created in honor of their late sister, Elizabeth. Through Elizabeth's Gift, the Smith brothers and their other sister, Caroline, are working to make adaptive equipment more accessible by providing essential resources to people with disabilities at no cost.<br /> <br /> Jonathan and Stephen share the story behind Elizabeth's Gift, the personal experiences that inspired their mission, and the importance of creating more inclusive communities where people with disabilities have the tools and support they need to...
Early Learning Support: A Family's Experience
<p>What does early intervention really look like for a family?<br /> <br /> On this episode of Waves of Awareness, we're joined by Erica Shannon, mom to Connor, who receives services through the Waves Early Learning Program. Erica shares her family's experience with early intervention, from taking those initial steps to finding support and watching Connor grow through developmental therapy.<br /> <br /> Hear how Early Learning has helped build Connor's confidence, encouraged new skills, and supported his development, while Erica reflects on the importance of having a strong support system and offers encouragement for parents who may be considering early...
The Power of Early Intervention: A Mom's Story
<p>On this episode of Waves of Awareness, Waves welcomes Lauren Woodson, a mom from our Early Learning Program, for a heartfelt conversation about her family's experience with early intervention and the impact it has had on their journey.<br /> <br /> Lauren shares how her family first connected with Waves Early Learning, the ways early intervention has supported her son Noah's growth, and the meaningful relationships that have made a difference along the way. She also reflects on the role of their early interventionist, Miah, and shares encouragement for other parents who may be exploring early learning services for their...
