The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude!

A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Bill Carl, the Morning Host for FaithTalk 570 AM & 910 AM will be interviewing Julie Ames. We will be discussing Julie’s new book A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude – No They are not Okay…but It’s Okay! Raising Special Needs Kids.


A Very Special Journey is more than a memoir. It is a story that provides guidance, hope, and education to parents and professionals who have or work with special needs children. Julie gives her readers the guidance they need to navigate their own way through the educational, medical, and legal waters that special needs families find themselves drowning in.

Julie throws a lifeline to other moms and dads facing the same challenges.  Conversely, by presenting the parents’ perspective, professionals working in these fields will gain a greater understanding and ability to provide services in a way that is truly helpful.

Every parent has to know how to be their own child’s strongest advocate. They need to know what questions to ask, when to demand answers, and when to walk away from advice they don’t trust. A Special Journey will provide these tools.

Julie’s story is about more than a mother and two challenged daughters. It is about more than autism. This story is about love, faith, and family. It is about learning to accept something that cannot be changed and to embrace the gifts we are given, despite perceived imperfections. We cry. We adapt. We reflect. We rejoice. Most importantly, we continue to live, love, and grow together every day. It is indeed a special journey.

Pictured: Julie Ames and Bill Carl, Morning Host for FaithTalk 570 AM
& 910 AM

Dear Friends,

This past Mother’s Day we celebrated our 5th Anniversary. This will be our last show for a while. This is not goodbye but a pause on our current format.

  • Our website will continue to be a resource for parents and caregivers who are caring for individuals with special needs.
  • Our newsletter will continue to provide you with up to date information.

 
The Special Needs Family Hour and I are evolving.

  • I am completing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University’s accredited program, to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. 
  • My book, A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude, will be coming out in the next few months. 
  • It is an exciting time with many things happening to include upcoming speaking engagements. 

We appreciate our listeners, our guests who are making a positive difference in the world, our awesome sponsors, and our friends at Salem Media Group.

Julie Ames

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Arts4All Florida!

Arts4All Florida

Join us Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm! Our guests are Arts4All Florida (formally VSA Florida) Staff Members, Jennifer Sabo and Wendy Finklea, and artists, Dani Bowman (with Sandy Vielma) and Janalyn Peppel. We will discuss Arts4All Florida Programs, classes, camps and collaborations.


Pictured:  Jennifer Sabo, Wendy Finklea and Julie Ames, SNFH

Jennifer Sabo is the Executive Director of Arts4All Florida and provides leadership and management to Arts4All Florida’s statewide arts organization, supervising all functions related to administration, fundraising, and programming. 

Wendy Finklea is the Director of Programs for Arts4All Florida, ensuring community-based involvement throughout Florida through management of regional coordinators, the coordination of competitions, and community art programs.   

Dani Bowman is the CCO, Founder, Animator, Illustrator, Graphic Artist at DaniMation Entertainment.  Dani is a public speaker on autism & employment and leads summer animation camps around the country.

Janalyn Peppel is a graphic designer and entrepreneur with a degree from the University of Florida in Mass Communication. She has been fascinated by 3D modeling for over 20 years and uses 3D printing as an art tool to teach all skill levels.

Sandy Vielma is an autism advocate, and a life couch to Dani Bowman. Working closely with Dani on all aspects of life lessons including becoming an adult and helping her maneuver all the complicated aspects of University.

Pictured:  Sandy Vielma, Dani Bowman and Patrick Eidemiller (Sandy’s husband)

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Pepin Transitional Job Training Program!!

Pepin Transitional Job Training Program

This week our show features the Pepin Transitional Job Training Program with Dr. Jeff Skowronek, the Executive Director of the Pepin Academies and Janae Kaptanthe Transition Coordinator of the Pepin Academies, a tuition free public charter school dedicated to students with learning disabilities and learning related disabilities.


The Pepin Transition Program offers vocationally based training in conjunction with life and job readiness classes designed for individuals from age 18 to 22 with identified learning or learning-related disabilities that have deferred receipt of their high school diploma to continue their education beyond the traditional 24 credit diploma. This program is state funded and is provided at no cost to the student. The Pepin Transition Program is committed to providing the opportunity for students to have real-world experiences through pre-vocational training at various job sites, including the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, Publix SupermarketsMoffitt Cancer CenterTampa Police DepartmentWell Built Bikes at University Mall, food service at Raymond James Stadium, event set up at TPepin Hospitality Centre, and childcare at Academy Kids.

Pictured:  Dr. Jeff Skowronek, Executive Director – Pepin Academies, Julie AmesSNFH. and Janae Kaptan, Transition Coordinator – Pepin Academies

Pepin Academies Transition Program is now accepting applications for the 2019-20 academic year! Please contact regarding any questions about deferment of diploma, available services for your students based on their current IEP, and any general questions about the Pepin Academies Transition Program. 

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Pepin Academies 20th Anniversary!!

Pepin Academies 20th Anniversary

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!

Geri Henry, Principal of Pepin Academies Riverview and Holly Lisle, Director of Development for the Pepin Academies Foundation are our guests.  

Pictured:  Holly Lisle, Pepin Academies Foundation, Julie AmesSNFH and Geri Henry, Pepin Academies 

At Pepin Academies, the approach is not only all about the child, but the whole child – mind, body and soul. The Pepin Academies are an example of how a well-designed educational program, dedicated and innovative teachers, committed parents and our civic and business communities can work together to provide for the individual needs and opportunity of a child, regardless of the special challenges he/she may face.

Established in 1999, Pepin Academies are 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit, tuition-free, public charter schools that serve students with specific learning and learning related disabilities. They educate students in 3rd through 12th grade, and also offer a transitional, job training program for students 18 to 22-years-old. Pepin Academies are considered ESE Center schools. They feature a nurturing environment that focuses on improving the academic and social success of students. All students have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities such as sports, clubs, music, dance, culinary arts, theatre, and much more. The goal is to make sure no child falls through the cracks.

Today, Pepin Academies has grown to serve over 1000 students, with Hillsborough County campuses in Tampa and Riverview and a campus in New Port Richey, which serves the students in Pasco County.

Pepin Academies Locations:  
Tampa Campus | Riverview Campus | Pasco Campus 

PEPIN ACADEMIES GALA

Please join us as we celebrate our 20th Anniversary in 2019!  The Pepin Academies Gala is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser to support the students and staff of our schools. Please consider a sponsorship today.
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/pepacafou/event/794846/

Pepin’s Centre for Unique Abilities: Childcare, Auto Detailing, Pool Maintenance, Landscaping, and Custodial Maintenance

Pepin Academies Centre for Unique Abilities!

Our guests are representatives for Pepin Academies Centre for Unique Abilities. 
Dr. Jeff Skowronek – President of the Pepin Academies Foundation
Ann Bouchard – Director of the Pepin Academies Centre for Unique Abilities
Michael Laura – Director of Information Technologies at Pepin Academies

Pictured: Dr. Jeff Skowronk, Julie Ames – SNFH, Ann Bouchard and Michael Laura


Learn more about one of our Show Sponsors!
Pepin Academies and their  Transitional Job Training Program!

Pepin Transitional
A comprehensive individualized job training program of vocationally based training in conjunction with life and job readiness classes designed for individuals from age 18 to 22 with identified learning or learning-related disabilities.

HCPS Adults With Disabilities Programs

HCPS Adults with Disabilities Programs

Our guest this week is Keensha Parham, Coordinator of Adults with Disabilities for Hillsborough County Public Schools. Join us as we discuss the various job training programs available to students with disabilities ages 18 years of age and older.

Tchecoy Blount, Transition Facilitator at the STAGES Program at USF, Nicholas Brancagee, a STAGES Program Student, Keensha Parham, and Julie Ames.

Tchecoy Blount, Transition Facilitator at the STAGES Program at USF, Nicholas Brancagee, a STAGES Program Student, Keensha Parham, and Julie Ames.

Pepin Transitional Job Training Program with Dr. Butz / Pepin Nurse Diane McCurdy

Pepin Transitional Job Training Program with Dr. Butz / Pepin Nurse Diane McCurdy

Pictured: Dr. Craig Butz, Pepin Academies, Julie Ames, SNFH.

Pictured: Dr. Craig Butz, Pepin Academies, Julie Ames, SNFH.

This week our show features the Pepin Transitional Job Training Program (for individuals age 18 to 22 with learning and learning related disabilities) with Dr. Craig Butz, Principal of Pepin Academies Hillsborough County and Special Needs Nurse, Diane McCurdy.

Dr. Butz shared the various job training programs, eligibility, and the application process. An individual can start the Transition Program any time during the year. Do you know someone 18 to 22 with a learning or learning related disability? If so, have them apply to the Pepin Transitional Program!

Pepin Transitional Job Training Program Brochure:

10-04-blog110-04-blog2

 

The Pepin Academies with Dr. Craig Butz and Celeste Kellar

The Pepin Academies with Dr. Craig Butz and Celeste Kellar

Pictured: Dr. Craig Butz, Pepin Academies, Julie Ames, SNFH and Celeste Kellar, Pepin Academies

Pictured: Dr. Craig Butz, Pepin Academies, Julie Ames, SNFH and Celeste Kellar, Pepin Academies

Dr. Craig Butz, Principal of Pepin Academies Hillsborough County and Celeste Kellar, Principal of Pepin Academies Pasco County were our guests.  The Pepin Academies are tuition free public charter schools dedicated to students with learning disabilities and learning related disabilities.

pepin-academiesAt Pepin Academies, the approach is not only all about the child, but the whole child – mind, body and soul. The Pepin Academies are an example of how a well-designed educational program, dedicated and innovative teachers, committed parents and our civic and business communities can work together to provide for the individual needs and opportunity of a child, regardless of the special challenges he/she may face.

Pepin Academies Locations:
Tampa Campus | Riverview Campus | Pasco Campus

Pepin TransitionalA comprehensive individualized job training program of vocationally based training in conjunction with life and job readiness classes designed for individuals from age 18 to 22 with identified learning or learning-related disabilities.

Working with Your Local School to Get the Help your Child Needs

Working with Your Local School to Get the Help Your Child Needs

Working with Your Local School to Get the Help Your Child Needs” by Hillsborough County Schools, Exceptional Student Education (Special Needs)

Pictured: HCPS, Special Education, Staffing Supervisor, Suzette Sample and Julie Ames, SNFH

Pictured: HCPS, Special Education, Staffing Supervisor, Suzette Sample and Julie Ames, SNFH

Suzette will answer many questions that parents may have, such as:

  • I think my child may need help in school. What should I do?
  • What is special education?
  • Who is eligible for special education?
  • How does the school evaluate my child?
  • If my child is found eligible for special education. What next?

 

Individual Education Plan (IEP) and Organization Tips for Special Needs May 31, 2015

Denise Provenzano with Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources Systems with the Hillsborough County School District (in the black and white) and Claudia Roberts a Parent Advocate (green outfit).

Denise Provenzano with Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources Systems with the Hillsborough County School District (in the black and white) and Claudia Roberts a Parent Advocate (green outfit).

Original Air Date: May 31, 2015

Topics include:

  • Individual Education Plan (IEP) for Special Needs Students
  • Organizational Tips for Special Needs Caregivers