In this heartfelt and powerful episode of What's New in J. Crew, we sit down with longtime educator and coach Steve Smith, a dedicated advocate for students with autism and developmental disabilities. With over a decade of experience in special education, Coach Steve shares meaningful insights on building trust, creating safe learning environments, and the importance of patience and love when working with individuals on the spectrum.

We dive into:

• The significance of emotional connection in special education
• Real classroom experiences and wins from the week
• Strategies for promoting cooperative play and self-advocacy
• How to avoid power struggles and promote student growth
• Reflections on parenthood, purpose, and community support

Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone who simply cares about creating inclusive spaces, this episode offers encouragement, wisdom, and real-life tools to help support the autism and special needs community.

💙 Tune in, be inspired, and learn how love and respect can truly change lives.

📍 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected with all things J. Crew Foundation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of What's New on JCrew, host Branden Joseph welcomes a true champion for the autism community, Pornesha Orr, to discuss her journey of advocacy, healing, and building safe spaces for parents of children with developmental disabilities.

Pornesha shares the heart behind her new initiative, "We Listen, We Don’t Judge," a parent support group focused on giving families a space to process intrusive thoughts, break isolation, and build community through shared experiences. The two also reflect on parenting victories, emotional challenges, and why collective action is crucial for supporting families raising children on the spectrum.

You'll hear firsthand about the emotions that often go unspoken, the power of community events like the Autism Awareness Month gathering at Sherman Phoenix, and the importance of self-advocacy and resource-sharing.

Stay tuned for:

✅ The Autism Adjectives Reflection

✅ The importance of acknowledging intrusive thoughts

✅ Real talk on emotional resilience and mental health for special needs families

✅ How one small support group can spark big change

✅ Ways you can help build an even bigger autism community movement!

Like, share, and subscribe to help strengthen the JCrew community!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt episode of What's New on JCrew, host Branden Joseph welcomes Lavenia Chappelle, a dedicated mother, educator, and entrepreneur, to share her inspiring journey of raising her young son, Laron (LJ), who is on the autism spectrum.

Together, they dive into the emotional and transformative experience of navigating motherhood, career, and advocacy, while building a loving and intentional home environment. Laia shares personal lessons learned about resilience, faith, and patience, and offers advice for parents newly adjusting to their child's diagnosis.

Listeners will also hear about the special sibling bond between LJ and his little sister, the power of spiritual grounding, and why self-care and community support are vital for families raising children with developmental disabilities.

Stay tuned for:

✅ The Autism Adjectives Reflection

✅ Tips for balancing professional life and special needs parenting

✅ Self-care practices for staying grounded

✅ Real advice for parents receiving a new diagnosis

✅ A reminder that you are never alone in this journey

Like, share, and subscribe to continue building our JCrew community!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.