The end of summer vacation is coming close for a lot of families, which makes it a perfect time for our Waves Early Interventionists Cheryl Vooris and Kate Harris to join this week’s episode of WOA! Cheryl and Kate join Staci and Matt at the table to discuss how parents can help the transition from a summer schedule to a new school routine. Matt asks the Interventionists everything from scheduling tips, specific areas that can be difficult, to tools and resources caregivers can use to make the transition positive for their child. Cheryl and Kate provide so many useful strategies, …

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Waves of Awareness gathers around the table to hear the heartfelt story of Brittany and her daughter Isabella (Bella). Brittany and Bella have been receiving services with Waves Early Learning for 3 years and going through an inspiring journey of hard work and perseverance. Staci and Co-Host Tripp Abney are joined by Waves Early Learning Director Gina Wilson and Waves Early Interventionist Deana Rothwell, who supports Brittany and Bella. Together the group listens to Brittany share her impactful journey through pregnancy with Bella and the fears and trials Brittany went through to make it to the hospital. Brittany shares her …

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We wouldn’t have an amazing season without an episode in Fairview! Staci, Matt, and Eric take a trip to the Waves Fairview Day Program for episode three. There we were welcomed by Adam, Stephanie, and Hannah for a whirlwind conversation that spans everything from favorite movies and TV shows to the Waves, upcoming Brews and Grooves event on Sept. 19th. Eric shares his excitement for the upcoming Despicable Me movie which leads Hannah to share about her newest figurine and facts she just learned. Adam makes his presence known throughout the episode with a signing debut, priming everyone to talk …

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This week’s episode features Kaci Fisher with Northwestern Mutual. Kaci works in Financial Planning at Northwestern and has personally been involved with the IDD community through her son. Matt, Eric, and Staci gather together to hear Kaci share her story about her family and personal journey over the years. Eric picks Kaci’s brain about how she found herself in the world of Financial Planning. Kaci specializes in Special Needs Financial Planning, allowing her to help the community that has played a key role in her family’s journey. As a parent who had to manage the financial stress that can come …

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Season 8 of Waves of Awareness has finally arrived! For episode one we welcome the new Executive Director of Waves, Staci Davis, to the host seat, as well as Tripp Davis from Waves’ Employment and Community First Program. WOA wouldn’t be the same without Matt “the Man” Moore co-hosting the episode and leading our listeners through all things summer. The group kickstarts the episode with our Summer Theme, asking everything from what our plans everyone’s plans are for the summer to their favorite summer spot they have visited! Matt comes prepared to the episode, letting us know his answers like …

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Earlier this season Waves of Awareness welcomed Chelsey Herron on to discuss the Extended Option with the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS). We heard from a mother’s perspective and now we welcome Angie Sexton from TEIS to discuss the state’s perspective on this week’s episode! Stacie Davis, Jimmy Parnell, and Hannah Rose host Angie along with Waves Early Learning Director, Gina Wilson, and Waves Early Interventionist, Jen Choate, to chat about TEIS and how the Extended Option has impacted thousands. The group first learns about Angie’s background working with children and how her passion led her to TEIS. Working at …

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Friends of Franklin Park’s Development Director, Scout Hardin, joins this week’s episode of Waves of Awareness. Staci Davis and co-host Matt Moore get to know Scout, how she came to build a relationship with the IDD community, and what Friends of Franklin Parks has in store for the future. Scout shares her past working at a non-profit supporting adults with disabilities and how it educated her on the world of IDD in an amazing way.  Having joined Friends of Franklin Parks in the fall of 2023, Scout has enjoyed connecting with the community and learning about the rich history associated …

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This episode features the State Director of Enabling Technology, Milton Neuenschwander, from the Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (DIDD). Milton joins Waves of Awareness with Staci David, Matt Moore, and Marci Cohen to discuss what Enabling Technologies is and how it impacts individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Matt asks everything from what Milton loves most about Enabling Technologies to where he thinks it’s going in the future. The group discuss Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence, how it’s already integrated in today’s society, and how it has helped those with IDD live more independently today. Staci shares how …

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Waves of Awareness welcomes Dr. Levi Harris, the Middle Tennessee Regional Director of the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, to discuss his journey into his current position that makes such an impact on Adult Services. Staci Davis opens the conversation to Matt Moore and Waves Executre Director, Lance Jordan, to hear some questions on the DIDD and Dr. Harris himself. Matt first asks Dr. Harris about how he became Regional Director and where is all started. Dr. Harris shares about his home in Alabama and the cases that slowly made it obvious Tennessee was where he needed to be. …

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Waves Fairview Day Program joins another episode of Waves of Awareness for National Down Syndrome Day! Staci Davis leads the table with Hannah, Eric, Roger, Stephanie, Adam, and Matt “The Man” Moore into a great conversation. First, the group discusses “Stereotypes” and what they can look like not only in the IDD community but everywhere around us. The group then dives into National Down Syndrome Day and what important message that lies behind it. Listen to updates from the Fairview team including Roger’s newfound love for cats after volunteering at the Williamson County Animal Center! Matt shares how his job …

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