The Starry-Eyed Podcast

Ep 17: Back to School with Michelle Self

It's a very special "Back to School" episode!
WSA Educational Consultant Michelle Self joins us to discuss all things IEP and class inclusion! She shares examples from her own life with her son, Alex, and her work with Jen's family. From calling IEP meetings to figuring out what "class inclusion" looks like for your child, Michelle is available to answer your questions at mself@williams-syndrome.org
Due to the importance and complexity of Individualized Education Programs, the entire episode is dedicated to this discussion.
Contact the podcast at podcast@williams-syndrome.org and join the discussion on the Starry-Eyed Effect page on Facebook.

Ep 16: Camp and Speech with Kayla Patak and Bianca Corozzo

We're back from camp, recovered from Covid, and gettin' ready for school!
Today, Kayla Patak joins Brendan and Jen to talk about Whispering Trails Camp and how she uses that experience to prepare for the new school year. Then, Speech Pathologist Bianca Corozzo discusses her new consultancy with the WSA and how she hopes to help families and individuals with WS find tools to become stronger communicators. You can reach her at bcorozzo@williams-syndrome.org or go to https://www.williams-syndrome.org/consultants-and-partners to learn more and follow the link to schedule a session with her.

Ep 15: LIVE FROM CAMP with the gang!

Live from Camp!!
This episode was recorded on July 31st live from Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia, at the WSA's Whispering Trails Therapy and Teen Camp. Producer Joel and Jen went live on Facebook with Brendan (at his headquarters in CT) to introduce everyone to the fantastic facility we enjoyed (despite the heat).
While we promised a new episode, Joel got covid, preventing him from finishing it. Meanwhile, enjoy this rebroadcast of Live from Camp!

Ep 14: Team USA and Team Teachers with Maddie Woo, Cassandra Davide, and Kim Scheier

Have you read the article on the young woman from Oregon with Williams syndrome who competed in Dressage in France at the Virtus Global Games? Oh you have? That's great because this week Jen and Brendan interview Maddie Woo and her dad, Aaron, about her experience and everything she overcame to make that dream happen. Then Producer Joel steps in for Jen (who is very busy) to interview Cassandra Davide and Kim Scheier, team teachers from New York who share their experience running an inclusive classroom that included a student with Williams syndrome.

Ep 13: 7q11.23 Day with Kieran Devin Johnson and Jocelyn Krebs

It's 7q11.23 Day! Jen and Brendan are joined by Kieran Devin Johnson, a young man from the Denver area who loves both paintball and  @Southwest  Airlines! Seriously,  @Southwest  , you must give this guy a listen! The Geneticist and WS Mom Jocelyn Krebs teaches Jen and Brendan about the importance of 7q11.23, what it means, and her wonderful artwork to help us celebrate this once-a-century event!

Ep 12: The Birch Family

As Jen was returning home from her trip to Rhythm Nation, Joel and Brendan caught up with Steph to talk about the exciting developments going on in her life. Then, Brendan and Jen talk to Victoria and Alexandra Birch (thebirchfamilyllc.com) about their life on social media and their mission to spread kindness to everyone!
Got a question for the show? Write us at podcast@williams-syndrome.com

Ep 11: Tyler Levy and Dr. Barbara Pober

Whew! Jen and Brendan are back after a week off recovering from Awareness Month! This week, Tyler Levy from Louisville, KY, joined them to discuss the importance of workplace inclusion, community support, and self-advocacy. He's followed by Dr. Barbara Pober, who has been at the forefront of genetic research and care for Williams syndrome for over 40 years. Her tireless work to understand WS continues today, seeing patients and conducting studies on all aspects of the WS lifespan.

Ep 10: Singing Pretty with Mariella Elm, Tommy Barbarella, and Kristen Van Handel

You know the song that you hear at the beginning of every episode? Our first guests, Mariella Elm and Tommy Barbarella, wrote that song. Mariella is 17 and has Williams syndrome, and her dad has been a professional musician for years, playing with such artists as the Jonas Brothers and Prince! They join us to discuss their musical, "The Girl Who Cried Different." Next, Kristen Van Handel talks to us about working for make-up giants Sephora and knowing that beauty can come in all kinds of packages! Did I mention Stella's back for a bit? Oh yeah, she's back!

Ep 9: Back in Time with Dr. Marty Levinson & Coco and Aaron Lombard

This episode is going back in time with Dr. Marty Levinson! He sits down with Jen (with Stella!) and Brendan to talk about Williams syndrome's early days and the WSA's beginnings. Then they are joined by Coco and Aaron Lombard, a sister and brother team from Phoenix (by way of New Orleans). They discuss finding Williams syndrome resources later in life and what it was like finally finding community!
Write us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org and don't forget to like and subscribe! The video version is available on the WSA YouTube channel and on The Starry-Eyed Effect group on Facebook.

Ep 8: Gorgeous Donuts with Melanie Côté & Joanne and Morgan Jane Starkman

This week, episode 1 guest Brendan Lemieux is now episode 8 guest host! He and Jen talk to the President of the Canadian Association for Williams Syndrome (CAWS), Melanie Côté, about her journey to create real job opportunities for people with developmental disabilities by creating her own donut shop, Do Good Donuts. Then they're joined by Joanne and Morgan Jane Starkman. Joanne and her husband created Innersense Organic Beauty, a line of all-natural haircare products. Morgan is the Director of Joy for Innersense and once you meet her, you'll see why!
Reach out to us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org and follow us on our Facebook page! Rate and subscribe to our channels on YouTube and Apple Podcasts - or wherever you get your podcast delights!