Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast
234 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 43 ratingsWelcome to Parenting Impossible, the podcast dedicated to empowering and supporting the disability community. Hosted by Annette Hines, this podcast was born out of a mission to combat the scattered and sometimes inaccurate information that parents and caregivers of disabled adult children often face.
In each episode, we delve into the pressing questions and concerns that weigh on the minds of the entire special needs community including those with autism, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health issues and more. From navigating the complexities of special needs trusts and planning for the future to addressing the fundamental question of "How will my child be okay when I cannot do this anymore?"—we leave no stone unturned.
Attorney Annette Hines is a special needs mom, author of the best-selling book Butterflies and Second Chances, national expert speaker, writer and contributor to publications, and founder of the Special Needs Law Group based In Massachusetts. She shares personal insights and her guests (parents, siblings, and experts and sometimes parents who are experts!) discuss many issues facing the special needs community including raising children with different abilities, transitioning into adulthood, sibling challenges and how to effectively navigate the complex systems in our world. We're not just here to talk; we're here to make a difference.
In a society where the disabled and their caregivers are often devalued, Parenting Impossible stands as a beacon of advocacy and support dedicated to giving compassionate advice for all stages of life. Join us as we tackle the challenges, break down barriers, and strive to create a more informed and compassionate world for the disability community. Because when it comes to parenting in the face of impossibility, you're not alone—we're here with you.
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Episodes
226: CrossFit for Our Community with Karen Hurley
April 18, 2024 08:00 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MBIt can be difficult for families to find fitness classes oriented toward individuals with different abilities, whether neurodivergence or physical. However, an emerging fitness category is designed for those who need adaptive and inclusive therapy. On this episode of Parenting Impossible, Annette sits down with guest Karen Hurley, a physical therapist and strength and condition specialist with more than 20 years of experience. Karen received a bachelor’s degree in educational studies from ...
121: Highlighting the Year Ahead
January 18, 2024 09:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBNavigating the complexities of the special needs community is fraught with challenges, and the current workforce crisis in the disability sector is a cliff we're all facing together. Annette has seen firsthand how the pandemic has eroded the support program landscape as a special needs mom, attorney, and author. It's time we discuss the dire statistics and what they mean for our loved ones. The scarcity of direct support professionals (DSPs) is at a critical point. In this episode of Parent...
225: Highlighting the Year Ahead
January 18, 2024 09:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBNavigating the complexities of the special needs community is fraught with challenges, and the current workforce crisis in the disability sector is a cliff we're all facing together. Annette has seen firsthand how the pandemic has eroded the support program landscape as a special needs mom, attorney, and author. It's time we discuss the dire statistics and what they mean for our loved ones. The scarcity of direct support professionals (DSPs) is at a critical point. In this episode of Paren...
120: Embracing the New Year with Advocacy, Empowerment, and Support
January 10, 2024 09:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBAs the clock struck midnight, marking the start of a new year, Annette found herself immersed in a flood of memories and significant events. On this episode of Parenting Impossible, carrying the weight of sorrow from the loss of her beloved daughter Elizabeth but strengthened by ten years of affection and the development of the Special Needs Law Group, Annette extends an invitation to you to partake in a personal journey of transformation and the intricate process of decision-making that de...
224: Embracing the New Year with Advocacy, Empowerment, and Support
January 10, 2024 09:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBAs the clock struck midnight, marking the start of a new year, Annette found herself immersed in a flood of memories and significant events. On this episode of Parenting Impossible, carrying the weight of sorrow from the loss of her beloved daughter Elizabeth but strengthened by ten years of affection and the development of the Special Needs Law Group, Annette extends an invitation to you to partake in a personal journey of transformation and the intricate process of decision-making that de...
223: Embracing a Sabbatical Year: Reflections on Change, Growth, and Finding True Joy
November 23, 2023 09:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBSometimes, it’s essential to step back and assess the path we're on - that's exactly what I did this year. After years of fighting the impacts of a global crisis on both my personal and professional life, I made the radical decision to take a sabbatical year. A year to disconnect from “extracurriculars” and focus on my business, my team, and myself. A year to reflect on what truly brings me joy, and rediscover the activities and people I truly missed. Join me as I recount the unanticipate...
119: Embracing a Sabbatical Year: Reflections on Change, Growth, and Finding True Joy
November 23, 2023 09:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBSometimes, it’s essential to step back and assess the path we're on - that's exactly what I did this year. After years of fighting the impacts of a global crisis on both my personal and professional life, I made the radical decision to take a sabbatical year. A year to disconnect from “extracurriculars” and focus on my business, my team, and myself. A year to reflect on what truly brings me joy, and rediscover the activities and people I truly missed. Join me as I recount the unanticipated...
Advocating for Universal Changing Tables: Changing Spaces Campaign
October 11, 2023 13:00 - 51 minutes - 71 MBEver felt the pangs of frustration trying to navigate public spaces with a disability or care for someone who does? This frustration fueled the journey of an extraordinary parent advocating for change, Jayme Betts who serves as the Massachusetts Chapter Leader of the Changing Spaces Campaign. She shares an illuminating exploration of her mission to make public spaces more accessible for people with disabilities, inspired by her own experiences with her daughter, Sophia, who has Soto Syndro...
Housing for Adults with Disabilities: Shared Living Solutions
September 27, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBWhat's one of the biggest issues most special needs families worry about? Housing. This episode unlocks the complexities of the intricate world of housing for those with some form of intellectual or developmental disability or (IDD) with the help of special guest, Pam Blanton, founder and CEO of Partners4Housing. Tune in to discover how Partners4Housing is changing the lives of families in Washington state by empowering families to create housing solutions that meet the unique needs of ...
The Power of a Picture: Special Needs Portraiture
September 21, 2023 15:00 - 54 minutes - 75 MBWhat happens when a mother’s fierce love for her special needs child intertwines with her passion for photography? Magic! Join us on this heartwarming journey with Marcie Randall, a dedicated mother, and an exceptional photographer, as she turns her struggles and triumphs navigating the healthcare system for her medically fragile son into a beacon of hope for other families. Marcie's inspiring story combines advocacy, photography, and parenting in a way that's as enlightening as it is moving...
Transition Planning for a Special Needs Student: A Mom and Son's Successful Journey
September 12, 2023 20:00 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MBCould you imagine being a mom and an Assistive Technology Specialist, honeycombing through multiple strategies to craft tools that best support your special needs child? Well, meet Cheryl Farley. A passionate mother and a specialist who's spent years perfecting this very craft. She's graced us with her story, detailing the educational journey of her son, Liam, and the unique challenges they faced in his smaller classroom setting. Listen in as she shares the creative routes they took to find ...
National Suicide Prevention Month: The Healing Power of Kindness
September 07, 2023 20:00 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MBThe intensity of grief can feel like an insurmountable mountain. A profound loss, the passing of Host Annette Hines' beloved daughter, Elizabeth, led her down a path of unimaginable pain, reshaping her identity as a mother and her life. Through the waves of grief, Annette discovered a lifeline in a local grief group, offering a haven where she could share, cry, and heal. This episode serves as an open invitation to join in Annette's journey of remembrance, honoring suicide prevention month,...
Demystifying Sensory Processing Disorder: Tips to Help from Harkla
August 31, 2023 15:00 - 37 minutes - 52.1 MBAre you ready to uncover the mysteries of Sensory Processing Disorder? We're elated to have certified occupational therapist assistants, Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill, founders of Harkla Co in Boise, ID, on our show today. These remarkable women have recently become Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialists, demonstrating their relentless pursuit of knowledge in the field of primitive reflexes. They're here to share insightful perspectives on what it means to be a COTA (Certified ...
Growing Up as a Special Needs Sibling
August 29, 2023 19:00 - 48 minutes - 67 MBHave you ever wondered about the unique life experiences of siblings of special needs children? We promise to enlighten you on this rarely discussed topic, as we welcome two individuals who've lived this reality -- Hillary Dunn Stanisz, a senior attorney at the Disability Law Center in Boston, and Alexandria Nadworny, a special needs financial planning specialist. Through a candid conversation, they share their personal journeys growing up alongside a special needs sibling, deciphering the b...
Building a Supportive Community: The Power of Connection in Special Needs Parenting
August 24, 2023 00:00 - 39 minutes - 54.1 MBIn an emotionally charged conversation with Eric Jorgensen of True North Disability Planning, we venture deep into the heart of community and its indispensable role in special needs parenting. Through recounting her own journey with her daughter Elizabeth, born with a mitochondrial defect, Host Annette Hines unveils how community acted as their family lifeline, providing a shared belief system and collective elasticity to push forward. Eric, embodying his Navy ethos, emphasizes the value of ...
Your Autism Game Plan with Joya Van Der Laan
August 22, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 70.5 MBNavigating the unknown waters of parenting a child with autism can feel like being adrift without a compass. In this dynamic conversation, we had the privilege of speaking with Joya Vandalan, a mother of three and a family nurse practitioner, who found her North Star in the midst of her own experiences raising a child with autism. Joya not only breathes life into the challenges she faced as a first-time mother and healthcare professional, but also shares her journey of creating Autsim Game P...
Where to Start with Special Needs Estate Planning: Steps to Success
August 17, 2023 11:00 - 27 minutes - 38.5 MBKnowing where to start with estate and special needs planning can be an intimidating task. However, don't be daunted, because this episode is your lifeline to understanding and managing this process effectively. Host Annette Hines describes the types of life planning she does for clients -- estate planning, guardianships and legal authorities, and advocacy and public benefits. Plus, she shares insightful tips on seeking the right professionals who can help steer your journey and provide the ...
Back-to-School Checklist for Families with Disabilities
August 09, 2023 15:00 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MBNavigating the back-to-school season can be a significant challenge, especially if your loved one is living with disabilities. As a mother of a profoundly disabled daughter, Elizabeth, Host Annette Hines has learned that preparation is everything. From creating checklists to setting achievable goals, we explore how to keep things in order, ensuring a smooth transition. This episode shares the story of Annette's journey and how it led her to become an advocate for the disability community. ...
Remembering Elizabeth and the Joyful Moments
August 08, 2023 18:00 - 21 minutes - 29.9 MBThis episode is a re-release of a previous episode that aired in May 2020 in remembrance of Annette Hines' daughter Elizabeth who passed away from mitochondrial disease in 2013. Hines reflects on the heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching journey of being a special needs parent that involves joy, silver linings found in loss, and the challenges of moving on. Reflecting the start of the Parenting Impossible podcasting, Hines shares her enlightening conversation on Sydney Weiss's Seek t...
Raja Marhaba: A Mother's Fight for Special Education Justice
August 02, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 87.5 MBHold your breath as you plunge into an awe-inspiring journey with Raja Marhaba, Special Education Advocate, Author (UNSTOPPABLE), and Founder of The Jonathan Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities. Embark on a monumental David and Goliath journey that showcases a mother's determination in the face of adversity. Raja's struggles with a broken special education system and her relentless pursuit of justice for her children are nothing short of extraordinary. Hear her riveting story ...
Fighting for Meaningful Inclusion with Tamara Taggart
July 27, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBAs a broadcaster, radio host, and digital media veteran, Tamara Taggart is no stranger to the spotlight. But it's her role as a mother and advocate for her son Beckett, diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth, that propels this episode into an insightful and heartfelt journey. Tamara candidly shares the battles she's faced, from the negativity of medical professionals to fighting for Beckett's education in a system not designed to accommodate his needs. This story of resilience, love, and the ...
How to Be Your Best Advocate with State Agencies When Fighting for Services
July 25, 2023 20:00 - 53 minutes - 72.9 MBCelebrating the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we're taking a deep look into ableism and its effects on disability rights. Host Annette Hines is joined in this conversation by Peter Morin, an attorney from the Special Needs Law Group who is committed to providing a voice for the vulnerable and ensuring they receive the essential services they need. By battling the discrimination that stems from the misguided notion that individuals with disabilities are inherently i...
Bringing Behavioral Tactics From the Clinic to the House with Jessica Guzman
July 25, 2023 00:00 - 55 minutes - 75.6 MBWho doesn't seek the comfort of familiar surroundings when dealing with life’s complex challenges? This sentiment rang true for Host Annette Hines during this heart-to-heart with Jessica Guzman, an extraordinary ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) therapist and behavioral consultant. They unravel the profound sense of solace found in the natural environment and Annette's own personal experiences with her late daughter, Elizabeth. They delve into the thrilling world of ABA therapy in autis...
Transforming Reading Techniques: A Conversation with Susan Kahn
July 20, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 89 MBHave you ever wondered how a powerful support system can change the life of someone with a disability? Join Host Annette Hines in this passionate conversation with Susan Kahn, the brains behind Sue's Strategies, as we take a deep-dive into the significance of community for those navigating life with disabilities. They explore the trials and tribulations of Annette's personal journey within this community, and share her mission to empower, engage and educate others. Susan Kahn, a revolut...
How to Fully Fund Your Estate Plan: You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers
July 13, 2023 13:00 - 40 minutes - 55.4 MBDo you know what to do with your estate planning documents? Are you sure your assets will be distributed as per your desires? Join Host Annette Hines, and her husband and law partner, Mark Worthington, as they reveal the complex and often bewildering realm of estate planning, focusing especially on how to adequately fund your estate plan. They will decode the impact of trusts, wills, and other documents on diverse types of assets, highlighting the paramount importance of arranging ownership ...
Designing a Disability Support Plan for Independent Living
July 05, 2023 18:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBAre you ready to untangle the complexities of transition planning and become an effective advocate for your disabled person? Host Annette Hines, founder of Special Needs Law Group and Special Needs Family Services brings you an episode that can be a beacon to guide you through the maze of supports and resource systems. Whether you're a young disabled person stepping into adulthood, a caregiver stepping in for a sibling, or a professional wanting to offer the best for your clients, this episo...
Helping Autistic Students Find Their Voice with ABA SPEECH
June 29, 2023 12:50 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MBHost Annette Hines begins the episode with a reminder that even though summer just started for many of us, for parents with school-age kids, it’s time to start thinking about returning to school. She recommends that parents dust off that IEP and review it for needed changes for the upcoming school year. If you have a high school student with disabilities, Hines’ Special Needs Academy course, Special Needs Advocacy and Planning is a must! It includes detailed guidance on how to help prepare...
Avoiding Burnout with Lisa Candera The Autism Mom Coach
June 22, 2023 08:58 - 49 minutes - 68.5 MBHost Annette Hines of Parenting Impossible welcomes Lisa Candera, The Autism Mom Coach in a discussion about the burnout cycle and how she helps coach parents to get out of this cycle to live healthier. She calls her one-on-one coaching program, "Be the Solid Object," which she explains is "specifically designed for Type A mothers raising children with ASD." Candera works in one-hour Zoom coaching sessions during which she helps her clients engage in self-examination and radical acts of se...
Empowering Children with Differences and Disabilities with Meg Zucker
June 14, 2023 19:02 - 46 minutes - 63.4 MBIn this episode, Host Annette Hines speaks with Author Meg Zucker. They discuss empowering children with differences and disabilities. By embracing inclusivity, we not only create a brighter future for these children but also foster a society that is compassionate, understanding, and truly representative of the diversity of humanity. More about Meg Zucker: She’s an accomplished attorney and prominent figure in the field of anti-money laundering and financial crimes on Wall Street, holds de...
Life Milestones and Getting Ready for Summer
June 07, 2023 19:07 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MBJoin Host Annette Hines in this episode as she addresses two common questions that have been on the minds of her listeners. The first question focuses on the milestones in a special needs child's life, while the second question explores the steps parents can take to prepare for summer programs catering to their child's unique needs. Annette emphasizes that the timeline for milestones varies for each child and family, and it's essential not to compare your child's progress to others. Instea...
Celebrating Pride Month and Advocating for the Transgender Community
June 01, 2023 14:54 - 58 minutes - 66.7 MBWe're re-releasing a previous podcast episode from June 2021 that features an interview with Él Martinez and their mother, Ivylee Martinez, regarding gender identity issues in celebratration of LGBTQ+ Pride month in June. Pride Month is a time to recognize the issues, challenges, and discrimination the LGBTQ+ community has faced and to celebrate the triumphs. Host Annette Hines and Él discuss the use of pronouns, labels, and terminology in both the LGBTQ+ community and in the disability co...
Grit: Honoring the Legacies of Rick Hoyt and Elizabeth
May 24, 2023 17:53 - 20 minutes - 38.1 MBIn this episode, Host Annette Hines honors the legacies of Boston Marathon competitor Rick Hoyt and her daughter, Elizabeth, through a tribute to author and previous Parenting Impossible guest, Jess Ronne, and her use of the word "grit" to mean a will to persevere amidst the challenges of living as a special needs family. Rick Hoyt and his father, Dick Hoyt, showed continual grit as Team Hoyt as they entered as dual Boston Marathon participants for the first time in 2012 with Dick pushing ...
Maximizing Resources for a Stable and Independent Future
May 18, 2023 05:22 - 54 minutes - 74.6 MBIn this episode, Host Annette Hines welcomes guest Anna Maki, Director of Benefits Navigation at the Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) in Atlanta, GA. She is a clinical counselor and benefits expert with a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping individuals and families with disabilities navigate the complex world of benefits. With a strong educational background and a track record of success, Anna developed the Benefits Navigation program and has positively impacted the lives of over 1,200 f...
Learning Family Financial Fitness with Children's Stories
May 04, 2023 19:59 - 56 minutes - 77.2 MBIn this episode, Host Annette Hines has a great conversation with Anthony (Tony) Delauney about how to have family financial conversations and teach kids early about how to use money wisely. Anthony is a financial advisor, franchise business owner, and author of several financial education books, including three in the Owning the Dash series. His books include Applying the Mindset of a Fitness Master to the Art of Family Financial Planning (2019), The No-Regrets Retirement Roadmap (2021), an...
The Next Step Programs & Employment for People with Disabilities
April 20, 2023 01:41 - 49 minutes - 67.3 MBIn this episode, Host Annette Hines speaks with Josh Fields, CEO and Co-Founder of The Next Step Programs (TNS) headquartered in Doylestown, PA. TNS is a nonprofit organization breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for people with disabilities as they transition out of high school into a world of employment. Josh is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the nonprofit and disability industry. He is a strong community advocate and social services professi...
Living Courageously and Parenting With Chronic Illness
April 06, 2023 21:16 - 47 minutes - 65 MBHost Annette Hines starts the podcast honoring Holy Week and the celebration of Easter and Christ's resurrection. During the interview, she speaks with Wellness and Small Business Coach Sudi Barre who shares her experience of being diagnosed with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) and suffering a massive heart attack and open heart surgery immediately after delivering her child. Through managing her chronic illness, Sudi has become an expert in barriers to access to health care f...
More Wisdom on Grit and Grace from Jess Ronne
March 22, 2023 23:23 - 43 minutes - 59.8 MBIn this episode, Host Annette Hines welcomes back Author Jess Ronne to the show to discuss her newest book, Lovin’ with Grit and Grace that was just released in February. Jessica Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host of Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the “UNSEEN” documentary, and caregiver advocate. She is founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a non-profit dedicated to serving parent caregivers with recognition, respite, and resources. Jess and her husband R...
Update: Tax Time - Special Needs Edition
March 15, 2023 23:21 - 59 minutes - 67.6 MBIt is tax time and we want to revisit a popular episode! Learn from Host Annette Hines and her favorite guest, law partner, and husband, Mark Worthington about answers to four top questions people ask about tax preparation and tax reporting: Can I claim my adult child as a dependent? If I charge my adult child room and board when they are living with me, is that taxable income to me? And how does this impact their Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Taxation of special needs trusts an...
Parenting Techniques for Neurodivergent Families
March 09, 2023 16:35 - 45 minutes - 62.5 MBIn this episode as we celebrate Women's History Month in March, Host Annette Hines talked with Danielle Sullivan - the founder of Neurodiverging Coaching, an online, sliding scale coaching practice supporting a worldwide, diverse clientele with issues related to neurodiversity, ADHD, autism, and executive functioning for adults and families. In this episode, Danielle shared parenting techniques especially for neurodivergent families. Her organization's mission is to help neurodivergent folk...
International Rare Disease Day & the Power of Positivity
March 01, 2023 14:10 - 20 minutes - 28.1 MBThis episode commemorates International Rare Disease Day which occurs on last day of February annually. This day is dedicated to raising awareness for the approximately 300 million people around the world living with a rare disease. Host Annette Hines recognizes this day in memory of her daughter, Elizabeth who died in 2013 because of mitochondrial disease - a rare or orphan disease. Moreover, every February is a month that Hines reminds caregivers and families of disabled loved ones to c...
Reduce Your Workload & Run Your Home Smoothly with Mama Systems
February 24, 2023 00:53 - 41 minutes - 38 MBIn this episode, Laura Hernandez and Host Annette Hines discuss the life of a mom and how to reduce the workload and run the home smoothly by applying the organization strategies that Laura developed through her agency, Mama Systems. As a mother of ten, Laura developed these techniques to ensure that her family could have a more peaceful lifestyle. In just five years, she and her husband had six children - three biological and three through adoption. Incredibly Laura manages 20+ appointment...
How Examining My Son's Reading Failures Brought to Light My Own Dyslexia
February 17, 2023 02:01 - 49 minutes - 113 MBIn this episode, Host Annette Hines speaks with Lois Letchford. Lois is an educator, writer, and public speaker. When Lois was 39 years old, while she was faced with teaching her son Nicholas how to read, she discovered she had dyslexia. She modified and changed classes as a result of reflecting on her son's reading failures. Now Lois serves as a reading specialist and tutor and helps other struggling students by utilizing her unconventional background, extensive international experience, an...
Advocating for Learning Disabilities as a Social Justice Issue
February 08, 2023 21:05 - 51 minutes - 71.2 MBIn this episode, Host Annette Hines talks with Dr. Bibi Pirayesh an educational therapist and Founder of One of One Kids. She holds a Bachelor's in Neuroscience and Education from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master's in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University, focusing on children's development and cognitive neuroscience. She has over a decade of experience as a learning specialist and educational therapist in private practice. The scholarship, research interests, and advoca...
Juggling the Issues: Living with Asperger's Syndrome
February 02, 2023 00:11 - 34 minutes - 47.3 MBIn this episode, we are joined by an author living with a type of autism known as Asperger’s Syndrome, Matthew Kenslow. His journey through life, learning about everyone and everything around him through both compliments and teases, has been an adventure. His goal is to demonstrate to others how autistic people perceive the world in a different way from the rest of the world. In this episode, Host Annette Hines and Matthew talked about how Matthew handled socialization from grade school unti...
Resource Roadmaps from True North Disability Planning
January 26, 2023 04:30 - 52 minutes - 99.2 MBHost Annette Hines welcomes guest Eric Jorgensen of True North Disability Planning whose life mission is to change the reality of the fact that: "It is too hard for the average person to find out what they qualify for, and reach out and get those benefits in place." His roadmaps are downloadable resources for print and online use that are specific to each state to help people build momentum in gaining access to benefit programs and supports. They include links the the specific Medicaid pro...
Maneuvering the Medical System with a Rare Disease
January 18, 2023 21:36 - 44 minutes - 83.3 MBIn this episode, Host Annette Hines welcomes Erin Prosser and her daughter, Lucy's (Lulu) neurologist, Dr. Christina Bergqvist of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to share their story of working together to care for Lulu and treat her neuro-developmental disease, STXBP1 encephalopathy. This is a great example of how a family member and caregiver can work successfully with a medical provider. If you're interested in the topic of rare disease, check out our older episodes like "When Y...
Taking a Sabbatical from Saying 'Yes'
January 11, 2023 23:34 - 13 minutes - 24.6 MBIn this episode, Host Annette Hines shares more about her goals for 2023. This year she is taking a sabbatical, not from work, but from all her external commitments. She notes that the term "sabbatical" means taking a break, which most often is associated with a leave from work. However, as Special Needs Companies, which includes her law and trustee practices, requires her to continue working, she is taking a sabbatical from any outside commitments of her time, talents, and treasures. Guidi...
Transforming Our 'Wants' to Reality with SMART Goals
January 05, 2023 01:45 - 35 minutes - 66.6 MBWhat do you want to accomplish this year? Where do you want to be a year from now? For many of us, as soon as we say: "Happy New Year!" we feel the pressure to set resolutions for this year related to our health, personal or professional life. But simply saying: "I want to lose weight this year," notes Host Annette Hines, sets us up for failure because we have not created a specific, attainable objectives to make this desire a reality. In this episode, Hines guides listeners through the ...
Preparing for Your Best Year Yet with Mark Worthington
December 28, 2022 21:21 - 54 minutes - 101 MBOur annual podcast episode on Preparing for Your Best Year Yet features the planning duo of Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts, P.C.: Host Annette Hines and her husband and law partner, Mark Worthington. Do you have an estate plan or do you still need to create one? How long has it been since you've reviewed it? Annette and Mark provide an essential guide in this episode for reviewing your estate plan to prepare for your best year. They invite listeners to consider three things: W...
Charitable Giving: How to Make Planned Gifts to Your Beloved Charity
December 21, 2022 22:51 - 51 minutes - 96.9 MBEver wondered how to give back to a charity or organization that has truly made a meaningful impact on your family? Host Annette Hines shines a spotlight on one of her beloved organizations, Perkins School for the Blind, where her daughter, Elizabeth attended school, to show how easy it is to make planned gifts. Charitable giving is one of the most frequent discussions Annette has with her clients in planning their estate. Planned giving is accessible to almost everyone, and it is a meaningf...